It is very important to complete the whole process when trying to diagnose a P0037 code. The P0037 DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) can be because of damaged wiring, ECM failure, faulty oxygen sensor or a blown fuse.
The H02S2 fully known as the heated oxygen sensor 2, this sensor calculates the fuel-to-air ratio of your car’s exhaust. This P0037 code is set if anytime the ECM detects a malfunctioning from the H02S2 on the bank 1 heater element.
This heater found in the oxygen sensor helps the sensor to get up to an operating temperature faster to help improve the emissions and fuel economy. The O2 sensor is installed after the catalytic converter; it also helps to monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converters.
P0037 Code Causes
- Faulty oxygen sensor bank 2 heater
- Blown fuse
- Malfunctioning ECM sensor and heater driver
- Poor ground
- Shorted control circuit
- A break in the wire between the HO2S2 and ECM
- Poor emissions
- Lower fuel economy
- Check engine light
- Poor engine performance
How to Fix P0037 Code?
With a P0037 code, firstly you need to properly diagnose and figure out the reason for the malfunction in your downstream oxygen sensor system.
When you use the app and live data function of your FIXD sensor it allows you to analyze and read the engine’s data to help diagnose the P0037 code. If all the sensors are reading well but you are still not satisfied, then you can diagnose this further at home.
Do it yourself steps to Diagnose a P0037 Code
If You feel like fixing a p0037 code by yourself and avoid spending so much at a repair shop, then you should follow these steps below for a proper diagnosis.
For a complete diagnosis, you may need some advanced types of equipment far above what a FIXD sensor will provide, but for normal repairs, a beginner can do it themselves when they follow simple steps.
Step 1: Use FIXD to Make Sure Other Engine Codes are Available
Ensure to scan the vehicle to verify the P0037 code is the only one present. If there are other codes present, then you must address them first.
Step 2: Inspect the O2 Sensors and Wiring
Visually inspect the wiring located at bank 2 HO2S2 to see if there is any disconnection or damage.
Step 3: Check the Oxygen Sensors with a Multimeters
Check the resistance of its heater element to make sure that it is within the normal range. If it is out of spec, then the HO2S2 needs to be replaced.
Check the voltage of the O2 heater. If there is no voltage detected that is in the case of an open circuit, then check if there is a blown fuse or a break in the wire. Check for any loose ground.
If any, tighten it and then clean it up. Also, check for poor ground after checking the ground to the heater.
Step 4: Consult a Professional
If after following all the steps above and your vehicle is still giving the same code, then the issue with the oxygen sensor system of your car may be more serious than you thought and you may want to bring it to the notice of a professional for further diagnostic testing to be done.
Do You Need Help Fixing Your Code P0037
Diagnostic trouble P0037 code indicates that the O2 sensor heater circuit of your vehicle is malfunctioning. To be more specific, this code identifies cylinder #2 and bank #1 O2 sensor heater to be the particular source of the problem.
Although, for a better understanding of this problem, you must be familiar with the O2 sensor operation. All modern vehicles have a series of oxygen sensors, which identify rich/lean conditions within their exhaust.
Most vehicles have a total network of about 4 oxygen sensors, while two are located before the vehicle’s catalyst the other two are located after.
Additionally, some O2 sensors now have internal heating elements, which help to provide quick heating of the vehicle’s O2 sensor itself. This helps the sensor to achieve the operating temperature quickly, to a point at which it can create accurate feedback.
The feedback provided is very important because it enables the engine’s management software to be able to make a number of key calculations.
Out of these calculations, a few are almost as important as the ones responsible for fuel delivery. Without accurate O2 sensor feedback, a certain amount of guessing may be required for the vehicle’s PCM/ECM.
In the case of DTC P0037, the vehicle’s PCM/ECM will determine that if the heating circuit is related to sensor 2 bank 1, then the O2 sensor is inoperable. This limits the offending O2 sensor’s accuracy effectively for a few minutes after the engine’s start-up.
The following are potential causes of DTC P0037
- Damaged O2 sensor
- Lack of power delivery
- Inoperable heater driver programming
- Poor ground connection
- Sensor #2, bank 1 heater element fault
- Shortened open circuit wiring
Final thoughts
This is not a problem to be taken lightly, or to be completely ignored, doing so will lead to bigger issues of any kind in the near future.
In some severe cases, DTC P0037 will lead to a slight decrease in fuel economy.
Always ensure that you do a regular scan of your vehicle and fix any issue on an encounter. Doing this will prevent any further or future hardships and make sure your car is ready for the long haul.
