What Causes the P1153 Code on Chevy Silverado and How to Troubleshoot

There are many DTC codes that are quite vague and represent different issues in different cars. It may mean different things within the same brand’s different models. The P1153 code is such kind of a code.   

The code P1153 on a Chevy Silverado refers to HO₂S Insufficient Switching (Bank 2, Sensor 1). This indicates that the HO₂S did not switch enough times.

No matter how vague the code is, once you detect it, it can easily be solved. At least, if you read this article, you will be easily able to solve it. So stay tuned and find out what causes this code and how you can fix it!

What Does P1153 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado

To generate an accurate voltage signal, the Air/Fuel ratio (also known as HO2S or Heated Oxygen Sensor) must reach a certain temperature (minimum of 1200 F). The sensor will begin to send accurate signals to the PCM as soon as it reaches its minimum operating temperature.

The code P1153 means the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Insufficient Switching Bank 2 Sensor 1. You can safely assume that the O2 sensor for cylinder bank 2 ahead of the Cat converter is faulty (Bank 2 is the side opposite the bank where the #1 cylinder is located).

HO2S (Hot Oxygen) sensors develop a voltage by comparing oxygen in the atmosphere to the level of oxygen in the exhaust gas. Similar to a battery, the sensor generates a voltage ranging from 0.1 volt to 0.9 volt. It depends on how much hot oxygen is present in the exhaust stream (to which it is exposed).

The sensor reads ‘high’ in rich conditions (low oxygen, high fuel). Because there is a large difference between the oxygen levels in the exhaust stream and the atmosphere.

And it reads ‘low’ in lean conditions (high oxygen, low fuel level). Because there is less difference between the oxygen in the atmosphere. The change between the two readings occurs suddenly and it is known as a ‘switch’. However, this term does not have any electrical connotation.

For 100 seconds, the PCM monitors the activity of the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S). The PCM counts the number of times the HO2S switches from rich to lean and back again during this monitoring period.

When the PCM determines that the HO2S did not switch enough times, a DTC P1153 is set.

When the HO2S voltage changes from less than 300 mV to greater than 600 mV, a lean-to-rich switch is formed. A rich-to-lean switch is formed when the HO2S voltage changes from more than 600 mV to less than 300 mV.

Now, let’s look at what the different parts of the code P1153 signify:

• P- Powertrain, the assembly of parts that move your car forward.
• 1- Enhanced (manufacturer specific).
• 1- Secondary Air Injection System.
• 53- Specific Problem (in this case the Oxygen sensor controlling the unburned oxygen in the exhaust). 

What Happens When the Code P1153 On Chevy Silverado Appears?

Here’s what happens at the onset of the code P1153 on a Chevy Silverado:

• The CEL lights up with the code.
• The car loses power, there is a clear performance degradation. Your Silverado will begin to sputter and may eventually stall.
• You will have a rough idle that feels almost like a misfire but isn’t as noticeable.
• Most of the time, RPMs drop from 550 to 500, and at worst, they drop to around 450 or 475. an exhaust system leak.

What Causes Code P1153 On Chevy Silverado?

The code denotes insufficient switching. That essentially means that it is not properly reporting changes up and down and appears to be dead. Although it’s uncommon, the PCM could malfunction and cause this.

You will likely run a little rough because the upstream sensor, which affects the air/fuel ratio, has probably failed.

Take a look at what causes this DTC to set:

• Examine the HO2S signal circuit for shorts to PCM ground. An HO2S signal circuit shorted to a PCM ground will set a switching DTC. Rather than an HO2S low DTC.
• A DTC P1153 will activate in the event of an issue with the HO2S heater circuits. Check the HO2S heater circuits for sporadic opens and connections.
• A DTC P1153 will be set if one of the HO2S heater circuits fails. Check for intermittent opens/connections in the HO2S heater circuits.
• Breaks or contamination on all HO2S wires and connections.
• The O2 sensor is usually contaminated, has a slow switching rate, or is completely dead. If it is stuck low/lean, it will result in rich demand. If it is stuck high/rich, it will result in lean demand.
• When the oxygen sensor on the right side of the manifold does not change voltage quickly enough, it remains at the voltage and sets the code.
• Contamination of the fuel. Raw fuel may contaminate the HO2S sensor’s air reference side if the ceramic element on the sensor develops a crack.
• Vacuum leaks in the engine.
• Fuel injector failure.
• Leaks in the exhaust system. The HO2S sensor will give a negative value. Because the exhaust gas contains more oxygen than the reference side of the sensor (when there is a leak). This is known as the Characteristic Shift Down.
• A cracked/blown gasket can also be the cause.

How To Fix The P1153 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

Here’s how to fix the P1153 code on a Silverado:

• The first and foremost thing to do is to replace both HO2S sensors. The O2 sensor itself is almost always to blame for this error code.
• Substitute the upstream sensors in banks 1 and 2. Run it and clear the codes. You can be sure it’s the sensor if the code changes to P1133 (B1S1 insufficient switching). Investigate wiring problems or perhaps even the PCM if it remains the same.
• Find the source of the contamination and make the necessary corrections before replacing a sensor. For example, check for contaminated fuel. The Alcohol/Contaminants in fuel should be kept in mind.
• An incorrect RTV sealant application and bad consumption of engine oil and coolant should also be checked before replacing the sensor.
• Check for leaks in the exhaust system. If you discover an exhaust leak, make the necessary repairs to the exhaust.
• Make sure the HO2S is mounted safely. Check the terminals for corrosion. Check the PCM connector’s and the HO2S’s terminal tension.
• Check the wiring for damage and make any necessary repairs. Make sure you crawl underneath your car and visually inspect every wire that touches the oxygen sensor and travels all the way back to your computer.

A wire may have been damaged even if it has been crimped. Look for burns, deterioration, and perhaps even missing wiring.

• The grounded Bank 2 HO2S 1 high signal circuit or the open Bank 2 HO2S 1 low signal circuit needs to be repaired. Additionally, fix the faulty PCM connections or the open Bank 2 HO2S 1 high signal circuit.
• A weak and old exhaust can also cause a problem. The temperature on the weak side of the exhaust will drop.

The best way to check this is to put the car on a lift and inspect the exhaust from top to bottom. If the hole is too large, you might need to replace the exhaust system entirely. Solutions range from tac weld, clamp, etc.

• Clean the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and run some seafoam over it. Use a vacuum line for sucking it in. Before replacing the sensors, run the seafoam because the gunk may clog them once more.
• Clean the fuel system and replace the throttle body, all injectors, plug wires, plugs, air filter, and differential octane. This will be the last resort if nothing else worked.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P1153 Code?

1. Parts Charge

As you know, you will have to replace the O2 sensors. The good quality ones usually cost around $75 a pop. But don’t buy single pieces, buy a set.

If you have to replace the injectors, it will cost around $600-700.

2. Service charge

It usually takes an hour or 2 to get the problem fixed, the exhaust checked, etc. And if you have to replace the exhaust it will take around $700-800.

Labor costs for changing injectors range from $200-400.

Can You Drive Your Chevy Silverado With Code P1153?

Yes, it is safe to drive. Although you will get reduced performance. But usually, no life-threatening situation arises.

It may only drive you crazy by annoying the hell out of you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The P1153 code is comparatively more precise to distinguish. But you only have to pray to God that it doesn’t come to bad injectors or exhaust leaks.

Because those are expensive repairs. Otherwise, it is pretty pocket-friendly as you have come to know from this article.

I hope this article helped you in many ways with important guidelines. Until next time, cheers!