P0053 - OBD Trouble Code

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If you notice immediate effect on the drivability of the car like loss of engine power and acceleration, increased fuel consumption and Check Engine Light on along with ECM failure, there might be an OBD code P0053 in play.

This code means the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Resistance is out of range on engine bank 1 (side of engine with cylinder 1) and the sensor upstream or in front of the catalytic converter.

OBD-II Code P0053 is defined as a HO2S Heater Resistance. The purpose of the oxygen sensor is to measure the oxygen content in the exhaust gases after they leave the combustion process of the engine. The oxygen sensor must be at a certain temperature in order for this information to be accurate. The oxygen sensor has a heater wire inside to help bring the sensor up to temperature quicker. When the PCM detects the heater wire is not operating, it will set code P0053. The O2 sensor provides the PCM with data regarding the percentage of oxygen particles in the engine exhaust as compared to the oxygen content of ambient air.

In the heated O2 sensor, battery voltage is used to preheat the sensor during cold start conditions. In addition to the O2 sensor signal circuits there is also a circuit dedicated to heating the sensor. It typically carries battery voltage (12.6-volts minimum) and may have an in-line fuse. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, the PCM is programmed to discontinue battery voltage to the O2 heater circuit and takes measures to do so.

What causes this problem with the HO2S Heater Resistance?

• Heated Oxygen Sensor problem
• Faulty Oxygen Sensor Connectors
• Wiring and Harness issues with the sensors circuit
• Blown HO2 sensor fuses
• Variance in the optimal fuel pressure
• Excessive vacuum and exhaust leaks
• ECM sensor fault due to circuit or wiring damage

1. Heated Oxygen Sensor - The inadequate heating of the oxygen sensor immediately makes the ECM to go into failsafe mode due to failure of the fuel delivery system, and engine control module. Replace faulty sensors now!
2. Heated Oxygen Sensor Harness - OBD Error Code P0053 may also occur if the sensor harness is damaged leading improper fuel supply causing improper engine performance. It is advised the replace with the new one. Buy quality auto parts from us.
3. Heated Oxygen Sensor Connector - A Faulty Oxygen Sensor Connector can will not be able to read the correct volume of air entering the engine. Replace your old/damaged connectors now.
4. Heater Circuit Fuse - Damaged Heater Circuit Fuse can result in improper or complete failure of the heater circuit. Visit us for quality fuses and parts.
5. Engine Control Module - ECM faults can store and display wrong OBD Code which can result in wrong diagnosis. Thus, replace the damaged components now.
6. Powertrain Control Module - PCM issues directly affects the engine control and transmission control module. Thus, replace faulty components now.
7. Catalytic Converter - Sometimes catalytic converters can overheat and become faulty. Replace your old catalytic converter now!
8. Diagnostic Tool - Find wide range of diagnostic tools to detect and correct the OBD code error.
9. Auto Switches & Sensors - Always check for defective switches or faulty sensors as they are the first reason for flashing of OBD error code.
10. Exhaust System - Replace damaged exhaust parts immediately as a damaged one hampers the fuel economy and thus the performance.
11. Vacuum Hose Kit - Broken, torn or disconnected vacuum hose can cause leakages and affect the engine performance. Find quality vacuum hose kits with us.

Possible symptoms from the O2 sensor heater failure include the O2 sensor not giving the proper reading as fast as it should, in which case the ECU would go into failsafe mode until the system is repaired. The Check Engine Light would then come on once the ECU detects the O2 sensor problem. The failsafe mode will cause different drive complaints, depending on the manufacturer programming.

Common Symptoms

• Prominent increase in the fuel consumption
• Engine stalling and not starting along with loss of power and response
• Visible white or black smoke from the tailpipe
• Over-fuelling over extended period of time causing dilution of engine oil
• Rough idle and hard starting of the engine
• Carbon deposit build up impacting the spark plugs

Verify the code with a scanner, reset the fault codes, and perform a road test from a certified technician. If the P0053 code returns, then follow the test procedure. Follow the following steps to correct the OBD error code;

• Reset the code and test the vehicle again to see if the Engine Warning Light comes back on, and the code returns after the engine is at operating temperature using the OBD scanner. If it comes back, then check the resistance on the wiring of HO2S to ensure that it is about 8 ohms.
• Also check the wiring and connector to the sensor to ensure that the wires are not broken, frayed, damaged or melted to the exhaust system. Repair wiring and connectors with correct parts and wiring type to ensure original operation.
• The heating oxygen sensor and wiring are especially susceptible to damage as they are close to the body; it is imperative that the wiring be secured away from the exhaust as much as possible. 

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This error code has several causes, but the vehicle may operate normally. This code tends to confuse the ECU, which by default can be operating perfectly fine, but may cause excessive fuel consumption and poor performance along with failure of the engine control system and the transmission control system. It is important that the vehicle is properly diagnosed at the first opportunity. Following diagnostic steps are needed to be followed;

• Start by checking the resistance across the wires of the HO2S, which should be about 8 ohms with a range of 7-9 ohms. If the resistance is outside of the acceptable range, then the sensor is faulty and must be replaced.
• If the resistance is within the acceptable range, then the problem may be in the wiring, which must be carefully checked for the sensor being disconnected, a bad connector, or bad wiring caused by the proximity of the exhaust system.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0053

Though the sensor itself may be the cause of P0053, using the proper tools and following the complete diagnostic procedure without skipping any steps is required as to avoid unneeded repairs. Monitoring the sensor data from the scan tool live data stream is the only way to check for proper operation, and the sensor should not be replaced until it is tested.