Error Code P013A: What It Means & What To Do?

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Is your Car’s Check Engine Light illuminating on the dashboard? Do you find sudden decrease in the fuel economy? And 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 P013A error.

OBD-II Code P013A is defined as an O2 Sensor Slow Response - Rich to Lean

The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases after they leave the combustion process of the engine. The engine control module (PCM) constantly adjusts the amount of fuel delivered to the engine based off of the oxygen sensor signal. If the PCM does not see the Oxygen sensor reading constantly changing with the fuel adjustment, it will set code P013A.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) continuously monitors the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) activity for 100 seconds. During the monitor period the PCM counts the number of times that the HO2S responds from rich to lean and from lean to rich and adds the amount of time it took to complete all transitions. With this information, the PCM determines the average time for all transitions and if the average response time is too slow, a DTC is set. The PCM determines the lean-to rich transition when the HO2S voltage changes from less than 300 mV to greater than 600 mV. The PCM determines the rich to lean transition when the HO2S voltage changes from more than 600 mV to less than 300 mV. Thus, a HO2S that responds too slowly is most likely defective and might need replacement.

What causes the problem of O2 Sensor Slow Response – Rich to Lean?

• Defective/Damaged O2 sensor
• Burnt, broken, or disconnected wiring and connections related to sensor and circuit
• Defective/Faulty catalytic converter
• Engine exhaust leakages
• Faulty/Clogged fuel injectors
• Exhaust gas leakages

1. Heated Oxygen Sensor - The faulty oxygen sensor affects fuel/air mixture, engine timing and engine combustion intervals. A faulty sensor is a major reason behind the OBD Error Code P013A flashing on the ECM and immediate replacement is required.
2. Mass Air Flow Sensor - The MAF sensor is responsible for helping the air entering the air intake system and thus calculating the correct air to fuel ratios to support the engine combustion process. Thus, replace faulty sensor now!
3. Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor - This sensor, if working correctly can indicate towards potential engine damage and helps in optimizing fuel economy. Thus, replace immediately, if found faulty.
4. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P013A can also be due to faulty ECMs. This may lead to engine stalling or not starting, and check engine lights being on. It’s better to get the faulty electricals replaced as soon as possible.
5. Powertrain Control Module - P013A error code also relates to problems with the powertrain control module. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
6. Fuel Pump - A faulty pump with low pressure will disturb the engine's air-fuel ratio, which can cause all sorts of performance problems. Aside from hard starting, the vehicle may experience misfires, a loss in power and acceleration, a decrease in fuel efficiency, and even engine stalling. Thus, replace if found faulty.
7. Diagnostic Tool - Use correct diagnostic tools to detect and correct the OBD error properly and correctly.

It is really important to understand the symptoms of this problem before you go any diagnosis. With the OBD Error Code P013A, there can be many symptoms that can affect the performance of the vehicle.

Common Symptoms

• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Lack of engine performance
• Engine stalling and not starting
• Check Engine Light illumination

Some of the common fixes for the problems in the OBD Code P013A for all makes and models are as follows:

• Replace the oxygen sensor 2 on Bank 1
• Fixing the issues in the circuit connection
• Reattachment of connectors properly
• Repairing open or shorted wiring
• Repair the fuse of the heater circuit
• PCM (or ECM) replacement
• Replacing the catalytic converter 

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• Main tools required to diagnose a code P013A are a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable vehicle information source.
• Diagnose and repair all engine misfire codes, throttle position sensor codes, manifold air pressure codes, and mass air flow sensor codes. An engine that is not running efficiently will cause all sorts of codes to be stored.
• Visually inspect system wiring harnesses and connectors. Focus on harnesses that are routed near hot exhaust pipes and manifolds, as well as those that are routed near sharp edges like the ones found on exhaust shields.
• Search technical service bulletins (TSB) in your vehicle information source. If you find one that matches the symptoms and code/s presented by the vehicle in question, it will very likely aid you in the diagnosis as TSB listings are compiled from thousands of successful repairs.
• Connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data. This information is helpful if the P013A proves to be intermittent so write it down for later. Now, clear the codes and see if the P013A is reset.
• If the code is reset, start the engine, allow it to reach normal operating temperature, and then let it idle (with the transmission in neutral or park). Use the scanner data stream to observe O2 sensor input data.
• Data stream display is narrowed to include only pertinent data and you will see a faster and more accurate data response. If the engine is running efficiently, upstream O2 sensor data should fluctuate regularly between 1-millivolt (.100-volts) and 9-millivolts (.900-volts). If voltage fluctuations are slower than expected, a P013A will be stored.
• Connect the DVOM test leads to the sensor ground and signal wires in order to monitor live data from the O2 sensor. Also check the resistance of the O2 sensor in question, as well as voltage and ground signals. To prevent control module damage, disconnect related controllers prior to testing system circuit resistance with the DVOM.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P013A Code

Though the sensor itself is generally the cause of P013A, 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.

P013A has easily managed symptoms but like any other code, it should be repaired at the earliest convenience. In rare cases where the vehicle runs poorly and the fuel economy goes down, caution is advised when driving to avoid any issues.