01 Town & Country error code explanation

[jehanny]

I just pulled the error codes on my 01 T&C and need someone to explain the issue and provide suggestions for the repair.

P0135
HO2S Heater Performance Bank 1 Sensor 1

Is this one of the O2 sensors? if so which one and how do I replace it?

thank you for all the help this forum is priceless.

JOn

[RIP]

The issue - The O2 sensors on your van have heaters on them so when you start your van the sensors quickly heat up to around 600 deg for peak efficiency. This decreases emissions. P0135 means there's a problem with the heater circuit in the upstream O2 sensor. This sensor is located on top of the exhaust manifold directly behind the engine. It is most likely the sensor itself but there's a chance the sensor harness is damaged or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the heaters power source, is not supplying the voltage. Odds are you change the sensor and you're done. I would at least inspect the harness from the sensor to the PCM for damage. If you're handy with a meter you can verify the heater voltage is getting to the sensor.

First you'll need a special sloted socket to change it. Second, it's a royal PIA. To get at it from above most remove the wiper tray just in front of the windshield. If you're a contortionist, you can crawl under the van and reach it from below. You'll need jackstands or ramps.

I'm assuming you have the 3.3 or 3.8 ltr engine.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0135

[jehanny]

will not replacing it damage anything? I need to go out of town for the weekend and don't have time to change it before I leave? It's about a 4hr drive to where I am going.

[RIP]

No, you should be ok but, replace it soon. You may or may not see any symptoms but if you do they will be mild.