P0159: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The ECU detects an abnormally high voltage from the downstream O2 sensor on bank 2. Indicates persistently rich exhaust past the cat, shorted sensor or wiring shorted to voltage.
What P0159 means
P0159 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the hybrid & EV group. In plain English: the computer sees a voltage on that circuit that is higher than it should ever be — often an open ground, a short to power, or a failed sensor. Bank 2 is the side of a V or flat engine opposite cylinder 1.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible rough idle or hesitation
- Failed emissions test
Common causes
- 01Rich condition on bank 2Most likely
- 02Signal wire shorted to voltagePossible
- 03Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceLess likely
Can I drive with P0159?
Have it checked before relying on the car.
High-voltage faults can shut the drive system down without much warning. Do not open orange high-voltage components; this needs a trained technician.
Why we rate it urgent
- High-voltage system fault: the car may shut down or refuse to start
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0159
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0159. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0153, P0165, P0145, P0139. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the oxygen sensor (bank 2, sensor 2) and oxygen sensor wiring for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Rich condition on bank 2; signal wire shorted to voltage; connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P0159 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Oxygen sensor (Bank 2, sensor 2)
- Oxygen sensor wiring
P0159 FAQ
What does P0159 mean?
P0159 means “O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2)”. The ECU detects an abnormally high voltage from the downstream O2 sensor on bank 2. Indicates persistently rich exhaust past the cat, shorted sensor or wiring shorted to voltage.
Is P0159 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0159 as urgent severity. Have it checked before relying on the car. High-voltage faults can shut the drive system down without much warning. Do not open orange high-voltage components; this needs a trained technician.
What causes P0159?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Rich condition on bank 2; Signal wire shorted to voltage; Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0159?
Typical labor is about $40–$190 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0159 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0159 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.