What Does P0135 Code Mean on Chevy Silverado & How To Fix?

Manufacturers have developed several universal Diagnostic Trouble codes which warn users about any internal malfunctioning or irregularities in their vehicles. Most Chevy Silverado vehicles are also equipped with Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) Codes like the P0135.

The P0135 error code mainly notifies about engine irregularities in Chevy Silverado where the PCM detects a problem with the Front Oxygen sensor heater circuit.

Are you getting the P0135 error warning on your Chevy Silverado and wondering what to do? Just follow the detailed instruction provided in today’s article.

What Does The P0135 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

The P0135 code on any Chevy Silverado vehicle means the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio system sensor or the front oxygen sensor Bank 1 has malfunctioned.

Now you might ask, what does Bank 1 means on Chevy Silverado?

Here Bank 1 refers to the driver’s side of the engine where sensor 1 is located on the Chevy Silverado vehicle.

The P0135 OBD-II generic code shows up whenever the engine control module (ECM) tests the O2 sensor heater circuit and detects a problem with the (Bank 1 Sensor 1) O2 sensor heater circuit.

Since oxygen sensors 1 & 2 are responsible for helping to optimize the air-to-fuel mixture ratio to ensure the Chevy Silverado engine’s best performance, when sensor 1 malfunctions due to any foul play, the engine performance eventually will decline.

These two oxygen sensors send fuel mixture feedback to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) so that it can alter the fuel mixture accordingly to deliver better engine performance.

These oxygen sensors require a certain level of heat to work. To reach that operating temperature manufacturer has assembled built-in heaters on both sensors.

As soon you start up the engine, these heaters start up too and produce enough heat.

The PCM monitors the time duration of these heaters to activate those oxygen sensors on the Chevy Silverado.

When the Powertrain Control Module detects a less or excess duration to reach the operating temperature of the sensors than the standard, PCM will generate this P0135.

I will be sharing more details of the P0135 code on Chevy Silverado later like- causes, symptoms, and how to fix it, but let’s check out the dissection of code P0135:

• p- Powertrain (the system of components that drive the Chevy Silverado forward)
• 0-Generic malfunction code generated by PCM
• 1-Bank 1 Sensor 1 of the O2 Sensor Heater Circuit
• 35-The specific error information indicates engine irregularity on Chevy Silverado due to 01 sensor malfunctioning.

How Serious Is Code P0135 On Chevy Silverado?

The P0135 DTC code generated via PCM on Chevy Silverado is not a serious or emergency situation to deal with, and you can even drive your Chevy on the road with this error code flashing.

This P0135 error code does not indicate immediate attention to diagnose the problem.

But if you delay the servicing for too long, it can lead your vehicle to have a higher emission rate and weak fuel economy.

Since these two oxygen sensors send feedback so that the ECM can maintain the engine’s smooth performance, when the 02 sensors malfunction or fails, the ECM will also fail.

Also, the Chevy Silverado engine will get stuck in the open loop of the ECM.

Consequently, the engine burns more fuel than usual to start, and carbon starts to build up too.

Thus, either service it yourself or take your vehicle to the servicing workshop on time.

What Causes Code P0135 On Chevy Silverado?

You might witness the P0135 code out of the blue and wonder what causes this unannounced commotion.

Well, let’s have a brief idea of the potential causes that might lead you to see this code:

• If your vehicle engine’s Pre-Catalyst oxygen sensor is faulty.
• Due to a damaged Catalytic converter.
• Your Chevy vehicle engine might have faulty wiring or connections on its oxygen sensor.
• If there’s a vacuum leak on the engine’s front oxygen sensor.
• Faulty PCM (Rare cases).
• If the internal wiring has a short circuit due to open ground.
• Blown up or defective Fuse.
• The engine coolant sensor is damaged or not operating precisely.

Unless you have a defective or fouled Powertrain control module to cause this P0135 code to show up on your Chevy, it is easier to get rid of this trouble.

Other Symptoms Of Getting P0135 Code On Chevy Silverado

Seeing the P0135 code on your Chevy Silverado is itself an obvious sign, but some other symptoms can also help you detect the trouble initially-

• The check engine will stay on.
• The Chevy Silverado engine will take too long to heat up
• The vehicle engine will start and run rough
• You will notice the engine idles rough on start
• High fuel consumption and poor fuel economy or efficiency.

How To Fix The P0135 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

Once you have noticed or received the P0135 Diagnostic Trouble code on your Chevy Silverado vehicle, you can easily fix it at home by following these instructions:

The 2-minute DIY solution (Estimated cost $19.66)

1. Download The ZUS App & Verify The Error Code

You can download the ZUS app on your mobile phone to scan your vehicle and verify the error code.

If you are seeing the P0135 error code, it means that the ECM has tested the oxygen sensor heater circuit of your Chevy Silverado and detected an issue with the Bank 1 Sensor 1.

2. Inspect The Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor on your Chevy Silverado is located right before the catalytic converter. Bank 1 is on the side with cylinder 1 sensor 1 in the exhaust manifold.

Now access the area and visually inspect the oxygen sensor’s electrical connections for any issues.

Also, check the electrical connection’s wire harness and metal tabs for any damage or worn-out issues.

If you find damages while inspecting the whole oxygen sensor, replace the oxygen sensor.

But if you find no damage while checking the oxygen sensor, I highly recommend you contact the Chevy consultant for expert assistance.

3. Clear The Error Code With ZUS App

If the earlier mentioned way of troubleshooting the P0135 code on Chevy Silverado seems troublesome for you, another quickest and easiest way of dealing with this P0135 code is using the ZUS app to clear out this DTC code.

First, go to the app and tap on the clear codes button.

Then, tap on the rescan button one more time to ensure that everything is fine with your vehicle.

Watch this video to learn more detailed ways of troubleshooting the P0135 code on the Chevy Silverado: https://youtu.be/d_Qi8n9htCg?t=6

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P0135 Code?

Remember, the exact cost of servicing your particular Chevy Silverado will highly vary based on your vehicle model, damage severity, the price of the replacement parts, and local labor cost per hour.

Potential Replacement Parts	Estimated Costs
Blown Fuse	$3 up to $5
Wirings & other connectors	$100 up to $1000
Oxygen Sensor	$200 up to $313
Labor Per hour	$75 up to $150

However, if you have enough expertise in such servicing tasks and do the diagnosis and replacement task by yourself, you only have to spend money on the replacement parts.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Diagnosing P0135 Code On Chevy Silverado

There are some typical mistakes that most new Chevy Silverado users make while diagnosing the P0135 error code.

If you do not want to make the same mistakes, note and avoid the following blunders-

• While inspecting the Oxygen Sensor, many ignore checking the O2 wire harness and ensuring no sign of water entry into that harness cover.
• Users often forget to check for oil or other contaminants on the 02 Sensor.
• When replacing the 02 Sensor, users often skip scanning the new O2 sensor first.
• Some users ignore performing a thorough visual inspection before replacing the parts.
• Does not read The User/Repair Manual provided by the Chevy Silverado before starting the troubleshooting procedures.
• Incorrectly determining the Oxygen Sensor’s terminal numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

From the definition to the DIY method of fixing it, I have already explained everything related to the P0135 code on Chevy Silverado.

Thus, if you ever see the code P0135 in the future, do not panic and either follow the DIY instructions to fix it by yourself at home or take your Chevy Silverado to the nearest Chevy workshop for professional servicing.