P1198: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2 Electrical Malfunction (VW)
Severity: low
What it means: On VWs, the computer sees an electrical problem in the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on bank 1. The heater warms the sensor so it reads correctly sooner.
Safe to drive? Usually safe to drive. You may fail an emissions test until it's fixed.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Usually no drivability change
- Failed emissions test
Likely causes, ranked
- Failed oxygen sensor heaterDIY
- Damaged wiring or connectorDIY
- Blown fuse for the sensor heaterDIY
- Engine computer fault (rare)Shop
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Vehicle-specific notes
- 1993–2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: A 2003 Eurovan VR6 owner's van died while driving and would then start and die after about 4 seconds. VAG-COM showed 8 intermittent faults, including P1570, P1649, P1198, P0322, P0321 and P0441. The owner reported a new fuel pump fixed it, so several of these codes were side effects of the stall. Read the full answer · Source
DIY or shop?
Often DIY with an oxygen sensor socket. Check the fuse and connector first.
Before you replace parts
- If several codes appeared at once right after a stall, fix the stall first. One Eurovan's list of codes went away with a new fuel pump.
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, not just this one.
- Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.
- Inspect wiring and connectors for the related sensor or part before buying parts.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Exhaust parts get very hot. Let them cool before working. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.
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