← Back to list

2000 Buick Park Avenue Ultra Stalling & Codes P0131, P0336, P0137: Causes, Diagnosis & Fixes

Model: 2000 Buick Park Ave Ultra Fault Code: P0131 Posted: 2017-11-20 12:50

HELP REQUESTED: I own a 2000 Buick Park Avenue Ultra and have been experiencing intermittent stalling and rough idle since last week. After replacing spark plugs, wires, crankshaft position sensor (CPS), alternator, fuel pump, fuel filter, upstream O2 sensor, and idle air control valve, the issue persists. The car now shows a pattern: every morning for three days, it struggles to start — it cranks repeatedly with a low growl sound, as if struggling to turn over. Once it finally starts, it runs with a hard idle, nearly stalling unless I keep the throttle steady. For a few minutes during warm-up, a small portion of the catalytic converter turns red and emits a rattling noise, followed by the check engine light turning on. After warming up, the car runs smoothly without any issues, and the check engine light cycles off. However, today's diagnostic scan revealed codes P0131 (Low Oxygen Sensor Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 1), P0336 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A - Wrong Position), and a history of P0137 (O2 Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2). The P0336 code appears multiple times in the past. I'm wondering if the issue lies with the crankshaft position sensor — I only replaced one part, not both. Could leaky fuel injectors be causing temporary startup issues due to fuel puddles burning off during cold starts? What other diagnostics should I perform? Any insights or troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P0131P0137
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2017-11-20 15:44

With your OBD2 scanner, perform a crankshaft position (CKP) relearn and monitor B1S1 and B1S2 sensor voltages. A common swag is low fuel pressure — use a fuel pressure gauge to verify this before proceeding. Ensure the relearn process is complete after any sensor replacement.

Anonymous 2017-11-20 16:13

I've tried the CKP relearn, but now my check engine light is permanently on with repeated P0420 codes (Low Catalyst Efficiency Bank 1). Could this be due to a mismatch between the new upstream O2 sensor and the downstream O2 sensor? The P0336 code was only in history — I'll attempt relearning to see if it resolves the issue.

Anonymous 2017-11-20 16:15

The upstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1) has been replaced, and the downstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 2) is still original. I believe this may be a factor in the catalytic converter inefficiency.

Anonymous 2017-11-20 17:18

What are all current diagnostic codes? Does your scanner read manufacturer-specific codes above P0999 (e.g., C128x)? Hold off on CKP relearn unless there's a confirmed crankshaft position issue. Perform a fuel pressure test — this is critical for diagnosing starting and idle problems in this model.

Anonymous 2017-11-20 18:15

Current codes are P0420 (appears three times), C1282, C1283, and C1284. These were present at around 4:30 PM; by 10 AM the next day, only P0131 and P0336 appeared — but the check engine light had already turned off. The codes from 4:30 PM are no longer showing in the current list. If the vehicle sits too long, it has difficulty starting again. I'm not doing any relearning myself — I'm working with a mechanic who has the proper tools.