What Codes Will This Page Cover?
This article will cover the meaning, symptoms, and causes of the following diagnostic error codes:
- P1157 Lack of HO2S22 Switch – Sensor Indicates Lean
- P1158 Lack of HO2S22 Switch – Sensor Indicates Rich
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What Is the P1157 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P1157 and P1158 error codes indicate that there is a fault or issue either within the air to fuel ratio identified by the H02S22 sensor, or within the sensor and switch themselves. Threaded into the exhaust manifold, these small sensors are crucial for the efficient functioning of the engine as well as the cars’ ability to comply with emissions regulations and pass tests.
The presence of P1157 and P1158 codes indicates that the HO2S22 switch sensor is indicating either an imbalance in the engine, either running lean (P1157) or rich (P1158), meaning that the circuit is receiving voltage at either excessively low or high levels.
What Are the Symptoms of a P1157 Code?
The precise signs associated with P1157 and P1158 codes will depend on how long the issue has been allowed to progress. If your car starts to experience issues with the HO2S22 switch, then you are likely to see the following symptoms:
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Harsh or shuddering engine during idling
- Improper air/fuel ratio
- Failing emissions test
- Misfiring
- Unexpected stalling
Of course, before any of this happens, you will find that the check engine engages.
What Are Some Causes of a P1157 Code?
There are a number of potential issues that can contribute to the formation of issues with the H02S22 switches in a car, but the most common are:
- Corrosion to wires and pins
- Pinched wires and pins
- Crossed sensor wires
- Exhaust leaks or cracks
- Damaged or faulty sensor
- Obstructed sensor
How Serious Is the P1157 Code?
Damage or fault within the HO2S22 switch of a car’s fuel injection system is a serious issue that will eventually render a car unsafe to drive and, after a time, entirely non-functional. As such, it is in the best interests of a car owner to deal with this issue as soon as it is noticed in order to limit secondary and tertiary damage to the mechanical parts of the car.
Can I Still Drive with a P1157 Code?
You can certainly drive your vehicle to the repair shop when your car shows a P1157 or P1158 code, and you may even be able to drive it for a few weeks after the codes start to show. However, these issues will eventually prevent a car from being drivable, so you should prioritize professional assessment and repair as soon as possible.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1157 Code?
A professional will have no trouble identifying all of the possible causes of a P1157 or P1158 code showing in your car, but it is fairly common to mistake misalignment or minor circuitry wear and tear or damage for more serious sensor or switch faults and damage. The first step should be to look for signs of physical damage, such as corrosion. If mechanical damage is not present, then faults or electrical issues are more likely.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1157 Code?
With the proper tools, inspecting the HO2S22 switches and circuitry is easy; if you know what to look for, you should be able to spot damage or misalignment relatively easily. Where the damage is electrical or due to system faults, specialist tools will be needed to get a proper diagnostic reading.
Need Additional Help with Your P1157 Code?
Dealing with damage to intricate electrical components, such as those that make up a car’s HO2S22 switch is a delicate business. If you want to keep your car in good working order and prevent the issue from escalating, then it is key that you address the issue quickly.
If you want to find a professional mechanic to inspect and repair the issues in your vehicle, then the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) service center locator can help you to find a repair shop in your local area. If your car has become undrivable, then you can also use this tool to find a service center that offers towing services. Of course, if your car is still drivable, you can save money by taking it down to the shop yourself.
Those who are interested in knowing more about diagnostic codes and their meanings will also find the KBB OBD-II database highly useful. This free online resource contains information about the diagnostic codes, their meanings in relation to the car model in question, and the potential causes and signs of damage.
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