Oxygen Bank 1 Sensor 2

We often get asked: “Where Is Oxygen Bank 1 Sensor 2 located?” Bank 1 Sensor 2 is the second sensor on the exhaust pipe, located downstream behind the catalytic converter.

Finding bank 1 sensor 2 can be confusing. To help you identify bank 1 sensor 2 on practically any vehicle, we share pictures of various makes and models and answer some of the most common questions.

A bad Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor (O2) will trigger the check engine light and be replaced to pass most states’ smog/emission test.

What does bank 1 sensor 2 mean?

Bank 1, Sensor 2 is the downstream oxygen sensor in the exhaust behind the catalytic converter. The engine bank that contains cylinder 1 is called Bank 1.

V6 and V8 engines have two banks and two catalytic converters, one for each. In such cases, the bank that contains cylinder number one is called “Bank 1.”

Where is bank 1 sensor 2 located?

Bank 1 Sensor 2 refers to the oxygen sensor mounted after the catalytic converter.  You must access and replace the bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor from under the vehicle in most cars.

Do not confuse bank 1 sensor 2 with bank 1 sensor 1, which you can see when you open the hood.

You see the oxygen sensor from the top of the engine mounted before the catalytic converter is bank 1 sensor 1.

How many O2 sensors are there?

After discovering the bank numbers, it is time to analyze the oxygen sensors on the exhaust side. Most four-cylinder modern engines use a setup with two sensors, which increases efficiency and helps them comply with emission standards.

The first one is between the engine and catalytic converter, called sensor 1 or an upstream sensor. It measures raw exhaust fumes’ composition, and the ECU uses this data to adjust the air-fuel mixture.

A potential failure of this sensor will impact engine operation and overall performance.

The second sensor is installed behind the catalytic converter, which we call sensor 2 or a downstream sensor.

Just like its upstream counterpart, it measures the composition of exhaust gases. The major difference is that data helps ECU determine if the catalytic converter works properly. Theoretically, if this sensor fails, there should be no noticeable impact on engine performance.

However, most modern engines incorporate a specific testing interval during which they run rich or lean for a short time. This procedure assesses the condition of oxygen sensors and catalytic converters by monitoring their reactions. False or implausible readings from any sensors may cause rough running or hesitation when speeding up.

Is Bank 1 Sensor 2 upstream or downstream?

Bank 1 sensor 2 is located downstream, usually behind the catalytic converter.

Regardless of the bank, all oxygen sensors use the same naming pattern. One between the engine and the catalytic converter is upstream or sensor 1. The O2 sensor, installed after the catalytic converter, is called downstream or sensor 2.

Where is the Bank 1 Sensor 2 on a V6 or V8 engine?

On vehicles with two catalytic converters, sensor 1 bank 2 oxygen sensor is typically located on the passenger side, post-cat. If cylinder 1 is on the driver’s side, bank 1 sensor 2 will be on the driver’s side after the catalytic converter.

What is the difference between O2 Bank 1 Sensor 2 and Bank 2 Sensor 2?

The only difference between these two sensors is their location. They are behind the catalytic converter, but each is on their side of the engine and exhaust.

 What are the symptoms of bad Bank 1 Sensor 2?

The most common sign of a bad Bank 1 Sensor 2 is the check engine light coming on. You must read the fault codes with an OBD2 scanner. Typical fault codes that come up are:

P0036	HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0037	HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0038	HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0041	O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Sensor 2/ Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0054	HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0136	O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0137	O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0138	O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0139	O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0140	O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0141	O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)

What is Bank 1 Sensor 2 voltage?

All oxygen sensors operate on the same principle. The running condition will range from 0.1 to 1 volt depending on the running condition.

Being behind the catalytic converter, sensor 2 should give steadier readings. On idle or while cruising at a constant speed, this should be around 0.45 volts.

Is it hard to change Bank 1 Sensor 2?

No, replacing bank 1 sensor 2 is not difficult if you have the right tools. You will need a car jack, jack stands, oxygen sensor socket, and penetrating oil, as O2 sensors tend to rust.

What does Bank 1 Sensor 2 no activity mean?

If there is no voltage from the downstream oxygen sensor, the ECU will assume there is an issue. The same will happen if the sensor fails to react during the rich or lean testing period. In both cases, it will trigger a check engine light, and there will be a corresponding stored code.

Is Bank 1 Sensor 2 before or after the catalytic converter?

Every sensor 2, or downstream sensor as many call it, is always after the catalytic converter.

Where do I find the Bank 1 Sensor 2 fuse location?

In most cars, this fuse is inside the relay box within the engine bay area.

What is an engine bank?

Look under the hood of most cars today; you will find that most engines come in two different configurations.

In-line engines have all cylinders in a row, with one cylinder head and intake and exhaust components. Although the number of pistons can vary from 4 to 12, four-cylinder units are the most common.

The upside of this configuration is simplicity, thanks to fewer parts and fewer potential failure points. However, more powerful cars usually have an engine that uses a V-shaped configuration, with cylinders ranging from 6 to 12.

These have two cylinder heads on each engine side, with separate intakes and exhausts. While this makes them more compact, the added complexity can make maintenance more difficult and expensive.

All car manufacturers refer to engine sides as banks, giving each of them a corresponding number. The situation is simple with most in-line variants, as the whole engine is one bank. Knowing the right designation is much more important when dealing with engines in a V-configuration.

Here, one side of the engine is Bank 1, while the other is Bank 2. Although most manufacturers use similar logic when naming the banks in their engines, there is no universal rule. Ensure you have the correct information for your car to avoid mistakes and unnecessary repairs.

Service manuals, authorized dealers, or reputable internet pages are some options. You can also look for markings on the valve covers or ignition cables to determine the cylinder pattern. The cylinder labeled as number 1 will always be on bank 1, while bank 2 will hold cylinder number 2.

Why do oxygen sensors fail?

Before getting to potential failure points, we must first briefly explain how an oxygen sensor works. Despite their different positions and tasks, all oxygen sensors operate on a similar and simple principle. Each sensor’s core is a probe with a special sensing element.

As the exhaust gasses pass by it, the difference in oxygen levels between it and outside air creates a certain voltage. Depending on the driving conditions, these values range from near zero to almost 1 volt. With both engine and catalytic converter warmed up to running temperatures, downstream sensors should show values around 0,45 volts.

You can check these values with a diagnostic tool with a live data feature or a multimeter. Most modern oxygen sensors have a heating element, which helps achieve running conditions faster.

One of the most common causes of oxygen sensor failure is dirt and soot build-up on the probe. These deposits can prevent the flow through the probe and cause incorrect readings.

Cleaning them off with a special solution is a stop-gap measure, and replacing the sensor is the only reliable solution. It is also possible for the heater to burn out and cause a corresponding fuse to blow out. Other possible issues include things usual for all sensors, ranging from damaged wiring to corroded or loose connectors.

Checking their condition before blaming the sensor itself is a step that may prevent unwanted expenses and future problems.

Conclusion

Let’s try to summarize all this in a few short words. All in-line engines have only one bank, although there are some exceptions regarding exhaust. V-shaped engines have two banks, and one with cylinder 1 is called bank 1.

The other holds the 2nd cylinder, which we call bank 2. Every bank has an exhaust with two oxygen sensors. The first one is between the engine and catalytic converter, which we call upstream or sensor 1. The O2 sensor behind the catalytic converter is a downstream, post-cat, or sensor 2.

We hope you find the Oxygen Bank 1 Sensor 2 guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.