OBD · Emissions control

P0131 O2 sensor low voltage (bank 1, sensor 1)

Monitor

What this code means

P0131 is a generic OBD code shared by all manufacturers since 2001 for petrol and 2004 for diesel. It relates to: emissions control. The code tells you what the ECU measured as abnormal, not necessarily which part to replace.

Severity: Monitor. You can drive normally but get it checked in the coming weeks. It may fail an MOT or roadworthiness test.

Most common causes

  1. Faulty oxygen sensor#1
  2. Exhaust leak#2

Cost of related repairs

Independent garageMain dealer
Oxygen (lambda) sensor£80 – £220£105 – £335
Rear exhaust silencer£130 – £340£165 – £505

How to read this code

An OBD scanner plugged into the 16-pin socket under the steering wheel reads and clears codes. Bluetooth models cost £20 to £40. Clearing a code without fixing the fault is pointless: it comes back.

Frequently asked questions

What does code P0131 mean?

P0131: O2 sensor low voltage (bank 1, sensor 1). P0131 is a generic OBD code shared by all manufacturers since 2001 for petrol and 2004 for diesel. It relates to: emissions control. The code tells you what the ECU measured as abnormal, not necessarily which part to replace.

Can I drive with code P0131?

Monitor. You can drive normally but get it checked in the coming weeks. It may fail an MOT or roadworthiness test.

How much does it cost to fix P0131?

Oxygen (lambda) sensor: £80 – £220, Rear exhaust silencer: £130 – £340.

How to read this code

An OBD scanner plugged into the 16-pin socket under the steering wheel reads and clears codes. Bluetooth models cost £20 to £40. Clearing a code without fixing the fault is pointless: it comes back.