P0135 Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction — Can I drive like this?
Quote from CarGuyBrad on June 16, 2025, 10:35 amWhen your car shows a P0135 code, it means there’s a problem with the heater circuit inside the upstream oxygen sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This heater is designed to warm up the sensor quickly so your car can manage fuel mixture more efficiently, especially during cold starts.
But here’s the question most drivers ask:
"Can I still drive with this problem?"
When your car shows a P0135 code, it means there’s a problem with the heater circuit inside the upstream oxygen sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This heater is designed to warm up the sensor quickly so your car can manage fuel mixture more efficiently, especially during cold starts.
But here’s the question most drivers ask:
"Can I still drive with this problem?"
Quote from TechDIYTony on June 16, 2025, 11:09 amYou can drive short-term, but fuel economy may drop. Replace the O2 sensor soon.
You can drive short-term, but fuel economy may drop. Replace the O2 sensor soon.
Quote from WrenchWizard on June 16, 2025, 4:25 pmYes, you can usually drive for a short time with a P0135 (Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction), but it’s not ideal for long-term driving.
This code means the heater inside your front O2 sensor isn't working properly. That heater helps the sensor warm up quickly so your engine can go into closed loop faster. Without it, your engine may run a bit richer on cold starts and your fuel economy could drop slightly.
If you continue driving for weeks or months without fixing it, it may:
Cause your catalytic converter to wear out faster
Increase emissions
Reduce fuel efficiency
Usually, replacing the faulty oxygen sensor fixes the issue. It’s often a fairly simple and affordable repair.
I'd recommend fixing it sooner rather than later — but you're not at immediate risk of the car breaking down due to this code.
Yes, you can usually drive for a short time with a P0135 (Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction), but it’s not ideal for long-term driving.
This code means the heater inside your front O2 sensor isn't working properly. That heater helps the sensor warm up quickly so your engine can go into closed loop faster. Without it, your engine may run a bit richer on cold starts and your fuel economy could drop slightly.
If you continue driving for weeks or months without fixing it, it may:
-
Cause your catalytic converter to wear out faster
-
Increase emissions
-
Reduce fuel efficiency
Usually, replacing the faulty oxygen sensor fixes the issue. It’s often a fairly simple and affordable repair.
I'd recommend fixing it sooner rather than later — but you're not at immediate risk of the car breaking down due to this code.
Quote from ScanToolGuru on June 17, 2025, 2:55 pmYes, you can drive with the P0135 code—but fix it soon to avoid rough performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.
Yes, you can drive with the P0135 code—but fix it soon to avoid rough performance, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.
Quote from Deleted user on June 18, 2025, 10:49 amYou can drive for a short time with the P0135 code, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. It may reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions. It’s best to fix the faulty oxygen sensor heater circuit as soon as possible.
You can drive for a short time with the P0135 code, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. It may reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions. It’s best to fix the faulty oxygen sensor heater circuit as soon as possible.
Quote from AutoFixerMike on June 19, 2025, 11:16 amYou can technically drive with a P0135 code, but it’s not ideal. The faulty O2 sensor heater will cause poor fuel economy and higher emissions. Driving like this for too long could lead to other engine problems — it’s best to fix it soon!
You can technically drive with a P0135 code, but it’s not ideal. The faulty O2 sensor heater will cause poor fuel economy and higher emissions. Driving like this for too long could lead to other engine problems — it’s best to fix it soon!