Fix P0054: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The code P0054: “HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 1, Sensor 2)” indicates an issue with the heater element resistance of the oxygen sensor located in Bank 1, sensor 2.

P0054 quick overview

Meaning	P0054: HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
Is it serious?	Yes, it can affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and emissions control.
Possible causes	– Faulty oxygen sensor heater – Damaged or corroded wiring or connectors – Issues with the power supply to the sensor – Fault in the engine control module (ECM)
How to diagnose?	Inspect Oxygen Sensor: Check for visible damage or contamination. Test Heater Circuit: Use a multimeter to test the heater element’s resistance. Check Wiring and Connectors: Look for damaged, corroded, or loose connections. Measure Power Supply: Ensure the sensor is receiving the correct voltage. Consult Repair Manual: Refer to specific vehicle guidelines for detailed testing procedures. Consider Sensor Replacement: If tests indicate, replace the oxygen sensor with an OEM part.

---

Case #1: 2005 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 5.3L

Issue + Repair History:

• MIL on; codes P0054, P0141, P0442, P0455 stored.
• Found damaged O2 sensor pigtail, replaced sensor and repaired wiring.
• Evap system issues: stuck purge valve, cracked gas cap O-ring, vent valve replaced.
• Could not get EVAP or catalyst monitors to run or pass despite multiple tests and smoke tests.
• Suspected bad catalytic converter.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 (HO2S heater resistance B1S2), P0141 (O2 heater circuit B1S2), P0442 (small leak), P0455 (large leak).

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Disconnect battery to reset PCM and perform specified drive cycles.
• Check catalytic converter efficiency and O2 sensor switching.
• Check intake vacuum leaks.
• Try filling fuel tank or ensuring proper fuel level for EVAP monitor.
• Replace restricted EVAP canister if necessary to allow catalyst monitor to run.

Final Fix:

• Bad catalytic converter replaced resolved catalyst monitor and EVAP monitor readiness.

---

Case #2: 2006 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4L

Issue + Repair History:

• MIL on with heater codes for all 4 O2 sensors (P0053, P0054, P0059, P0060).
• Tested sensor resistance, wiring, fuses, and supply voltage; all good.
• Codes set instantly with key on engine off (KOEO) and with sensors disconnected.
• Customer replaced all 4 sensors previously without fix.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• None additional, tests showed no wiring shorts or fuse problems.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Suspect PCM failure after eliminating wiring and sensors.
• Check for chafed wiring near exhaust or under harness.
• Test PCM grounds and supply voltage under load.
• Replace PCM and reprogram.

Final Fix:

• PCM replaced and reprogrammed fixed the problem; no more heater codes or readiness issues.

---

Case #3: 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ 6.2L

Issue + Repair History:

• MIL on, many O2 heater codes plus cam timing and misfire codes.
• Confirmed cylinder #5 misfire and low compression on leak down test.
• Suspected valve or piston damage causing misfire and codes.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 and multiple O2 heater codes, P0011 (Cam timing), P0300 (random misfire).

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Focus on mechanical engine problems first (low compression, misfire).
• Check O2 heater fuse and wiring after engine repair.
• Verify heater circuit voltages and sensor resistances.

Final Fix:

• Awaited engine mechanical repair; O2 heater codes likely secondary to engine failure.

---

Case #4: 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4.8L

Issue + Repair History:

• P0054 and P0060 codes repeatedly returning despite testing sensors, wiring, fuses.
• Replaced OEM AC Delco O2 sensors, PCM, wiring harness, ignition switch.
• Tested amps and resistance at sensor per PCM specs with no fault found.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 and P0060 heater resistance codes.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check for incorrect or bad sensor parts; ordered correct OEM sensors from GM dealer.
• Add additional grounding wires and check for high resistance grounds.
• Perform voltage drop tests on circuits under load.
• Consider fuse box splice resistance issues.

Final Fix:

• Replacing sensors with correct GM OEM parts fixed the problem.

---

Case #5: 2010 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Replaced PCM twice and engine harness, EGR valve; fuses checked good.
• Codes still returned, no heater amperage flow on all heaters.
• Awaiting field engineer diagnosis.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• Multiple codes including P0054, P0053, P0059, P0060, P0403, P0443.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Suspect grounding or power feed fault.
• Check splice near fuse F42 and all related wiring.
• Voltage drop testing recommended.

Final Fix:

• Unknown; pending advanced diagnostics after multiple PCM replacements.

---

Case #6: 2009 Chevrolet Impala LT 3.5L

Issue + Repair History:

• MIL on with multiple codes and ABS/traction control lights.
• Critter chewed wiring near PCM; repaired wiring restored function.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 plus crank position and knock sensor codes.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check wiring harness and grounds.
• Check for damaged wires near transmission bell housing.
• Use wiring diagrams for diagnosis.

Final Fix:

• Wiring repair near PCM resolved codes and lights.

---

Case #7: 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z71 5.3L

Issue + Repair History:

• All 4 O2 heater codes with EVAP vent code.
• Replaced vent solenoid and O2 sensors with OEM.
• Cleared codes and drove vehicle; no reoccurrence.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 and other heater resistance codes, P0449 (EVAP vent control).

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check for common power source and fuse for heater circuit.
• Test O2 sensor amperage draw.
• Inspect wiring harness for rubbing or shorts near exhaust.

Final Fix:

• EVAP vent solenoid replaced and OEM sensors reinstalled; no codes returned.

---

Case #8: 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 WT 5.3L

Issue + Repair History:

• Dead battery, multiple codes including P0054, vehicle would not shut off.
• Shorted fuse panel discovered after diagnostic.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 plus multiple other codes including P0030, P0053, P0050.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check ignition switch, fuse panel for shorts or corrosion.
• Consider aftermarket accessories causing power backfeed.
• Test ignition switch position data.

Final Fix:

• Replaced fuse panel fixed the no-shutoff issue and cleared codes.

---

Case #9: 2004 Ford Focus LX 2.3L

Issue + Repair History:

• P0054 code returned after replacing vacuum leak and installing new O2 sensor.
• Heater circuit power and ground tested; no wiring faults found.
• ECM suspected and customer referred to dealer for programming.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 only.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Probe wiring and continuity tests.
• Confirm wiring diagram and grounds.
• Program ECM if necessary.

Final Fix:

• Sent to dealer for ECM reprogramming; no further data.

---

Case #10: 2010 Chevrolet Express 2500 6.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• P0054 and P0060 heater resistance codes on rear O2 sensors.
• Replaced sensors with Bosch then Denso, codes persisted until Denso installed.
• Performed O2 heater relearn with scanner.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0057, P0060 heater resistance.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Use OEM Denso sensors.
• Perform heater resistance relearn using scan tool.
• Check fuse and wiring harness.

Final Fix:

• OEM sensor and relearn fixed the codes.

---

Case #11: 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT 6.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Intermittent MIL and reduced power, codes P0054 and others on all 4 O2 heaters.
• Replaced throttle body connector, battery, cleaned grounds; partial fixes.
• Ignition switch suspected as power supply to sensors.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P1516, P0053, P0054, P0059, P0060.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Clean frame grounds and battery connections thoroughly.
• Check for aftermarket remote start system causing electrical issues.
• Inspect ignition switch and fuse box for power interruptions.

Final Fix:

• Awaiting further updates; cleaning grounds improved stability.

---

Case #12: 2005 GMC Envoy SLE 4.2L

Issue + Repair History:

• P0054 code after replacing rear O2 sensor multiple times with aftermarket sensors.
• Tested heater current and resistance; sensors tested fine.
• Factory AC Delco sensor replaced Bosch aftermarket and fixed the problem.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 only.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Use factory OEM sensor to avoid calibration mismatches.
• Test heater current draw with scan tool.

Final Fix:

• OEM sensor resolved heater resistance code.

---

Case #13: 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 5.3L

Issue + Repair History:

• Replaced bank 1 downstream O2 sensor twice; P0054 and P0141 heater codes persisted.
• Fuse and wiring tested good; trims look good.
• Replaced sensor with AC Delco OEM fixed issue.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054, P0141.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check power and ground at heater circuit.
• Use OEM parts to avoid false codes.
• Perform resistance and amperage tests.

Final Fix:

• OEM sensor replaced fixed heater codes and monitor readiness.

---

Case #14: 2006 Pontiac G6 2.4L

Issue + Repair History:

• Rear O2 sensor heater circuit code P0054.
• Heater current draw measured at .620 amps.
• Replaced rear sensor with GM sensor fixed the issue.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0054 only.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check wiring and ground resistance.
• Use OEM parts.

Final Fix:

• OEM sensor replaced; no more codes.