Simultaneous P0031 and P0051 Codes

edwardvmassey

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Hey guys, I've done a good bit of research and the only similar case I could find was with a 2nd gen tacoma but I was wondering if the 4runner V8 could have the same issue. I bought a 2005 V8 with 100K this weekend and spent the next day swapping out all the parts from my previous 4runner most notably a k&n CAI. Everything went on fine and fired up but then I got the check engine, vsc and trac lights. Went to advanced and pulled the codes, P0031 and P0051. I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten these codes simultaneously as it seems odd they would all go bad at once. Is it possible it is just a fuse or something in the ECU? All help appreciated.
 
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Hey guys, I've done a good bit of research and the only similar case I could find was with a 2nd gen tacoma but I was wondering if the 4runner V8 could have the same issue. I bought a 2005 V8 with 100K this weekend and spent the next day swapping out all the parts from my previous 4runner most notably a k&n CAI. Everything went on fine and fired up but then I got the check engine, vsc and trac lights. Went to advanced and pulled the codes, P0031 and P0051. I'm wondering if anyone else has gotten these codes simultaneously as it seems odd they would all go bad at once. Is it possible it is just a fuse or something in the ECU? All help appreciated.

Did you ever figure out the cause? Just hit this myself.
 
Did you ever figure out the cause? Just hit this myself.

those are the A/F sensors . upstream of cat converter. these burn out . the heater in them has to create very high temps so if you do too much idling it will burn them up. can also be a fuse blew for the a/f heater circuit. if you remove the sensor measure the heater resistance ..sensor wire could have shorted out also.

I had this happen on a 2007 V8 T4R limited ..
 
Thank you, very helpful.

So, first thing is to check the fuse, then the relay and if both are good, then the O2 sensor?

How do you measure the heater resistance?
 
Thank you, very helpful.

So, first thing is to check the fuse, then the relay and if both are good, then the O2 sensor?

How do you measure the heater resistance?

use ohm meter should be low resistance about 15-30 ohms..

a typical O2 sensor operates at 750 deg f. these a/f sensors run at 1000deg F.

so if you idle too long esp on cold start that relay keeps these powered up to make sure they are at that high temp... 4 wires on them I forget what colors 2 wires is to the heater ,but you should get it ...
 
Just want to share my experience with fixing this same issue on my 4runner. I hope this helps: P0031 and P0051 Codes - Check Engine Light, VSC TRAC, VSC OFF Light - The Track Ahead

Your issue was very frustrating for sure, GREAT job on your persistence and research to solve it, thanks for posting, I have book marked your web page for future use...god forbid that I ever need it, but I will for sure pass the link along if I see anyone else needing help with these codes coming up simultaneous!!
 
Did you ever figure out the cause? Just hit this myself.

I’ve got the P0051 on my 04 4R Ltd V8. I’m not able to actually locate the sensor. I’ve read it is Bank 2 (passenger side) and pre-cat.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I’ve already purchased denso sensor from Napa.

Quintin
 
I’ve got the P0051 on my 04 4R Ltd V8. I’m not able to actually locate the sensor. I’ve read it is Bank 2 (passenger side) and pre-cat.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I’ve already purchased denso sensor from Napa.

Quintin

If it's anything like the V6 you just look at where the manifold bolts to the cylinder from above and just follow the pipe down. Kinda near the firewall.
 
So what if I’m getting these codes but also p101 and 102 MAF sensor codes? The 101 and 102 codes come at first start. The o2 sensor ones come after I drive a bit. I replaced the MAF sensor but it could be the wiring harness for the MAF still.

Are these o2 ones just a symptom of the MAF issues or an issue unto themselves?
 
P0031 and P0051 and 4wd comes on by itself on startup

I could really use some help diagnosing some electrical gremlins I've been battling for a few months now. Happy to try anything you think of before taking it to a professional auto electrician.

Showing P0031 and P0051 codes, always simultaneously. At first they were intermittent, and now show up right away on reset and remain on. OBDII shows no short term fuel trim % or long term fuel trim % on either side, but does show voltage, lambda's and other measurements seemingly in range.
4WD also seems to be coming on by itself either while it's "off" or when I start it up. Selector knob is usually turned as well. Verified I'm not crazy and it's happening by itself periodically.

Background and electrical work done well before codes:
- Battery from 2020 and original alternator and battery cables.
- Upgraded to LED lights all around, including headlights.
- Supercharged including upgraded fuel pump, injectors, spark plugs, cam sprockets, piggyback ECU.
- Switched stereo to the newer GR, replaced speakers and installed Kicker Key 200.4 amp with power straight from battery.
- Added 2x QC3.0 USB charging ports, repurposed the wires directly from the cigarette lighter.
- Added additional LED daytime running lights.

Most recently done prior to codes first appearing intermittently:
- Fuel system cleaning - BG 44k

Immediately before codes appear continuously and quickly after reset:
- While driving, fuel pump tube completely disconnected from circular housing right above the fuel pump, spilling gasoline all over the fuel tank and the road. Little plastic retaining connector seems to have broken, and it may have been loose prior to this failure and been broken for awhile. Replaced and connected and no issues running or starting, but codes haven't disappeared since.

Checked and done so far:
- Fully went through Toyota's service manual checks for fuses, relays, A/F sensors and resistance on wires. Everything seems to have checked out.
- Replaced A/F sensors 3 times. Each time could smell and see them heating up initially, seemingly burning off some coating or such. First were the Denso's, second two pairs were directly from Toyota. Externally verified part numbers with numerous folks.
- Replaced ECU
- Checked voltage at each A/F sensor showing 12.3 volts each.
- Checked the signal wire for continuity from relay.
- Cleaned negative battery terminal and main ground point, as well as the ground point directly below next to the driver's side wheel on the chassis.
- Had Batteries Plus check the battery and they say it's good to go.

I'd hate to give up and take it to a pro at this point, given all the time and money I've thrown at it. My next thoughts were replacing the battery cables with the "Big 7", cleaning connections and grounds, and/or dropping the fuel tank and inspecting electrical and stuff around there.

Any ideas would certainly be appreciated!
 
Last edited:
Got it!

Wow, that was a tough one. Turns out, the A/F sensor diagnostic directions leave out one key part. Pins 6 and 7 on the E5 connector going into the ECU are grounds from the ECU for the A/F sensors. After checking continuity on them using a test light I found out they weren't grounded. The diagnostics don't describe this as a possible problem, and I think it's only a problem with the janky wiring of the sensor circuits on the 2007, given they changed it up both in '07 and '08. The ground point bolt behind the engine on the driver's side (EF) was loose. I'm going to write to Toyota to see if they'll fix the diagnostic instructions, but man, I must have taken off everything and tested it 50 times... A/F sensors, ECU, battery, stereo, extra lighting, USB charging, throttle body, etc.

I figured it out looking at this link and recognizing the janky signal wiring... https://automotivetechinfo.com/wp-c...0-and-P0051-AF-Sensor-Heater-Circuit-Code.pdf
 

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