P0134 - Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
Diagnostic fault codes never say to replace parts or that one is bad. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis, or the unacceptable operating condition, as in this code. When a part is referenced in a fault code, it is actually the cause of that code only about half of the time. First you have to rule out wiring and connector problems. Mechanics will start by introducing artificial lean and rich conditions to see how the oxygen sensors respond. They will also use a scanner to view live data to see what each sensor is reporting under varying conditions. Once everything else is eliminated, they will replace the part if that appears to be appropriate.
Sensor one is before the catalytic converter. It is often bolted right into the exhaust manifold. Bank one is the driver's side of the engine. For transverse engines, that is usually the front bank for most manufacturers.
This fault code does not refer to an electrical problem with the sensor. It could be contaminated or coated with some fuel system additive. That would prevent it from generating a signal voltage while still appearing to be okay during system self-tests. If a new sensor solves the fault code, that new one could develop the same problem if the cause is not diagnosed and corrected.
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Monday, August 17th, 2015 AT 6:51 PM
