Intermittent CEL

[toopicky]

Just bought my first Explorer, ('97 XLT AWD 5.0). Great Vehicle. Looks nice, runs and drives great, very clean interior. I've had it for 3 months now and the only thing I can find wrong is an intermittent CEL.

Had it scanned for codes and this is what came up:
P0133
And the read out I got says:
"slow response (heated oxygen sensor, bank 1)
Probable cause:
#1 Oxygen sensor defective.
#2 Fuel system running rich or lean. Check other codes first.

First off, there are no other codes, so that is a good thing. Second, when the CEL is on, it doesn't seem to affect the way it runs in any way.

This is what is happening. The first time it came on was when I hit a bump on the highway. It stayed on for about a week and then I hit another bump and it went out. This has happened about three times now. It is putting up a code every time the light comes on.

I guess the question is, could there be a bad connection or something that would cause the light to come on if it gets shaken from time to time? I've done a lot of reading and have not found anyone else with this same problem.

Anybody got an idea where to look first?

 

[jremington59]

If you don't have an exhaust leak on the pass side and the wiring looks good you could very well have a faulty sensor. It's the one closest to the engine on the passenger side.

 

[toopicky]

If you don't have an exhaust leak on the pass side and the wiring looks good you could very well have a faulty sensor. It's the one closest to the engine on the passenger side.

Thanks, there is no exhaust leak. I'll have to check the wiring. I have the next couple of days off. Be as good a time as any to check it.