What is the P0132 Code? Symptoms, Causes and How Do I Fix Them?

The Check Engine Light on your dash can make you feel sick. A code scanner can show you the P0132 code. This code helps you to determine what repair is needed.

This guide will explain the P0132 code. It is also explained what causes it and how it can be fixed. 

Definition of Code P0132

P0132 – O2 Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank1, Sensor1)

What is the P0132 Code?

P0132 DTC indicates “Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 1).” It means that there’s an issue with the oxygen sensor, the #1 found on Bank 1. The powertrain control module, or PCM detects an excessively high oxygen sensor reading. 

In some cases, the code sets because the oxygen sensor isn’t responding quickly enough to adjust for the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Sometimes it can indicate an excessively high voltage that has remained there longer than expected. The time depends on the manufacturer. 

RELATED: Bank 1 vs Bank 2 – Sensor 1 & 2

Trouble Code P0132: Symptoms

P0132 can be characterized by the Check Engine Light. But, performance issues may also occur.

These are some of the most frequent symptoms.

In rare cases, there might not be any symptoms other than the Check Engine Light, but this isn’t common. 

What causes the P0132 code?

In most cases, the P0132 code indicates that there’s trouble with the oxygen sensor, but that’s not all that could be wrong. 

These are the top causes of headaches:

Is the P0132 Code Really Serious?

Niedrig – In the majority of cases, P0132 isn’t going to stop you from driving your car. The car may experience performance issues that could lead to an increase and will use more fuel. The car could also emit more harmful substances into the atmosphere while experiencing these problems.

It’s best to have the vehicle looked at as soon as the problem is noticed. Even if you are able to drive the car, there’s no guarantee that will continue. The problem could get worse and you may be left without a vehicle. 

How can you fix the P0132 error code?

It is important to do a full diagnosis before deciding what needs to be fixed. Here are some possible fixes to the P0132 problem code.

• Replace oxygen sensor
• Replacing the mass air flow sensor
• Fix fuel system
• Resolve wiring and electrical problems
• Updating PCM
• Replacing the PCM
• Replace engine coolant temperature sensor

Common mistakes in diagnosing P0132

Most of the times, an oxygen sensor replacement is necessary to correct the P0132 error code. However, before you replace the oxygen sensor, you want to do complete diagnostics to ensure you aren’t missing something obvious.

Sometimes, people will replace an oxygen sensor and find that the wiring was defective. To determine if there are any broken or exposed wires, take some time to inspect the wiring. 

Diagnostic Tools

How do you diagnose the P0132 trouble code?

Here are the steps that a professional mechanic would take when trying to figure out what’s causing the P0132 code. 

1. Use an OBDII scanner to examine freeze frame data. Examine the stored trouble codes.
2. To remove P0132, reset all codes. You should see the Check Engine Light. 
3. To test the engine light and P0132 codes, take a drive.
4. You can see the live data from the scanner and check for voltages going to the oxygen sensors.
5. Examine the wire and harness for any damage or obvious defects. 
6. If required, you can update your PCM.
7. Retest your system and replace any damaged parts. 

The estimated cost of repair

These are some of the highest-priced repairs. 

• Oxygen Sensor – $150-$500
• Mass Air Flow Sensor – $200-$400
• Repair Fuel System – $200-$1,000
• Repair Wiring – $50-$1,500
• Update PCM – $50-$150
• PCM – $500-$1,500
• Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor – $100-$250

Here are some mechanics tips about the P0132 code

You might have to stop trying to take out the oxygen sensor. Sometimes removing the oxygen sensor from an exhaust system can prove difficult. It can be removed with a propane torch. 

Also, make sure to attach the oxygen sensor wrench securely in order to avoid it from coming apart. You could end up with even more problems.