P0135 on Chevrolet: How to Diagnose & Fix
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
1 Chevrolet model · 1 documented issue · $100-$300 repair
P0135 on Chevrolet by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 1998-2002 Prizm 1.8L shares its engine and oxygen-sensor diagnostics with the 1.8L Toyota Corolla of those years. A failing sensor heater turns on the check engine light and sets a heater-circuit code. P0135 points to the heater in the upstream sensor, which sits before the catalytic converter. P0141 points to the heater in the downstream sensor, which sits after the converter. The heater gets the sensor to its working temperature (about 600°F) quickly so the engine can switch to closed-loop fuel control. A failed heater slows that down. Oxygen sensors usually cannot be repaired, so a sensor with a failed heater has to be replaced. Many owners of these Prizms also report that the engine burns oil, sometimes a quart every few hundred miles with no visible smoke. Burning oil can damage the catalytic converter, so check oil use whenever you replace a sensor.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with P0135 (upstream) or P0141 (downstream) heater code
- Poor fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Failed emissions test
How to Fix
1) Read the codes. P0135 means the upstream (front) sensor heater circuit, and P0141 means the downstream (rear) one. Replace only the sensor the code names. 2) Before you buy a sensor, test the circuit at the upstream connector on the harness side with the key on and the engine off. The repair guide says the heater power wire and the heater wire that runs to the engine computer should each read about 10-12 V. If either reading is missing, repair the wiring, because a new sensor will not fix it. 3) With the sensor cold, measure the resistance across its heater terminals. About 11-16 ohms is normal. An open reading (OL) or more than 10 kilohms means the heater has failed and the sensor has to be replaced. Check the connector pinout and wire colors for your Prizm before testing. 4) Replace it with an OEM-quality heated sensor, such as Denso or NTK, made for the correct position. 5) Check how much oil the engine uses between changes. If it burns oil, replace the PCV valve and clean the PCV hose first. Owners and mechanics also blame carbon-stuck oil-control rings on this engine. Fix oil burning soon, because it can ruin the catalytic converter.
What you need to diagnose it
The repair instructions explicitly call for reading stored codes. Use a scanner that can read the named code families before choosing a repair.The recommended scanner supports these code families; confirm your exact year, model and module coverage before buying.
ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
Read & clear engine (P) codes
$20–$40View
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.
Reading and clearing the code is DIY work. Module replacement or reprogramming is not — most modules are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Oxygen SensorCross-ref13051
Fitment confirmed against the ShowMeTheParts catalog for this vehicle's year and engine.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (5)
- EricTheCarGuy - P0141/P0135 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunctionother
- Front Oxygen Sensor Heater Test - P0135 (1998-2002 1.8L Toyota Corolla / Chevrolet Prizm)repair-guide
- P0135 heater circuit and heater resistance tests (1998-2002 1.8L Corolla/Prizm)repair-guide
- 2001 Chevy Prizm LSi - Burns Tons of Oil (Car Talk Community)forum
- 2002 Chevrolet Prizm excessive oil consumption complaints (CarComplaints)owner-reports
P0135 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0135 mean on a Chevrolet?
P0135 stands for "O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)." This code means the heater built into your upstream oxygen (O2) sensor on Bank 1, Sensor 1 — the sensor before the catalytic converter — isn't behaving as the engine computer expects. Modern O2 sensors have an internal heating element so they reach operating temperature quickly and can read the exhaust's oxygen content right after startup. When the computer detects that the heater circuit is open, shorted, or drawing the wrong amount of current, it sets P0135. A cold or slow-to-heat sensor delays accurate fuel mixture readings, which can hurt fuel economy and emissions. On Chevrolet it is documented across 1 model: Prizm.
What are the most common causes of P0135?
The most common causes of P0135 are: Failed O2 sensor heater element (most common), Blown O2 sensor heater fuse, Corroded or loose O2 sensor connector, Damaged or melted wiring near the exhaust, Open or shorted heater control circuit, Poor ground or power supply to the sensor, Faulty PCM/ECM heater driver (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0135 on a Chevrolet?
Published repair estimates on Chevrolet range from $100 to $300 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0135 on a different make?
View P0135 across all makes →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.