causes, symptoms & how to fix it (2024)

The meaning of fault code P0134

Code P0134 indicates that exhaust oxygen sensor1 on engine cylinder bank 1 is malfunctioning. This sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. This information is used to achieve the highest power output with the least pollution. The control module registers this DTC when the sensor is not warming up quickly enough or the voltage is inactive, meaning that it isn t providing accurate readings.

Common causes of P0134

• Leaks in the exhaust system or a vacuum leaks. These kinds of leaks will negatively affect the accuracy of the sensor.
• A contaminated sensor. This can occur due to a number of causes, including the use of unsuitable diesel or petrol fuel additives, oil leaks in the combustion chambers, or a rich air-fuel mixture. If there is an excess of fuel in the exhaust system, the tips of the device can become fouled.
• A poor electrical connection. This could be due to a loose or cracked connector, as this makes the contacts vulnerable to corrosion and reduces conductivity.
• Wire damage, causing a short or broken circuit. It is possible that the insulation sheath of the wires has frayed or melted due to extreme temperatures, impacts, or exposure to harsh chemicals.
• A faulty heater circuit. If the heater is malfunctioning, it will take longer for the O2 sensor to heat up to the correct operating temperature.

Possible symptoms

• Activation of the check engine light
• Black or excessive smoke coming from the car exhaust parts
• A stalling and stuttering engine
• A poor fuel economy
• A fuel smell inside the car
• An increase in carbon deposits on components such as the spark plug parts
• A loss of power

Recommended repairs

• Scan the onboard computer to check whether any other DTCs have been triggered, and take a look at the freeze frame data. You can do so by connecting an OBD2 scanner to the vehicle via the data link connector. This will help you to quickly identify the underlying causes. You can also deactivate the check engine light by resetting the codes to rule out false error notifications.
• Inspect the wires, including the ground and signal wire, as well as the connector for signs of damage or significant corrosion. Reattach loose components and replace any damaged parts. If the connector is cracked, you will need to install a new one. However, if the cable itself is intact but the contacts have corroded, it may be possible to restore it by cleaning the contact pins. There are specialised products designed for this purpose.
• Make sure there aren t any exhaust leaks going from the engine to the sensor. Symptoms of a leak may include a strong smell of fuel fumes in the passenger compartment or loud rumbling or popping noises while the engine is running. You may need to replace components or seals, such as the cylinder head gasket. In many cases, these leaks require professional attention.
• Check whether the oxygen sensors voltage is within specifications and fluctuates normally while the power unit is running at the right operating temperature. This can be measured using a multimeter.

Fault code P0134 - Oxygen Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 1) can occur with any car but is most often found on the following cars:

• Ford: Fiesta, Focus
• Honda: Civic
• Mazda: 5, 6, 3
• Vauxhall: Corsa, Zafira
• VW: Golf
• Kia

If you get the code P0134 on your car, make sure that the diagnostics are carried out correctly and the error is still relevant. Check for symptoms associated with the problem and explore options for resolving it.

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