What it means
Heater resistance out of range on bank 2 sensor 1 (pre-cat). Same diagnostic as P0053 on the second bank.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Bank 2 Sensor 1 is the heated oxygen sensor ahead of the catalytic converter on Bank 2. Its heater brings the sensor to operating temperature, and the control module checks heater resistance; P0059 sets when that resistance is outside the expected range.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Oxygen-sensor heater element worn or out of specification
- Damaged heater wiring or connector
- Poor electrical connection
- Oxygen sensor failure
Symptoms
- Check-engine light on
- Oxygen-sensor heater may warm slowly
- Fuel economy may decrease
- Emissions may increase
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and check for other Bank 2 sensor or heater codes that may suggest a shared wiring or power issue.
- Locate Bank 2 Sensor 1 before the catalytic converter and inspect its connector and harness for exhaust heat damage, corrosion, loose pins, or chafing.
- With the sensor disconnected and the circuit safely isolated, measure the Bank 2 Sensor 1 heater resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification.
- Check the heater supply and control wiring for continuity, shorts, and poor connections using the vehicle wiring diagram.
- If the wiring and connections pass, confirm the heater test result using the manufacturer's procedure before replacing the sensor.
Common fixes
- Repair or reconnect a loose, corroded, or heat-damaged Bank 2 Sensor 1 heater connector.
- Repair damaged heater wiring near the Bank 2 Sensor 1 exhaust-side harness.
- Replace Bank 2 Sensor 1 if its heater resistance is outside the manufacturer's specification.
- Repair a confirmed heater supply or control-circuit fault.
Can I keep driving?
You can generally drive if the engine runs normally, but the pre-catalyst sensor may heat slowly, affecting fuel control and emissions. Get it diagnosed soon, particularly before an emissions test.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.