Guide To P0031 OBD Error Code Solutions

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Is your vehicle set to failsafe mode and vehicle engine showing drivability issues? If YES, then we suggest you to undergo your vehicle diagnosis for OBD error code P0031.

Wondering what is this OBD error code P0031 has to do with these conditions? This OBD error code P0031 is a diagnostic trouble code that applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, Dodge, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan and more. The steps to repair these issues might be different to certain extent depending upon your vehicle model. To understand your vehicle better let’s have deeper knowledge of this issue. 

P0031 OBD error code relates to your vehicle’s engine functioning. Your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) will set this error code when it detects that HO2S sensor for the engine Bank 1 and Sensor 1 (upstream of the catalytic converter) is not sending the proper data. Chances are that it is damaged or defective.

If you want to correct this issue with your vehicle, you will need to understand few of its common causes first.

What causes this problem with the HO2S Heater Control Circuit?

• Open or short circuit in the heater circuit of the sensor
• Failure of the oxygen sensor heater
• Failure of sensor wirings and connector
• Issues with ECM or PCM
• Bad Heater Element of the sensor
• Bad sensor ground
• Failure of battery connector

1. Battery Connector - Looking for battery connectors to solve this problem? If YES, then we have good news for you. You can shop with us premium battery connector for your specific vehicle in no time. So, what are you waiting for?
2. Engine Control Module - Chances are that your vehicle’s ECM is facing some issues if it flashes obd error code P0031. So why not replace them and get everything in order again?
3. Heated Oxygen Sensors - Considering obd error code P0031 is related to the HO2S i.e. heated oxygen sensor. So, it will definitely be a good idea to replace them.
4. Diagnostic Tools - Dreamt of being a DIY guy? Always wished to get your vehicle fixed yourself? Well now is your time. Get your hands on these DIY tools and you can diagnose your car yourself.
5. Oxygen Sensor & Components - You might need oxygen sensor & related components to fix this problem. You can browse through our website to get your desired parts.
6. Engine Wiring & Connectors - Defective or damaged wirings and connectors can become a potential cause for many issues. So why not check and replace the damaged ones?

Eager to detect your vehicle’s problem. To make sure that you are facing this obd error code P0031, have a look at its few common symptoms.

Common Symptoms

• Flashing of CEL
• Vehicle entering failsafe mode
• Various drivability issues due to failsafe mode
• Failsafe mode continues until the ignition is turned off
• Hesitation, low power

Keen to solve this error code P0031? Let’s throw it out of the window as soon as possible. If you want to correct this issue, here are some steps you can follow

Get your vehicle scanned with this code from a certified technician to start with.

Also, get all the fault codes removed and conduct a road test. If the P0031 error code returns, then you need to look for damaged wirings. As the wiring getting damaged due to excessive exhaust heat is quite common.

Next, you will need to replace the damaged sensor but before doing that you need to make sure that the wirings are in good working condition and with proper voltage and ground to the sensor.

Use a voltmeter while your engine is off and key is on. Check for 12+ volts to the heater element. In case the voltage is absent, undergo circuit and blown fuses repair.

Next, if the batter feed is perfect and intact, remove the circuit from the ECM wiring connectors and check for the resistance on the circuit. In case there is infinite resistance, you will need to repair open in the circuit.

Lastly, replace the sensor and re-check for code.

If you need any part or tool to repair this tool, then you can easily find with us. We have in stock huge collection auto parts for every make and model on the Canadian roads. The best part of shopping with us is that you will receive your parts in the shortest possible time.

In order to diagnose this OBD error code you will need a OBD-II scanner. Just like you diagnose any other error code you will need to reset the OBD-II code and conduct a road test. If the code returns, you will need to check the power and the ground to the sensor. Also you will need to inspect the wiring and sensor.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0031 Code

You might commit the mistake of replacing the HO2S sensor before checking the related wiring and connector. Chances are that they are damaged and not the sensor itself.

Check the wirings and connectors on both sides to make sure where the problem lies. 

P0032 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

P0051 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

P0052 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)