Emissions code
P0037: Oxygen sensor heater circuit low (bank 1, after converter)
How much to fix P0037? Typically $100–$350.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $180 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $150 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $100 | $350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, oxygen sensor replacement (one sensor). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The heater in the sensor behind the catalytic converter is reading a circuit that is too low, as if the wire is shorted to ground or broken. That sensor checks how well the converter works, and without its heater, it can report slowly or incorrectly.
- Safe to drive?
- Usually yes, for now
- Most common cause
- Failed heater element
Safe to drive.
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What you may notice
- Check-engine light on
- No change in how the car drives
- Possible failed readiness test
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed heater element
- Wiring shorted to ground
- Corroded plug
- Blown fuse
- Computer driver fault
Check this first
Inspect the wire and plug for this sensor along the exhaust pipe for rubbing, burn marks or pinching, and check the heater fuse. Chafing is common where the wire runs near a hot pipe or a bracket.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0037
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0037 questions
How is it different from P0036?
P0037 means the heater circuit reads low, usually from a short or an open wire. P0036 is the more general heater circuit fault. They point to the same sensor and are usually fixed in the same way.
Does it affect gas mileage?
Rarely. The rear sensor mostly checks the converter and does not adjust fuel much, so the engine runs close to normal. The main impacts are the light and failing an emissions test.
Should I replace both oxygen sensors?
Usually only the faulty one. The other sensors are not part of this code, so replacing them adds cost with no benefit. If they are all old, a shop may suggest it, but ask them to explain why.
How much does it cost to fix P0037?
The most common fix, oxygen sensor replacement (one sensor), has a typical range of $100 to $350 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $110 to $370 |
| New York City area | $110 to $360 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $110 to $370 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $100 to $350 |
| Houston area, Texas | $100 to $340 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $100 to $340 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $100 to $350 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $100 to $350 |
| Miami area, Florida | $100 to $350 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $110 to $370 |
Related codes
- P0036: Oxygen sensor heater circuit fault (bank 1, after converter)
- P0141: Oxygen sensor heater fault (bank 1, after converter)
- P0420: Catalytic converter not working well (bank 1)
- P0138: Rear oxygen sensor reads high (bank 1, after converter)
More emissions codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.