P2A39

  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer-specific
  • Emissions
SeveritySeverity level 3 of 5: Diagnose soon.

Diagnose soon

Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.

Standard definition

O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit Low Bank 1 Sensor 3

This code is in our catalogue but has not yet been through editorial review, so the guidance below is limited to what our structured data supports. We publish deeper diagnostic content only after a code has been reviewed — here is why.

In plain English

Voltage on the wide-band oxygen sensor positive pump current line of bank 1 sensor 3 is below the expected window. Wire shorted to ground or pump cell short.

A trouble code records what a control module measured. It does not identify which part failed. Test before replacing anything.

Can I keep driving?
Safe to drive
Usually safe to drive short distances, but the fault will not clear itself and can worsen or fail an emissions test.
Urgency
Diagnose soon
Will it pass emissions
No
Check engine light
Solid
Clearing the light
A completed drive cycle is normally required before the monitor re-runs and the light can clear.
Symptoms you may notice
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Possible rough idle or hesitation

Many vehicles show no symptom at all beyond the warning light. The absence of a symptom does not mean the fault is not real.

Likely causes
#CauseHow oftenComponent
1Pump current wire shorted to groundVery common
2Internal short in pump cellCommon
3Connector pins corroded - high contact resistanceOccasional

Ordering reflects how often each cause is responsible in general, not a probability for your vehicle. Confirm by testing.

Components involved
  • Oxygen Sensor B1s3
  • Wiring Harness
  • ECM
Sources
Definition
Generic code set (SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6) via the OBDexopen database, dedicated to the public domain under CC0-1.0.
Diagnostic guidance
Written and reviewed in-house. See our editorial policy.
Review status
Awaiting review

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