P0059 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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Is your Car’s Check Engine Light illuminating on the dashboard? Do you find sudden decrease in the fuel economy? Or is the car engine running rough with black smoke coming from tailpipe? This might be the indication of problems with the oxygen sensor of the car which in other words can be an OBD P0059 error.

Diagnostic trouble code P0059 can be defined as the resistance for the heater circuit of bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor is not correct.

At Parts Avatar, we always keep you started. Understand the problems and the solutions with us. OBD II fault code P0059 is defined as “Heated Oxygen Sensor Resistance (Bank 2 Sensor 1)”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an electrical resistance in the sensor control circuit that falls outside of predefined parameters. On engines with two-cylinder heads, “Bank 2” refers to the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder 1, while “Sensor 1” refers to the oxygen sensor that is located upstream of the catalytic converter.

Code P0059 indicates a problem with the electrical resistance of the control circuit, and while high or low resistance issues can occur in the control circuit wiring and even the PCM, it is more likely that the issue involves the internal resistance of the actual oxygen sensor itself, rather than the control circuit or the PCM. Typically, the resistance in this circuit will be 8 Ohms (or very close to it), and a variation of around 10% to either side of this value will set code P0059 and illuminate the Check Engine light.

What causes problem with the Heater Circuit Resistance?

• The most common reason can be a blown or burnt fuse
• Faulty Engine Control Relay
• Damaged Heated Oxygen Sensor leading to broken circuit
• Open or short of oxygen sensor harness
• Improper data transmission due to faulty circuit connection

1. Heated Oxygen Sensor - The oxygen sensor controls various important functions of the fuel and transmission systems. A faulty sensor is a major reason behind the OBD Error Code P0059 flashing on the ECM and immediate replacement is advisable.
2. Heated Oxygen Sensor Harness - Damaged Sensor harness disrupts the sensor circuit leading the flashing of Check Engine light. Buy quality sensor harness from us.
3. Heated Oxygen Sensor Connector - A faulty Oxygen Sensor Connector causes problem with the engine and transmission functions. Replace damaged sensor connectors now.
4. Engine Control Module - Damaged ECMs affects the electrical and subsystems performance with in turn affects the performance and output. Replace faulty components today.
5. Powertrain Control Module - P0059 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain which is a combination of engine control module and the transmission control module. Replace faulty components immediately and check if the module requires reprogramming.
6. Diagnostic Tools - It is important to use correct diagnostic tools to detect the OBD error code problems. Shop professional tools now.

Usually, you might not find any discernible symptoms present apart from a stored trouble code and an illuminated Check Engine warning light. However, there can be some symptoms that can be severe and affect the overall performance of the vehicle. Typical symptoms may include the following

Common Symptoms

• Variable Increase in fuel consumption
• Loss of engine power and response
• Black smoke visible from the tailpipe
• Over fuelling over extended periods causing oil dilution
• Hard starting and rough idles
• Carbon deposit build up causing reduced spark plug life

Replacing the below mentioned components can be the most common solution to correct the OBD Code P0059 error

• Replacing of faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor
• Repairing the broken, damaged and burnt circuit wiring of the sensor
• Effectively checking the troubleshooting ECM/PCM and replacing the components, if needed

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Following are the steps involved in diagnosis of Error Code P0059.

• First step is the visual inspection of the sensor and its associated wiring and harness to check for any defaults. Damaged wiring or connectors are the main cause of the problem most of the time.
• The next step after the visual inspection is to measure the heater resistance in the oxygen sensor.
• Unplug the connector for the oxygen sensor and use the multimeter to measure the resistance, across the heater terminals.
• If the sensor reading the not as per the desired standards, then the sensor needs to be replaced immediately.
• The next step is to measure the resistance of the wiring from the ECM to the oxygen sensor plug, if the sensor is found good.
• If after all the checks, everything works well, then most probable problem can be with the Engine Control Module itself. The ECM usually activates and grounds the heater circuit. The main problems can be of the circuit; ECM contacts getting burnt which can cause a higher than normal resistance reading. This would definitely cause the P0059 code to set.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0059

The most common mistake is to simply replacing the oxygen sensor without performing and diagnostics at all. This happens a lot because the vast majority of the time it is the sensor itself that has failed, as it undergoes a lot of stress and is a high failure item so it can be easy to get lazy and just replace the sensor. Measuring the wrong terminals in the connectors is also a major mistake. It is important to know how to read the wiring diagrams so you know you are measuring the correct circuits and follow the diagnose procedure.