P0037 Low bank 1, Sensor 2

[glutengoblin]

Question: My 2003 4.0L Forerunner came up with a P0037 code, I replaced the drivers side 02 sensor after the catalytic converter. While replacing it I had the negative battery terminal disconnected...after driving for about 15 minutes, CEL light came back on and the same code came up.

-How long/how many drive cycles need to happen before this code should clear itself or should it have cleared itself immediately? What is a drive cycle for this vehicle?

-Would this CEL have any bearing on the VSC lights being on as well for the 4th gens?

 

[ASUMTNEER]

Are you sure you replaced the correct sensor? Pretty sure that code points to bank 1 sensor 2. That should be passenger side after cat O2 sensor. The VSC and trac lights come on with the CEL.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Bank 1 Sensor 2 is located on the passenger's side...

View attachment O2ID.pdf

 

[glutengoblin]

Alright--you guy's nailed it. Replaced the passenger side 02 sensor and after a few drive cycles the light cleared itself. Thanks.

 

[kosan]

Alright--you guy's nailed it. Replaced the passenger side 02 sensor and after a few drive cycles the light cleared itself. Thanks.

Eventually you'll have to replace the remaining O2 sensors and then the Catalytic converter on both sides

 

[glutengoblin]

kosan...I would think that a faulty 02 sensor would result in catalytic converter damage rather than a faulty catalytic converter resulting in faulty 02 sensors...doesn't an 02 sensor impact the unburned oxygen that's passing through the catalytic converter?

 

[Toydeluxe]

The ECUs on these things are finicky as heck with emissions and cats.

Buy a bluetooth OBD2 scanner and download "Torque". Until it pulls multiple codes, clear it and go on.

 

[kosan]

kosan...I would think that a faulty 02 sensor would result in catalytic converter damage rather than a faulty catalytic converter resulting in faulty 02 sensors...doesn't an 02 sensor impact the unburned oxygen that's passing through the catalytic converter?

To clarify, when I started to get these codes, I tried the suggested comments on here with resetting using the obii scanner and replacing the gas cap since it was a cheap fix. Although it seemed to work, I couldn't tell as the code would pop up every 200-350 miles. Then, after a year or so, the error would pop up much quicker, every 75-100 miles or so. At that point, I just decided to change out the O2 sensors and see what happens. But unfortunately, luck was not on my side. So, I begrudgingly had to change 1 of the cc. Seemed to work for a little but after more research, it was expected that i would have to change the other cc soon as well. And, well, soon enough, I had to change the other cc!! haha. Emissions here is every 2 years so I took the long route of fixing this. haha. :reddance:

Anyways, as others have suggested, it could be a simple fix as resetting the codes or a gas cap but could be as pricey as replacing both cats. Good luck!

 

[expatoz]

So what to do if the error code keeps reoccurring?
(Check Engine, VSC and VSC Trac Off)

Replaced Bank 1 Sensor 2, cleaned all other sensor connectors, reset Zero Point Re-calibration - lights still come back on.

Help!!!

Thx in advance.

 

[expatoz]

Just as a reference.

P0037 code - Bank 1 Sensor 2 on...

2004 V8 is on the DRIVER side downstream of cat. I know from screwing around for weeks with the passenger side and suspecting all sorts of other problems.

Soon as I changed the driver, cleared the code, did a zero point calibration the problem was fixed.

I also confirm the accuracy of the sensor location by paying $40 to an online Toyota Tech guy.

 

[chitown40]

To clarify, when I started to get these codes, I tried the suggested comments on here with resetting using the obii scanner and replacing the gas cap since it was a cheap fix. Although it seemed to work, I couldn't tell as the code would pop up every 200-350 miles. Then, after a year or so, the error would pop up much quicker, every 75-100 miles or so. At that point, I just decided to change out the O2 sensors and see what happens. But unfortunately, luck was not on my side. So, I begrudgingly had to change 1 of the cc. Seemed to work for a little but after more research, it was expected that i would have to change the other cc soon as well. And, well, soon enough, I had to change the other cc!! haha. Emissions here is every 2 years so I took the long route of fixing this. haha. :reddance:

Anyways, as others have suggested, it could be a simple fix as resetting the codes or a gas cap but could be as pricey as replacing both cats. Good luck!

So you drove it for over a year with a faulty O2 sensor and then you were surprised to find out that it ruined your catalytic converter?

Resetting OBD2 codes blindly can be a recipe for a big repair bill. The whole reason for the system is to alert the owner and mechanic of a malfunction.

Don't just blindly reset the OBD2 computer just because you have the ability to. You should reset the codes AFTER you make a repair.

 

[kosan]

So you drove it for over a year with a faulty O2 sensor and then you were surprised to find out that it ruined your catalytic converter?

Resetting OBD2 codes blindly can be a recipe for a big repair bill. The whole reason for the system is to alert the owner and mechanic of a malfunction.

Don't just blindly reset the OBD2 computer just because you have the ability to. You should reset the codes AFTER you make a repair.

Thank you for the lecture Mr. Mechanic :hippie:

 

[chitown40]

Thank you for the lecture Mr. Mechanic :hippie:

Anytime. opcorn: