P0135 on 2015-2017 Chrysler 200 3.6L: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2017 Chrysler 200

On the Chrysler 200 with the transverse-mounted 3.6L Pentastar V6, the P0135 code refers to the oxygen sensor on the rear cylinder bank (Bank 1), which is positioned against the firewall. This location makes the sensor notoriously difficult to access compared to the front (Bank 2) sensor. While the failure is almost always the sensor itself, Chrysler electronics can be sensitive, so using an OEM (Mopar) or OEM-supplier (like NTK or Denso) part is highly recommended to prevent compatibility issues that can cause the code to return.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Reduced fuel economy
• Failing an emissions test
• Rough idling or poor engine performance, especially when cold.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Bank 1, Sensor 1 Oxygen Sensor 🔴 High Probability The internal heater element is a common wear-and-tear component that eventually burns out from repeated heat cycles. This is the most frequent cause of a P0135 code.
   How to confirm: With the engine cold, disconnect the sensor and measure the resistance between the two heater circuit pins on the sensor side (often the two same-colored wires). A healthy sensor for this platform should have a resistance between approximately 3 and 15 ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance/OL) or a short circuit (near-zero ohms) confirms the heater element has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1, Sensor 1 oxygen sensor. This sensor is located on the exhaust manifold on the firewall (rear) side of the engine, before the catalytic converter.
   Est. part cost: $40-$190
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability The wiring harness for the rear O2 sensor is routed in a high-heat area near the firewall and exhaust components. Over time, the protective loom can become brittle, allowing wires to melt or chafe against the engine block or heat shields.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector leading to the Bank 1, Sensor 1 O2 sensor for any signs of melting, fraying, corrosion, or loose pins. If the sensor's heater resistance tests good, check for battery voltage (approx. 12V) at the heater power pin on the vehicle-side connector with the key on, engine off. On this platform, the PCM provides a pulse-width modulated 12V power signal to control the heater.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50
3. Blown O2 Sensor Heater Fuse ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Locate the fuse for the O2 sensor heater circuit in the vehicle's fuse box (often in the Totally Integrated Power Module or TIPM) and check for continuity. A blown fuse often indicates a short circuit in the wiring or the sensor itself, which must be found before replacing the fuse.
   Typical fix: Replace the blown fuse after diagnosing and fixing the underlying short circuit that caused it to blow.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Fault: This is very uncommon. Before suspecting the PCM, all other possibilities (sensor, wiring, fuses) must be exhaustively ruled out. On some older Chrysler models, a PCM software update was available to fix logic that could falsely trigger heater codes, but this is less likely for the 2015-2017 model years.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0135 is the primary code.
2. Locate the Bank 1, Sensor 1 oxygen sensor on the rear (firewall side) exhaust manifold.
3. Visually inspect the sensor's wiring harness and connector for obvious damage like melting, chafing, or corrosion.
4. Check the fuse for the O2 sensor heater circuit in the main fuse box (TIPM). Replace if blown, but investigate the cause of the short.
5. If no visual issues are found, disconnect the sensor connector. Measure the resistance across the two heater pins of the O2 sensor itself (typically the two wires of the same color). A reading of infinite resistance (OL) or near zero ohms indicates a failed heater element, and the sensor must be replaced.
6. If the sensor resistance is within specification (approx. 3-15 ohms), check the vehicle-side harness. With the key on and engine off, test for battery voltage (around 12V) on the heater power supply pin.
7. If voltage is present and the sensor's resistance is good, there may be an issue with the ground or control side of the circuit, or a rare PCM fault.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Oxygen Sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 1) (OEM #5149171AB) — This is the upstream sensor for the rear cylinder bank. Its internal heater element is the most common failure point for code P0135. This part number supersedes previous versions 5149171AA and 68066160AA.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NTK, Denso
  OEM price range: $120-$190
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$85
• Oxygen Sensor Socket Set — A specialized 7/8" (22mm) socket with a slot for the wire is highly recommended, and often required, to remove and install the sensor without damage, especially given the tight access on the firewall side. A crow's foot style O2 sensor wrench can also be very helpful.
  Trusted brands: Lisle, OEMTOOLS, GearWrench
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$40

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 21-021-15 Rev. E: Involves reprogramming the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for diagnostic and shift enhancements on 2015 Chrysler 200 models.
• TSB 18-022-17 Rev. A: Involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for general diagnostic and system improvements.
• NHTSA Recall 16V-529: Addresses an issue where the ZF 9-speed transmission can unexpectedly shift into neutral due to a wiring harness crimping problem.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Difficult Access: The primary challenge for this repair is the location of the Bank 1, Sensor 1 O2 sensor. It is on the rear of the engine against the firewall, requiring mechanics to work in a tight space, often by feel. This may require removing other components for access and using specialized tools like a crow's foot O2 sensor socket.
• Real-World Experience: A forum user on 'CarKiller' with a 2015 Chrysler 200 3.6L AWD described having 'nonstop issues' after 80,000 miles, including many of the platform's known problems, highlighting potential reliability concerns as the vehicle ages.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• O2 Sensor Heater Element Resistance — expected: 3-15 Ohms at ambient temperature. Failure: A reading of infinite resistance (OL - open circuit) or near-zero Ohms (short circuit) indicates a failed heater element.
• Heater Circuit Power Supply Voltage (at harness connector) — expected: Approximately 12V (Battery Voltage) with Key On, Engine Off (KOEO). Failure: Little to no voltage suggests an issue upstream of the sensor, such as a blown fuse, faulty relay, or problem with the TIPM.
• Heater Circuit Control Signal (at harness connector) — expected: The PCM supplies a pulse-width modulated 12V signal to ground the circuit. A test light connected to the control pin should pulse when the engine is running and the heater is commanded on.. Failure: No pulse, or a constantly on/off signal, points to a wiring fault or a rare PCM driver failure.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or equivalent high-level scanner): O2 Heater Test — A bidirectional O2 heater test can command the heater circuit on/off manually. This allows a technician to verify if the PCM driver is capable of controlling the circuit and to monitor voltage and current draw in real-time, confirming if the fault lies with the sensor, wiring, or PCM itself.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 1 Sensor 1 O2 Sensor Connector — On the rear (firewall side) of the engine, connected to the upstream O2 sensor in the exhaust manifold.. This is the primary connection to test. The two same-colored wires (often black or white on aftermarket sensors) are for the heater circuit. One pin receives 12V power from the ASD/TIPM, and the other is the ground-side control from the PCM.
• PCM Connector C2 — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is typically located in the engine bay near the battery or firewall.. The O2 sensor heater control wire terminates here. For example, on some 3.6L applications, the Bank 1 Sensor 1 heater control wire is a Brown/Dark Green wire at pin 57 of the C2 connector. Verifying continuity from the sensor to this pin can rule out a wire break.
• Engine/Chassis Grounds (e.g., G301, G304) — Various points on the engine block, cylinder heads, and chassis frame rails.. While not exclusive to the O2 sensor, a corroded or loose main engine ground can cause unstable voltages and intermittent sensor faults across the entire engine management system, including heater circuit codes.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Chrysler Forum (chryslerforum.com) (Chrysler vehicle with P0135) — Check Engine Light with code P0135.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially suspecting a complex wiring issue.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The problem was resolved by replacing the Bank 1, Sensor 1 oxygen sensor. The owner confirmed the heater element in the original sensor had failed, which is the most common cause for this code.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68066160AA → 5149171AA — Part revision and consolidation by manufacturer.
• 5149171AA → 5149171AB — Part revision and consolidation by manufacturer.
  Heads up: 5149171AB is the current, correct OEM part number for this application.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Leaking Oil Filter Housing/Cooler Assembly 🔴 High — Very common across all 3.6L Pentastar engines. The plastic housing is prone to cracking/warping from heat cycles, causing significant oil and/or coolant leaks into the engine valley. (Ref: No recall, but it is a widely documented design flaw. Aftermarket aluminum housings are a popular and permanent fix.)
• ZF 9-Speed Automatic Transmission Problems 🔴 High — Common on 2015-2017 models. Symptoms include harsh shifting (especially 2-3 gear), lurching, sudden shifts to neutral, and hesitation. (Ref: Multiple TSBs (e.g., 21-021-15 Rev. E, 21-019-17 Rev. A) were issued for software updates to improve shift quality. A recall (NHTSA 16V-529) was issued for some 2015 models for unexpectedly shifting into neutral due to a wiring harness issue.)
• Rocker Arm / Lifter Failure ('Pentastar Tick') 🟠 Medium — A known issue on some 3.6L Pentastar engines, often appearing after 50,000 miles. A failed rocker arm bearing causes a distinct ticking/tapping noise from the upper engine. (Ref: TSB 9100229 notes not to replace MDS lifters for a misaligned pin, indicating it's a known area of concern.)
• Various Electrical Issues 🟠 Medium — Owners report a range of electrical gremlins, sometimes attributed to the PCM's location in a high-heat area under the hood or loose battery/ground connections.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For an electronic wear item like an oxygen sensor, buying a used part is NEVER recommended. The heater element has a finite lifespan, and a used sensor has an unknown number of heat cycles on it. The labor involved, especially for the hard-to-reach Bank 1 sensor, makes it financially unwise to risk installing a part that could fail shortly after installation.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable; do not buy used oxygen sensors.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly 'OEM-only', Chrysler platforms are notoriously sensitive to the brand of oxygen sensor used. Using a non-OEM part that isn't from a primary OEM supplier is a significant risk for this repair.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• NTK (also known as NGK)
• Denso

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Bosch (while a quality brand, some of their universal or non-specific sensors have been reported by forum users to cause compatibility issues with Chrysler electronics).
• Unbranded or 'white-box' parts from online marketplaces.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0155 — This is the heater circuit failure code for Bank 2, Sensor 1. It often appears alongside P0135 on the 3.6L Pentastar engine as both upstream sensors share similar wear patterns.
• P0131 — A low voltage code for the same Bank 1, Sensor 1 oxygen sensor, which may be triggered if the sensor or its wiring harness is damaged by heat near the firewall.
• P0132 — A high voltage code for the Bank 1, Sensor 1 oxygen sensor, often related to wiring shorts or sensor failure in the high-heat rear engine area.
• U0402 — Invalid Data Received from TCM; related to the general electrical and transmission diagnostic issues addressed in TSB 21-021-15 Rev. E for the 2015 Chrysler 200.

Frequently Asked Questions