O2 Sensor - Code P0137

[branny]

This is my first post, i have had my 2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7L 4x4 for 18 months and keep getting niggling problems. I usually search the net and end up using info from this site, so i thought i should join!

Today my Check Engine Light came on, checking the code using the ON OFF method gave code P0137. This seems to indicate an O2 sensor fault.

My question is really drawing on peoples experience to see if this could be an intemittent fault.
I only use the vehicle for short journeys (3 miles) and today it was particularly cold outside (<40F).

Will the vehicle revert to some sort of fuel map in the absence of sensor data?

Fuel efficiency really doesn't bother me, but i don't want to bust my CAT. Luckily i live in a county with no emissions testing or annual inspection.

Anybody got any info or advice for how to approach this issue?
I was thinking i would see how i go for a while, probably disconnect the battery too and see if it returns at some point.

Thanks in advance

 

[tjkj2002]

Yeah till the O2 sensors reach about 600 degrees they do not work and your PCM is running in "open loop" which means a preset fuel/air mixture which is on the rich side and will remain using that preset if your O2's are not sending info to the PCM.If not fixed long term will take the cats out and they are not cheap and you are now past the 8 year/80,000 mile federal warranty for those cats.

 

[branny]

Thanks, sounds like on my commute the car will rarely enter closed loop anyway this time of year.