Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront
P0055 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Heater Circuit Resistance (Bank 1, Sensor 3)". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
*Estimates may vary by market
Heater Circuit Resistance (Bank 1, Sensor 3)
When this code is set it means that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a problem with the amount of resistance in the heater circuit for the third oxygen sensor on bank one of the engine.
The most common cause for this code is the heater inside the oxygen sensor burning out. When this happens, it will cause the circuit to either incomplete, or open, or short out. Essentially, the ECM has a preset amount of resistance that it wants to see for the sensor to heat up properly.
When the circuit is open, there will be an infinite amount of resistance because current can no longer travel along a complete path. When the sensor shorts out, the resistance is too low and the sensor will not heat up enough for the sensor to operate properly.
There are no perceptible symptoms for a P0055. The only symptom of P0055 is that the sensor will not begin operating correctly until the exhaust has heated it up sufficiently, as opposed to the built-in heater heating it up. This could cause an increase in emissions, which is why the Check Engine Light is illuminated.
The diagnosis starts with a visual inspection of the sensor and its associated wiring. Besides a failed sensor heater, the most common issue that causes this code is damaged wiring or connectors. The damage could be caused by rubbing on body components, or from road hazards.
Once the visual inspection is completed, the next step is to measure the resistance of the heater in the oxygen sensor. This is done by unplugging the connector for the oxygen sensor and using a multimeter to measure the resistance, measured in ohms, across the heater terminals. The service manual will have a specification for a known good sensor. If the reading is out of specification, then the sensor will need to be replaced.
If the sensor is good, the next step is to measure the resistance of the wiring from the ECM to the oxygen sensor plug. Usually, you never have to go this far because the sensor is almost always at fault. Generally, you'd like to see the resistance of the wiring to be less than half an ohm.
If that checks out, the most likely culprit lies within the Engine Control Module itself. The ECM usually activates and grounds the heater circuit. There can be problems in the circuit; the contacts in the ECM may get burned and cause a higher than normal resistance reading. This would definitely cause the P0055 code to set.
As stated earlier, the sensor itself is often the problem. Often times a mechanic may just replace the sensor without any diagnostics, which isn't always the best path to repair.
Generally this code is not very serious. However, there is a very slight chance that a problem in the heater circuit could burn the contacts in the Engine Control Module. Replacing an ECM can be quite costly.
YourMechanic offers certified mobile mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.
Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.
