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burlmart's avatar
burlmart
Explorer
Apr 21, 2015

Recurring engine bank 1 sensor 1 trouble code

about 2 months ago i posted a thread where i learned how to scan the engine for DTCs. the CEL had come on and i scanned to find the 2005 chevy 6.0L (the chevy has 43,000 mi) had two codes: P0449 (EVAP emmission control vent vlv/sol malf), and P0053 (HO2S bank 1 sensor 1 heater resistance).

i erased them to see what would stick, and after a few startups and around 200 mi later, the CEL has returned w/ two Actron scanner error codes: P0053 and P0053 pd (pending).

i googled some info and found out about where to look for the sensor. if i am correct, a chevy bank 1, sensor 1 is on driver side, up front by cylinder 1. from the open hood, feeling in that area, i do find what appears sorta like a spark plug with wires coming out top that are wrapped in shiny sheathing/insulation. this wire disappears into a fatter black sheathed conduit of what i suppose contains other wires being routed someplace. thus i do not know where this (what i am taking to be the) B1S1 O2 sensor's harness comes out at its other end and is connected.

from under the engine, i am pretty sure i spot the B1S2 O2 sensor on the downstream-of-catalytic side with a short black wire rising 12" or so to its connection harness.

how critical and/or common is P0053? am i actually feeling looking at B1S1? do i need to remove the cab doghouse to find its harness connection? i hope not since i do not see/know how to do that.

as always, any insights would sure be helpful and appreciated.
Class C
  • burlmart's avatar
    burlmart
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    new sensor is in. i erased codes, so we'll see...j-d said what i have gleaned from many websites "Bear in mind, it's "probably" the O2 sensor. Commonly replaced, consumable kind of part. Same idea as a spark plug. Still, other problems in a system "can" trigger a code so simply replacing the part bearing the code's name may not clear the problem."

    When we went to autozone, they only had Bosch. so for a 1st timer, i figured i'd just try it for $47. i also had realized i had no 7/8" wrench, and they were out of slit sockets, so i got what was there, a $10 12" long 7/8" wrench (open/box ends). turns out this was fortunate as the old sensor was frozen on even w/ WD40.

    the slit socket would not have worked - no room, so i agree w/ you guys that the offset O2 wrench is likely better. but FYI, the old and new end wire harnesses both pass through the box end of the 7/8" wrench. so with running the engine to heat the metals, more WD40, and that 12" leverage, i somehow got one lucky sharp rap that broke frozen O2 free to hand turn.

    fingers crossed and thanking you all once again for leading this novice wrench thru yet another fix-it adventure.
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    burlmart wrote:
    i knew catastrophic converters were big, but all the internet drawings led me to believe the cats were within the exhaust manifold close to engine.


    Glad you found it. The MH configuration might be custom.
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2015
    Yo! Jose!

    Good to see you here, and YES to the Offset Wrench. HF 97177, on sale $5.99 $2 off.

    I was doing a project at the auto skills center on a USAF base. Somebody couldn't get an O2 sensor out. Tried the variety of tools in the center's crib, no joy. I broke out my cheap HF tool and it allowed access and removal.
  • DaHose's avatar
    DaHose
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    My buddy has an Avalanche that popped up similar codes. Bad O2 at position 1 and 4. We trusted the scanner, replaced both and he passed smog just fine.

    I own and highly recommend the offset type of O2 sensor tool. I am pretty sure I bought mine at Napa Auto parts. The long, tube type of tool is a real bugger to use in cramped quarters, but the offset style works great in tight spaces.

    Jose
  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2015
    Bear in mind, it's "probably" the O2 sensor. Commonly replaced, consumable kind of part. Same idea as a spark plug. Still, other problems in a system "can" trigger a code so simply replacing the part bearing the code's name may not clear the problem. I tried to look your 6.0L up without Year or VIN, but he chart I found points only to the generic codes and 0053 is the "heater" portion of the O2 Sensor.
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    Another vote for Densos. When I had my GN I'd go through O2 sensors like candy. I had alcohol injection and it would destroy them in a hurry. But, I only ever had to put one Denso in it.
  • burlmart's avatar
    burlmart
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    thanks to this clue from turbojimmy, "I can clearly see all 4 sensors from underneath. I've had to change 2 of them, both post cat tho," i got back under to look more.

    i knew catastrophic converters were big, but all the internet drawings led me to believe the cats were within the exhaust manifold close to engine. well, once i spotted my 2 catalytics under the coach and found both #2 sensors there behind the canisters, i see that what i thought was HO2S bank 1 sensor 2 is actually sensor 1 - the upstream O2 sensor i probably need to change for DTC P0053.

    thanks guys...think i'll see how hard removing the harness is, and start off using WD40 to penetrate and a 7/8" wrench.

    TBC...
  • spadoctor's avatar
    spadoctor
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    Do not use Bosch O2 sensors they are junk....use Denso in a GM much better results
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    burlmart wrote:
    i read that for chevy trucks, the bank 1 cylinders are uniquely on your right as you face engine from bumper - driver side.

    the 6.0L V8 is tight and you are reaching way down past valve cover near spark plug of cyl 1 and exhaust manifold. i cannot see it well, but there is a spark-plug-like thing with wires insulated in what martha tells me is a shiny foil-like insulation. this wire goes into a bigger sheathed cable of wires, which seems odd. i think this is HO2S in question - bank1,sensor1. but where is it's harness plug-in?

    from underneath, i can clearly see the bank1,sensor2 O2 sensor. its wires are sheathed in common black plastic insulation and go 12" to the harness connection.

    i may use the slot socket, but 1st i might need a chevy owner of a 2005 vintage to explain what i am seeing/feeling.


    In automotive terms, the right side as you face it is the left side - drivers side. Cylinder #1 is the front, left cylinder so that's bank 1. It's an industry standard so we can have these discussions without confusion :-)

    You might have better luck looking up from underneath. I have an '07 Avalanche. It has a 5.3 (07 was the last year you could get a 6.0 but it doesn't have it). I can't imagine its much different. I can clearly see all 4 sensors from underneath. I've had to change 2 of them, both post cat tho.
  • burlmart's avatar
    burlmart
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2015
    i read that for chevy trucks, the bank 1 cylinders are uniquely on your right as you face engine from bumper - driver side.

    the 6.0L V8 is tight and you are reaching way down past valve cover near spark plug of cyl 1 and exhaust manifold. i cannot see it well, but there is a spark-plug-like thing with wires insulated in what martha tells me is a shiny foil-like insulation. this wire goes into a bigger sheathed cable of wires, which seems odd. i think this is HO2S in question - bank1,sensor1. but where is it's harness plug-in?

    from underneath, i can clearly see the bank1,sensor2 O2 sensor. its wires are sheathed in common black plastic insulation and go 12" to the harness connection.

    i may use the slot socket, but 1st i might need a chevy owner of a 2005 vintage to explain what i am seeing/feeling.

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