Are you stuck with code 59 on your Chevy Spark? Engine trouble codes are quite common issues experienced by Chevy Spark owners. Though the trouble code 59 Chevy Spark may seem to have little effect on the drivability of the vehicle, it’s still not to be ignored.
Having dealt with some code 59 Chevy Spark issues in the past, I have shared some DIY steps for fixing it.
Code 59 Chevy Spark: Everything You Need to Know
Code 59 Chevy Spark is a trouble code that shows up in the vehicle when the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor starts malfunctioning. This error code is majorly caused by a failure of the oxygen sensor, accompanied by a decrease in engine performance and power, and a hard starting of the vehicle.
Issue Severity of The Code 59 Chevy Spark Won’t Start
Though vehicles can still be functional while dealing with code 59 Chevy Spark, the problem still harms the vehicle if ignored. The effects of code 59 Chevy Spark on vehicles include rapid consumption of fuel, hard starting, rough idling of the vehicle, engine power loss, and lots more. Worst still, these problems can reduce the lifespan of the engine if you ignore the error code 59 for too long.
Meanwhile, you can identify and solve common problems with Chevy 305 all by yourself with our self help guide.
Repair Urgency Needed for Error Code 59 Chevy Spark
As with all Chevy Spark problems and trouble codes, the code 59 Chevy Spark will damage your vehicle’s engine if left unfixed. To avoid experiencing the worst-case scenario, it is best to repair the code 59 Chevy Spark immediately after you detect it. The earlier you repair it, the lesser the damage inflicted on the vehicle, and the lesser the amount spent on repairs.
Troubleshoot & Diagnosis: Code 59 Chevy Spark
Here are a few methods you can use to diagnose error code 59 in Chevy Spark:
- Once your vehicle triggers code 59 Chevy Spark symptoms, the oxygen sensor harnesses should be the first part to check during a diagnosis. Visible damage to the oxygen sensor harnesses is an indicator code 59 Chevy Spark.
- Although the service manual for your vehicle will contain the standard resistance of the vehicle’s heater circuit, its resistance is still between 6-8 ohms, depending on whether the temperature is low or high. If the reading is not the same as that on your vehicle service manual, you might have a code 59 issue.
- For further diagnosis, in a case where the initial diagnosis steps yield positive results, connect a test lamp to the side of the oxygen sensor’s heater circuit on the vehicle. If the light produced by the lamp is not bright, it is a sign that the heater circuit is not functioning properly.
- You should also inspect the terminals of the connector joining the vehicle side of the harness and the oxygen sensor harness. This is necessary as the corrosion or damage of the terminals will lead to a bad connection which will give rise to code 59 Chevy Spark.
While carrying out this diagnosis, ensure that you avoid making some common mistakes like wrongly measuring the terminals of the connectors, or arriving at a conclusion without completing the diagnosis process.
What Does Code 59 Mean on a Chevy Spark?
When your Chevy Spark develops trouble code 59, it indicates that the oxygen sensor’s heater circuit is malfunctioning. This malfunction is characterized by the wrong electrical resistance of bank 2, sensor 1 of the oxygen sensor. The malfunction and incorrectness of the electrical resistance are detected by the power control module (PCM) of the vehicle.
How to Fix Code 59 on Chevy Spark
The most advisable method of fixing a code 59 Chevy Spark issue is by replacing the oxygen sensor. However, you can also repair code 59 by fixing problems or damages on the wiring because improper wiring and a misrouted harness are capable of activating code 59 on a Chevy Spark.
What can Cause a Code 59 Chevy Spark?
Various factors can trigger a code 59 on a Chevy Spark. Some of these include:
- Failure of the oxygen sensor.
- Faultiness or damage of the oxygen sensor’s wiring and connectors by heat.
- Opening of the oxygen sensor’s heater ignition circuit. In very rare cases, it can be caused by the failure of the power control module.
- Blowing or burning of the oxygen sensor fuse.
- Malfunction of the engine control relay.
If you own a vehicle with a Chevy 350 engine and are having throttling issues, check out this article on Chevy 350 Throttle Body Problems.
Code 59 Chevy Spark Symptoms
Look out for these symptoms, as they usually indicate a code 59 Chevy spark:
- Illumination of the check engine light.
- A decrease in the performance of the engine.
- A rapid increase in the consumption of fuel/combustion rate of the vehicle.
- Reduction in the production of engine power.
- Release of black smoke from the tailpipe.
- Hard starting of the vehicle.
- The vehicle starts idling roughly.
- The buildup of carbon deposits that causes a reduction in the lifespan of the spark plug.
How Much Does it Cost to Fix Code 59 Chevy Spark?
The cost for fixing the code 59 chevy spark won’t start, based on the DIY trouble code 59 fixing steps listed in this article is $185-$196. Splitting this estimated cost apart, the cost for labor should be between $41-$51 while the parts should cost about $144.
Furthermore, the cost of fixing a code 59 problem will vary based on your location and the labor hired for the work. Since the code 59 fix is not so complicated, doing it yourself will save you a couple hundred dollars.
DIY Steps to Fix Code 59 Chevy Spark
Code 59 Chevy Spark fixing steps are not complex. The steps listed in this article are quite understandable and easy to apply. Here are some DIY steps to fix code 59 Chevy Spark. You need to know that these DIY steps are more practical for people with at least an intermediate level of technical knowledge.
Code 59 Chevy Spark fixing steps are not complex. Besides, we’ve explained the steps involved in a simple way for you to understand and easily apply.
Note:
You need to know that these DIY steps are more practical for people with, at least, an intermediate level of technical knowledge.
Here are some DIY steps to fix code 59 Chevy Spark:
- Use a vehicle trouble code scanner to scan the vehicle for any trouble code(s), especially trouble code 59. If any other code is spotted during the scanning process, make sure that you fix them before fixing error code 59.
- Check for any damages on the connectors, wire harness, and metal tab of the heated oxygen sensor. If any damage is spotted, replace the heated oxygen sensor using the steps below.
- Use a jack and jack stands to raise and secure the vehicle.
- Detach the wiring harness connector of the damaged oxygen sensor.
- Use a socket to take out the oxygen sensor.
- Inspect the oxygen sensor for the replacement and the damaged one to ensure that they are of the same specification.
- Put in the new oxygen sensor and tighten its fitting. Then, reconnect the wiring harness of the oxygen sensor.
- After completely installing the new sensor, use an OBD II scan tool to delete any trouble code(s) present in the vehicle.
- Start the vehicle and take it for a test drive.
If the oxygen sensor is faulty, you should:
- Use a jack and jack stands to raise and secure the vehicle.
- Detach the wiring harness connector of the damaged oxygen sensor.
- Use a socket to take out the oxygen sensor.
- Inspect the oxygen sensor for the replacement and the damaged one to ensure that they are of the same specification.
- Put in the new oxygen sensor and tighten its fitting. Then, reconnect the wiring harness of the oxygen sensor.
- Use an OBD II scan tool to delete any trouble code(s) present in the vehicle after completely installing the new sensor.
- Start the vehicle and take it for a test drive.
Conclusion
As stated earlier in the article, the code 59 Chevy Spark may not affect the drivability of the vehicle. However, that’s not a reason for you to ignore it. Just like other trouble codes, an ignored code 59 will damage your vehicle with time.
I hope that with the contents of this article, you will be able to fix the trouble code 59 on your Chevy Spark.
