Drive DTC

Trouble code libraryFuel and air

P0131 Oxygen sensor voltage stays low (bank 1, sensor 1)

Generic SAE definitionO2 sensor circuit low voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

Drive gentlyYou can drive it, but take it easy and get it looked at soon – waiting usually makes the repair bigger.

Check this first

Check for exhaust leaks before the sensor – they let in air and fool it.

What usually fixes it

In the order a good shop checks them. Typical total: $98–$464 at $130 an hour.

  1. Exhaust leak before the sensor

    $176–$444

    Extra air makes the sensor read lean all the time.

  2. Upstream oxygen sensor

    $128–$350

    Sensors slow down and drift after about 100,000 miles.

  3. Wiring to the sensor

    $119–$252

    Heat-damaged wires or a bad plug break the signal.

Code titles are the generic SAE definitions. Prices are typical US parts and labor for a common car or light truck – a guide for judging a quote, not a quote. Always confirm a repair against the vehicle in front of you.

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See what your vehicle says about P0131

A stored code is a headline, not the story. The vehicle also holds the conditions from the moment the code set, how close each part is to the limit it fails at, what the fuel trims are doing, and whether the fault is still happening. Drive DTC reads all of it with a USB adapter and a Windows PC – read-only by design.

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Diagnose · Trouble codes
The Trouble codes screen in Drive DTC: stored, pending and permanent counts, then C0040-13 explained in plain English with what to check first, likely fixes in order and typical cost ranges