does my CEL = O2 sensors ????

[Tim K]

I know there are any number of reasons for the CEL light to come on, but from reading posts it seems like 90+% of the time its the O2 sensors. My CEL has been on and off for about a month. No noticeable loss in Gas mileage though. It will come on for 2-3 days...then go off for a couple days...then come on again. My EX is about to roll over 90K on the original sensors which makes me think that is my problem. I have no idle problems, no temp problems, all my fluids look fine. The only "symptoms" of a problem I have seen is in the last few weeks, when the engine is cold, I will hear a puttering sound (sounds like a distant military helicopter) when sitting in D at a stop light. Once the engine warms up the sound goes away. Also, in the last 3 days I have had the engine stutter and not turn over cleanly a few times. I will clean my K&N and the MAS again to see if that helps and maybe throw in a bottle of injector cleaner.

Any other thoughts? I know I could have the codes run but every place around wants $69-89 just to plug in their machine. I think that is a rediculous price to charge for 2 minutes of work. Especially if for $89 they are going to tell me to replace a $30 O2 sensor. I can't afford to throw away $80 for a diagnosis....

 

[Alec]

Could also be the IAC. If it is though, it sounds like the IAC isn't that bad and the injector cleaner should help. I'd say the IAC is getting a bit gummed up and so are your O2's.