O2 sensor - P0131/P0137

[dglrmn]

I recently changed both of my O2 sensors on my 1999 2.0 bettle. I am now receiving a low voltage code P0131/P0137 from the sensors. I used a universal sensor that had the same color matching wires. Do you think the sensors are not compatable or could their be another problem? I was trying to be cheap and same some money. Please help, i am tired of dumping money in this car...

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by dglrmn

I recently changed both of my O2 sensors on my 1999 2.0 bettle. I am now receiving a low voltage code P0131/P0137 from the sensors. I used a universal sensor that had the same color matching wires. Do you think the sensors are not compatable or could their be another problem? I was trying to be cheap and same some money. Please help, i am tired of dumping money in this car...

Being that both codes are for low voltage i would say that you have soldered the factory plugs onto these sensors...Correct???... If so you need to re-do the soldering job so that the resistance is not to high causing the low voltage. To do this, cut and strip both ends of the wires and push them together end to end carefully then solder them. A large solder joint will cause more resistance and a low voltage condition... Keep us posted...

[dglrmn]

I did not solder the wires together. I used the wire taps that were provided. Should I solder them instead?

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by dglrmn

I did not solder the wires together. I used the wire taps that were provided. Should I solder them instead?

Confused by the term-(wire taps) Are you talking about solderless connectors? As these will cause too much resistance and therefore a low voltage issue. O2 Sensors are very sensitive to any voltage drop and therefore must be attached together with care...

[dglrmn]

Yes they are solderless connectors that just crimp the wires together. I will solder them this weekend and see if that works. Thanks for the help.

[dglrmn]

Update, The solder did not work. Word to the wise. Do not use universal O2 sensors...

[Canadianbugin]

Originally Posted by dglrmn

Update, The solder did not work. Word to the wise. Do not use universal O2 sensors...

Sorry to hear that... Did you solder them end to end?

[2000 VW Golf 2.0]

I recently have come across the same exact thing on my 2000 VW golf 2.0, 2 universal o2 sensors (went cheap), the (4) wires matched colors exactly, soldered them in and I got the EXACT same codes you did... low volts- both sensors- bank 1... I did exactly what this guy has told you to do... I used less of a solder- divided and cut about half the wire off all my ends of the wire (even the heater wires.. why not..) by splitting the wire ends into 2 equals and cutting (very easy) USE SOLDERING PASTE BECAUSE YOU WILL STRUGGLE LIKE CRAZY WITH OUT IT!!!! <-- that part is very very important... shrink wrapped and silicone put both sensors back in my car and it worked like magic gas mileage back to normal and then some .. --BEWARE--- if your coolant temp gauge is acting up you WILL DEFINITELY HAVE THE SAME EXACT CODES in conjunction with a P1256 code which on a VW means coolant temp sensor.. Autozone's code reader throws air to fuel metering as the err, so thank the Germans for letting you know your using more gas because you temp gauge don't work right