P0137 on 2011-2024 Dodge Durango 3.6L: O2 Sensor Low Voltage Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2024 Dodge Durango

For the Dodge Durango with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, a key issue to be aware of is the engine's tendency to develop oil leaks from the passenger-side valve cover gasket. The dripping oil can saturate the Bank 1, Sensor 2 oxygen sensor and its electrical connector, which are located directly below. This oil contamination is a frequent cause of sensor failure, leading directly to the P0137 code. 🎬 Watch this quick guide on fixing P0137 on the Pentastar 3.6L. Always inspect the area above the sensor for signs of fresh oil before assuming the sensor simply failed on its own.

Generation note: The 2011-2024 model years all belong to the third generation (WD) of the Dodge Durango. While the 3.6L Pentastar engine received updates around 2016 (including Variable Valve Lift), the causes, diagnosis, and repair for code P0137 remain consistent across this entire year range as the O2 sensor locations and common leak points are fundamentally the same.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Vehicle will fail an emissions inspection
• Slight decrease in fuel economy (may not be noticeable)
• Burning oil smell if the cause is a valve cover leak dripping on the exhaust
• Rough idle in some rare cases

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Bank 1, Sensor 2 Oxygen Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Oxygen Sensor Oxygen sensors are wear-and-tear items that degrade over time from heat and contaminants. A very common cause on this specific engine is contamination from a leaking passenger-side valve cover gasket dripping oil directly onto the sensor and its connector. Age and heat cycles also cause internal failure.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the sensor and its wiring for oil saturation. With a scan tool, monitor the live data for 'O2S B1S2'. If the voltage is stuck below 0.2V and does not fluctuate even when the engine is revved, the sensor is likely bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the Bank 1, Sensor 2 oxygen sensor. 🎬 Watch this walkthrough for replacing the Durango's oxygen sensors. If a valve cover leak is present, that must be repaired first to prevent repeat failure of the new sensor.
   Est. part cost: $40-$190
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor's wiring is routed under the vehicle, where it is exposed to road debris, water, and high exhaust temperatures, which can cause wires to become brittle, melt, or break. The harness can be damaged by contact with the hot exhaust pipe if not properly secured. Manufacturer service bulletins for similar platforms, such as TSB Bulletin #25-002-14, explicitly link P0137 to the 1/2 O2 sensor being shorted to ground.
   How to confirm: Perform a thorough visual inspection of the wiring harness from the sensor to its connection point. Look for chafed, melted, or broken wires and corroded or oil-filled connector pins. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and shorts in the circuit.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector. Ensure the harness is properly routed away from heat sources.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Exhaust Leak ⚪ Low Probability Exhaust components can develop leaks at gaskets and welds due to rust and thermal stress. A leak before the B1S2 sensor will draw in fresh air, causing the sensor to read a false low voltage.
   How to confirm: With the engine running (preferably when cold), feel and listen for air escaping from the exhaust system anywhere before the Bank 1, Sensor 2 location. A shop can use a smoke machine to pinpoint small leaks. Common leak points are flange gaskets and manifold cracks.
   Typical fix: Repair the leak by replacing the faulty gasket or exhaust component.
   Est. part cost: $20-$200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is very rare. Before condemning the PCM, all other possibilities (sensor, wiring, exhaust leaks) must be exhaustively ruled out. A faulty PCM driver circuit can mimic a failed sensor. This is more likely if multiple sensor codes are present simultaneously.
• Lean Running Condition: An engine running lean (too much air, not enough fuel) will naturally have more oxygen in the exhaust, causing a low voltage reading. However, this condition will almost always trigger other codes, such as P0171 (System Too Lean Bank 1) or P0174 (System Too Lean Bank 2), along with P0137.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0137 is present.
2. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the passenger side of the engine and exhaust. Look for signs of oil leaking from the valve cover onto the exhaust and the downstream O2 sensor.
3. Inspect the O2 sensor's wiring harness and connector for any signs of melting, chafing, corrosion, or physical damage. Ensure the connector is free of oil and debris.
4. Check for exhaust leaks between the engine and the Bank 1 Sensor 2. Listen for hissing sounds when the engine is cold or use a smoke machine for a more accurate diagnosis.
5. Use a scan tool to observe the live data for the 'B1S2' O2 sensor voltage. With the engine warm and running, the voltage should be relatively stable, typically between 0.5V and 0.8V. If it is stuck very low (e.g., below 0.2 volts), it points towards a faulty sensor, a significant exhaust leak, or a wiring issue.
6. Test the sensor's heater circuit. A blown fuse for the O2 heater circuit can sometimes cause signal issues, though it usually sets a separate heater circuit code.
7. If the sensor, wiring, and exhaust are all confirmed to be good, the final and least likely step is to test the PCM's internal driver circuit, which typically requires a professional technician.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Oxygen Sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 2) (OEM #5149171AB) — This is the most frequent failure point for code P0137, either due to age or oil contamination from a common engine leak. 🎬 See how to replace the passenger side valve cover gasket. The original part number 5149171AA was superseded by 5149171AB.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NTK, Denso
  OEM price range: $120-$190
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• Valve Cover Gasket (Passenger Side) — Frequently required if the root cause of the O2 sensor failure is an oil leak from the valve cover. Replacing the sensor without fixing the leak will lead to repeat failures.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Fel-Pro, Mahle
  OEM price range: $30-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0138 — This code for 'O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage' can appear if the wiring is shorted, causing erratic voltage readings that swing between high and low extremes.
• P0037 — This code for 'HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low' relates to the internal heater of the same oxygen sensor. Heater circuit faults often accompany sensor signal faults, as they are part of the same component.
• P0171 — If the engine is actually running lean, you will likely see a P0171 (System Too Lean Bank 1) code alongside P0137, indicating a fuel delivery or vacuum leak issue rather than just a sensor fault.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• While no TSB is directly for P0137, TSB 09-008-15 addresses oil loss and pooling in the engine valley, which is related to the oil leaks (like the oil filter housing) that can affect other components.
• TSB 18-034-14 REV. A was issued for a different sensor code (P0520, oil pressure sensor) on many 2013-2014 Chrysler vehicles including the Durango, but it demonstrates a history of sensor-related electrical issues on this platform.
• Manufacturer TSB Bulletin #25-003-13 and Bulletin #25-004-12 identify P0137 as a specific diagnostic condition where the 1/2 O2 sensor is shorted to ground, requiring targeted circuit inspection.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A common oil leak from the passenger-side valve cover on the 3.6L Pentastar engine can drip onto the Bank 1 Sensor 2, causing it to fail and trigger code P0137.
• The wiring for the downstream O2 sensor can sometimes come into contact with the exhaust pipe, causing it to melt and short out the circuit, which will also trigger P0137.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Downstream O2 Sensor (B1S2) Live Data Voltage — expected: Relatively stable, fluctuating slowly between 0.5V and 0.8V on a warm, running engine.. Failure: Voltage is stuck below 0.2V for a sustained period.
• O2 Sensor Heater Element Resistance — expected: Between 2.0 and 30.0 Ohms when tested at the sensor's connector pins at room temperature.. Failure: A reading of OL (infinite resistance/open circuit) or near 0 Ohms (short circuit) indicates a failed internal heater.
• O2 Sensor Heater Power Supply — expected: Battery voltage (approx. 12V) at the power supply pin on the harness-side of the connector with Key On, Engine Off.. Failure: No voltage points to a blown fuse (in the TIPM), a bad relay, or a break in the power supply wire.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• B1S2 Connector — Underneath the vehicle on the passenger side. The connector is typically black, has a longer pigtail than other O2 sensors, and is clipped to the vehicle underbody or transmission.. This is the primary point of failure from oil contamination from the valve cover leak above it. It's also exposed to heat and road debris, making it a common spot for corrosion or damage.
• O2 Sensor Heater Fuse — Located in the under-hood fuse box, also known as the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), on the passenger side of the engine bay.. A short in the old sensor's heater circuit can blow this fuse. If the fuse is not checked and replaced, a new sensor will not function correctly and may set a heater circuit code or continue to show signal problems.
• Engine Ground Points (G903a/G906a) — General location is the right (passenger) side of the engine compartment. A key ground for O2 sensors is G104, located under the heat shield near the passenger-side catalytic converter on similar platforms.. A corroded or loose ground connection can introduce electrical noise or a voltage offset, causing the PCM to see an incorrect low voltage reading from an otherwise healthy sensor.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• JeepGladiatorForum.com user (similar 3.6L Pentastar platform) (2021 Jeep Gladiator) — Burning oil smell, followed by a Check Engine Light for P0137.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The dealer initially only replaced the passenger side valve cover gasket to fix a visible oil leak.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The P0137 code returned after the gasket replacement. The dealer then found the B1S2 O2 sensor was saturated with oil residue from the prior leak and also required replacement. The final fix was replacing both the leaking gasket and the contaminated sensor.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5149171AA → 5149171AB — Standard part revision and update by the manufacturer.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Cracked Oil Filter Housing / Cooler Assembly 🔴 High — Very common, especially on 2011-2015 models. Can occur anytime after 60,000 miles. The plastic housing sits in the hot engine valley and becomes brittle, leading to significant oil or coolant leaks. (Ref: TSB 09-008-15 provides diagnostic aid for oil pooling in the valley, which is a symptom of this failure.)
• Rocker Arm and Lifter Failure ('Pentastar Tick') 🔴 High — Common on 2011-2016 engines, typically manifesting as a distinct ticking noise from the top of the engine. Failure of the rocker arm needle bearings can cause misfires and, if ignored, catastrophic engine damage.
• Left Cylinder Head Failure (Early Models) 🔴 High — Affected a small percentage of 2011-2013 engines, causing a misfire on cylinder #2 and a check engine light. It was due to excessive valve guide wear. (Ref: Chrysler extended the warranty on the left cylinder head for affected vehicles to 10 years or 150,000 miles.)
• TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure 🔴 High — Common on 2011-2013 models. A faulty fuel pump relay inside the TIPM can fail, causing the engine to stall without warning or fail to start. (Ref: Recall P54 / NHTSA 14V-530 was issued to install an external fuel pump relay to bypass the faulty internal one.)
• Alternator Failure 🟠 Medium — Affects 2011-2014 models equipped with the 160-amp alternator. The alternator can fail suddenly, leading to a stall. (Ref: Recall P60 / NHTSA 14V-634 was issued for this issue.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used part is only recommended for the wiring harness pigtail connector. If the original connector is melted, corroded, or oil-saturated, a clean pigtail cut from a donor vehicle at a junkyard is an excellent and cost-effective repair.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 150000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a wiring pigtail, ensure the plastic is not brittle or cracked.
• Check that the connector's locking tab is intact.
• Look inside the connector for clean, corrosion-free pins.
• Ensure there are at least 6-8 inches of wire attached for easy splicing.

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

• Oxygen Sensor

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• NTK (often the OEM supplier)
• Denso

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Bosch (Some owners of Chrysler-family vehicles report compatibility issues and premature failures with Bosch O2 sensors, even if they work well in other vehicle makes).

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P2096 — Post-catalyst fuel trim system too lean (Bank 1); often appears alongside P0137 when the downstream sensor detects a lean condition or is failing due to contamination.
• P0520 — Oil pressure sensor circuit code; mentioned in TSB 18-034-14 REV. A as part of a history of sensor-related electrical issues on the 2013-2014 Durango platform.
• P0302 — Cylinder 2 misfire; associated with the left cylinder head failure on 2011-2013 models, which is a known high-severity issue for this engine alongside O2 sensor failures.
• P0138 — O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2); the opposite of P0137, often caused by the same wiring damage or harness contact with the hot exhaust pipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Documented NHTSA Reports

Manufacturer service bulletins have documented specific electrical failure modes for this code. TSB Bulletin #25-002-14 and Bulletin #25-003-13 note that P0137 can be triggered when the 1/2 O2 sensor is shorted to ground. Additionally, Bulletin #25-004-12 highlights that this short-to-ground condition on the downstream sensor circuit is a recognized performance issue within the manufacturer's diagnostic protocols.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used part is only recommended for the wiring harness pigtail connector. If the original connector is melted, corroded, or oil-saturated, a clean pigtail cut from a donor vehicle at a junkyard is an excellent and cost-effective repair.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 150000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a wiring pigtail, ensure the plastic is not brittle or cracked.
• Check that the connector's locking tab is intact.
• Look inside the connector for clean, corrosion-free pins.
• Ensure there are at least 6-8 inches of wire attached for easy splicing.

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

• Oxygen Sensor

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• NTK (often the OEM supplier)
• Denso

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Bosch (Some owners of Chrysler-family vehicles report compatibility issues and premature failures with Bosch O2 sensors, even if they work well in other vehicle makes).

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P2096 — Post-catalyst fuel trim system too lean (Bank 1); often appears alongside P0137 when the downstream sensor detects a lean condition or is failing due to contamination.
• P0520 — Oil pressure sensor circuit code; mentioned in TSB 18-034-14 REV. A as part of a history of sensor-related electrical issues on the 2013-2014 Durango platform.
• P0302 — Cylinder 2 misfire; associated with the left cylinder head failure on 2011-2013 models, which is a known high-severity issue for this engine alongside O2 sensor failures.
• P0138 — O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2); the opposite of P0137, often caused by the same wiring damage or harness contact with the hot exhaust pipe.

Frequently Asked Questions