P0032 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Modern vehicles rely on oxygen sensors to monitor exhaust gases and adjust fuel trim for efficiency. But O2 sensors fail over time, triggering check engine lights and lean/rich running conditions.

Diagnostic code P0032 indicates an oxygen sensor heater control circuit failure. Learn the common symptoms, causes, severity, and steps to diagnose and fix a P0032 code when it presents itself.

P0032 code

What Does Code P0032 Mean?

OBD-II Trouble Code P0032 Description
Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1, Sensor 1)

Diagnostic trouble code P0032 indicates an out of range condition within the (bank 1, sensor 1) O2 sensor heater circuit. More specifically, the presence of this fault indicates that resistance within the affected heater circuit has skewed toward the high side of its acceptable range.

Simply put, a vehicle’s PCM/ECM has determined that the bank-1/sensor-1 O2 sensor heater circuit is not responding as anticipated.

An engine’s management software relies upon feedback from each of a vehicle’s O2 sensors to determine the correct fuel trims required for efficient combustion under any specific circumstances. As a side benefit, feedback from these sensors is also used to monitor overall catalyst efficiency.

Under normal operating conditions, feedback from these sensors should always fall within a predetermined range.

In order to achieve the most accurate readings possible, a vehicle’s O2 sensors are equipped with integrated heaters, which prevent inadequate or inaccurate feedback at lower exhaust temperatures. In the case of DTC P0032, resistance within the affected O2 sensor’s heater circuit has exceeded a preset maximum level, which can be as low as 10 amps.

Related: DTC P0030, DTC P0031, DTC P0036, DTC P0037, DTC P0050, DTC P0051, DTC P0135

Symptoms of Code P0032

RPM fluctuates when driving

Diagnostic fault code P0032 is often associated with one or more secondary symptoms. Recognizing these symptoms can prove key when attempting to diagnose the issue at hand in the most timely manner possible.

The following are several of the most common symptoms associated with DTC P0032.

Causes of Code P0032

oxygen sensor

Diagnostic fault code P0032 can come as the result of numerous underlying causes, some of which tend to be more difficult to diagnose than others. However, those familiar with these potential causes can often remedy such issues in short order.

Is Code P0032 Serious?

Diagnostic fault code P0032 is generally regarded as being of low to moderate severity. While a car can be driven under such conditions, doing so for prolonged periods of time is certainly not advised.

When fault code P0032 has been set, a vehicle will often default to closed-loop function, thereby sustaining engine operation, though under less efficient means.

Over the long term, oxygen sensor issues can actually compromise a vehicle’s catalytic convertor. This stems from the fact that excess fuel can be dosed to each cylinder, thereby causing unburnt fuel to be deposited downstream in the exhaust system. This unburnt fuel can superheat any corresponding catalysts, risking premature failure as a result.

In any event, the root cause of a vehicle’s P0032 diagnostic trouble code should be thoroughly diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will not only restore an engine’s operation to more efficient levels but prevent potential catalyst damage in the process.

If you don’t feel comfortable tackling these repairs yourself, an appointment should be made with a trusted service center at your earliest convenience.

How to Fix Code P0032

using an OBD2 scanner

The following steps can be followed to assist in diagnosing and repairing your vehicle’s P0032 diagnostic fault code. As always, one should consult factory-specific service literature for their particular vehicle before attempting any such repairs.

#1 – Check For Additional DTCs

Before beginning the diagnostic process, one should first check for the presence of any additional fault codes. Any such codes should be thoroughly diagnosed before proceeding.

#2 – Inspect O2 Sensor

Begin the diagnostic process by performing a careful visual inspection of the affected vehicle’s bank-1/sensor-1 oxygen sensor. Check for obvious signs of damage to the sensor itself, or any related wiring. Make any necessary repairs as required.

#3 – Test Circuit Fuse/Relay

If so equipped, check for continuity across any fuses within the affected circuit, as well as for the proper operation of all inline relays.

#4 – Verify Heater Input

Using a factory-specific wiring diagram and a digital multimeter, verify the presence of an acceptable (12V) input feed at the connection for the affected O2 sensor.

#5 – Confirm Presence of Ground

Again, using a factory-specific wiring diagram and a digital multimeter, check for the presence of a viable ground at the connection for the affected O2 sensor.

#6 – Check Heater Resistance

Next, check resistance readings across the O2 sensor heater itself, while consulting model-specific qualifying criteria. Any out of range readings will warrant sensor replacement.

#7 – Test Circuit Resistance

If the heater for the affected O2 sensor has tested within range, it will now be necessary to check resistance within the feedback circuit to the PCM. Checks of this nature should be made with the far end of the suspect wiring harness disconnected.

#8 – Pin-Out Test PCM/ECM

Assuming no excess resistance has been detected within the feedback circuit for the affected O2 sensor heater circuit, further testing of a vehicle’s PCM/ECM will be required.

Due to the seriousness associated with condemning a PCM/ECM, tests of this nature should be conducted as specified by a vehicle’s manufacturer.

Josh Boyd

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