Emissions code
P2195: Upstream oxygen sensor stuck lean (bank 1)
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $180 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 1 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $75 | $175 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $110 | $370 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 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 oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter on cylinder 1's bank should swing back and forth several times a second. This one has stayed on a lean reading and is not moving. Either the sensor is dead or stuck, or the engine really is running lean the whole time.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Failed upstream O2 sensor
Safe for short drives. Fix soon, since it can run poorly and burn extra fuel.
What you may notice
- Poor fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Hesitation
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed upstream O2 sensor
- Exhaust leak near the sensor
- Real lean condition
- Wiring fault
Check this first
Ask the shop to read live fuel trims and look for exhaust leaks near the sensor before ordering a part. If trims are high on that bank, the engine may be lean for a real reason, and a new sensor will not change that.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P2195
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Vacuum leak repair | $100 to $530 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
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. Massachusetts rules 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).
P2195 questions
Is the sensor lazy?
A stuck signal is different from a slow response, though both point to a worn sensor. A stuck sensor shows the same reading no matter what, while a lazy one still moves but too slowly.
Could the engine be lean?
Yes, which is why fuel trims get checked first. A vacuum leak or low fuel pressure can make the engine run lean, and the sensor will faithfully report it, so replacing it would not help.
What does it cost?
The part is a fair share of the bill, and labor depends on how easy the sensor is to reach. A rusted sensor in a tight spot can add time, so ask for a written estimate with both listed.
How much does it cost to fix P2195?
The most common fix, oxygen sensor replacement (one sensor), has a typical range of $110 to $370 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0131: Oxygen sensor reads low voltage (bank 1, before converter)
- P0171: Engine getting too much air or too little fuel (bank 1)
- P2196: Oxygen sensor stuck rich (bank 1, before 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.