What Does P013C Mean?
The ECM has determined that the Bank 2 Sensor 2 (downstream) oxygen sensor is responding too slowly during the rich-to-lean transition. This is the same type of fault as P013A but on the opposite engine bank. The sensor behind the catalytic converter on bank 2 is taking too long to detect the shift from rich to lean exhaust conditions. This impairs the ECM's ability to accurately monitor bank 2 catalytic converter efficiency.
Common Causes
40%
Aging or contaminated Bank 2 downstream O2 sensor with slow rich-to-lean response
20%
Silicone or coolant contamination on the O2 sensor element
15%
Oil fouling from excessive oil consumption on bank 2 cylinders
15%
Exhaust leak near the bank 2 downstream sensor location
10%
Bank 2 catalytic converter degradation altering exhaust chemistry
Diagnostic Steps
1
Monitor Bank 2 Sensor 2 on a graphing scan tool during deceleration fuel cut events. Measure the rich-to-lean transition time — it should complete within 100-150ms.
2
Compare Bank 2 Sensor 2 response times to Bank 1 Sensor 2. If both banks show slow response, suspect a common contamination source. If only bank 2 is slow, the issue is bank-specific.
3
Inspect the Bank 2 downstream O2 sensor for visual contamination signs on the sensor tip — white (coolant/silicone), black (carbon/oil), or glazed appearance.
4
Check for exhaust leaks around the bank 2 catalytic converter and downstream exhaust pipe joints.
5
Verify bank 2 fuel trims are within normal range. Excessive rich running on bank 2 can accelerate O2 sensor contamination.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $350
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has determined that the Bank 2 Sensor 2 (downstream) oxygen sensor is responding too slowly during the rich-to-lean transition. This is the same type of fault as P013A but on the opposite engine bank. The sensor behind the catalytic converter on bank 2 is taking too long to detect the shift ...
The most common cause of P013C (O2 Sensor Slow Response - Rich to Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 2)) is: Aging or contaminated Bank 2 downstream O2 sensor with slow rich-to-lean response
Typical repair costs for P013C range from $100 to $350, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to drive. This is an emissions monitoring code affecting the bank 2 catalyst efficiency evaluation. No driveability concerns. Vehicle will fail emissions testing.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P013C to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Emissions / Exhaust
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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