Code P015B: O2 Sensor Delayed Response – Lean to Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
After running an OBD-II scan, you have a result: trouble code P015B. You are likely wondering what this means and how to fix it.
What Does the Code P015B Mean?
Vehicles set the P015B trouble code when the powertrain control module has found a delayed response time from oxygen sensor one in engine bank one. Engine sensor one is the upstream sensor in front of the catalytic converter. Bank one is the side of the engine that contains cylinder one.
The O2 sensors help the engine maintain the optimal fuel/air mixture by comparing the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases to the amount in the air outside. They achieve this by pulling exhaust fumes past a zirconium dioxide sensing element. Air from outside is also pulled into the center cavity of the sensor. Comparing the values provides valuable data to the PCM/ECM.
A non-optimal fuel/air ratio can be described as lean or rich. Lean means there is too much oxygen and not enough fuel. Conversely, rich means there is too much fuel and not enough oxygen. The sensor sends a low-voltage signal when the mix is lean and a high-voltage one when it is rich. P015B is set when the O2 sensor fails to send a signal as often as expected.
What Are the Symptoms of Code P015B?
The OBD-II scanner error code P015B problem is a significant one and should be addressed urgently. It is typically set when the signal has remained delayed for an extended period. These are some of the symptoms you may notice other than the check engine light:
- Fuel efficiency is lower than usual.
- The engine is not running as smoothly or producing as much power as usual.
It is not uncommon to have other diagnostic trouble codes set when this problem occurs. It is also possible for this code to be set by a faulty PCM/ECM.
What Are the Causes of Code P015B?
There are a few possible causes of this trouble code. It may also be caused by other engine problems.
- The O2 sensor is faulty.
- The wiring for the O2 sensor is damaged, corroded or disconnected,
- The catalytic converter is defective.
- There is a leak in the exhaust.
How Do I Fix Trouble Code P015B?
Troubleshooting trouble code P015B requires a diagnostic scanner, a multimeter and the vehicle’s service manual. Before starting to diagnose this code, you must troubleshoot and fix all engine misfire, throttle position, manifold air pressure and mass air flow sensor codes. If there are problems with these systems, it will be almost impossible to diagnose and fix P015B.
Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors. Look for any damaged, corroded, disconnected or otherwise faulty wiring.
Check for any service bulletins on your vehicle. This problem is often caused by defects that affect the make and model. The service bulletin will include instructions on how to repair the problem.
If you have found any issues, freeze-frame the OBD-II data and reset the codes. Run the engine again and see if the code returns.
Test the writing with your multimeter. Check for resistance in all wires connected to bank one sensor one. Also, check the ground wire signal. Plug your scanner in with the vehicle at operating temperature and idling. Use this to monitor the live O2 sensor data. This live data should help you to narrow down the problem.
The most common repair for this issue is replacing the oxygen sensor in bank one in front of the catalytic converter. In some cases, the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. The PCM/ECM may also be faulty. If replacing the O2 sensor does not fix the issue, consider consulting a dealer tech before replacing the converter or module as both of these can be expensive.
