Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0152: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
P0152 means the bank 2 upstream oxygen sensor is reading higher voltage than it should, suggesting a rich-stuck sensor or a short to a voltage source.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0152 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) reads the bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen (O2) sensor, positioned ahead of the catalytic converter, to control bank 2 fueling. When the signal remains above its plausible range for longer than allowed in closed loop, the PCM sets P0152. Thresholds vary by manufacturer.
Common causes of P0152
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Signal circuit shorted to the heater or another voltage feed
- Failed bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor
- Real rich condition on bank 2, such as a leaking injector
- Fuel or oil contamination of the sensor
- Moisture or corrosion in the connector
P0152 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Lower fuel economy
- Fuel odor or dark exhaust if the engine is rich
- Possible rough idle
How P0152 is diagnosed
- Read codes and freeze frame; rich trim codes such as P0175 point to a fueling issue.
- Inspect the bank 2 upstream harness for melted or fused wires.
- Check for voltage on the signal wire with the sensor unplugged and key on.
- Use a small vacuum leak to create a lean condition and confirm the reading drops.
- Check bank 2 injectors and fuel pressure if trims show a real rich mixture.
Typical fixes for P0152
- Repair a short to voltage in the sensor harness
- Replace the bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor
- Repair leaking injectors or excessive fuel pressure
- Replace a damaged connector
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0152 FAQ
What does code P0152 mean?
P0152 means the bank 2 upstream oxygen sensor is reading higher voltage than it should, suggesting a rich-stuck sensor or a short to a voltage source. The standard definition is "O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1)."
Can I drive with a P0152 code?
Usually yes in the short term. If bank 2 is actually running rich, or the computer leans it out in response to a false reading, drivability and the catalytic converter can suffer, so repair it promptly.
Can a leaking fuel injector cause P0152?
Yes. An injector that drips extra fuel into a bank 2 cylinder can make the exhaust truly rich, which drives the sensor reading high.
Is P0152 serious?
It is not usually an emergency, but prolonged rich running can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, so it should not be ignored.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.