O2 sensor

[mighypudman]

ok im having a problem my check engine light came on and my O2 is running lean .. i was wondering if there is a way to tell what one of my o2 sensors is the bad one so i dont have to replace all of them
thanks

 

[aldive]

Yes. run a scan with an scanner and monitor the function of the sensors.

Good luck....

 

[mighypudman]

were do i get a scanner and monitor or do i have to take it to a dealer or somthing

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by mighypudman
were do i get a scanner and monitor or do i have to take it to a dealer or somthing

You can purchase a scanner from many sources, I got mine at http://www.autoxray.com/default.htm

The dealer will charge you an arm and a leg.

Good luck.....

 

[GTO2050]

You can buy a cheap OBDII scanner from Pep Boys for $129.99 but I am not sure how much info it will give you. I know it will let you reset the light though.

 

[swep1]

I have a '96 X and an OBD II scanner purchased from Auto Zone for $149.99. When I was having oxygen sensor problems and the CEL comes on, it reads something like "PO153 Oxygen Sensor...bank 1 sensor 2" so it will give you a pretty decent idea of which one it is that's causing you problems. I took mine to a local mechanic, told him what I needed, avoided the charge for him doing a full scan and the problem was solved...would've done it myself if I had been able to get the old sensor loose. Good luck!

 

[jgilbs]

autozone will scan your codes for free if you just ask

 

[MattPersman]

yeah they have a great marketing reason for scanning your codes for free too. think about it. you go in, they scan your truck and see 3 codes, say O2, TPS and IAC

well we have all three of those back in the store, will you buy them? of course, you think you are fixing the truck. well what happens when you get home and install those 3 things and the light comes back? must have been something else but they already got your $ so you go back or take it somewhere else to try to get it fixed.

just cause it throws a code doesn't mean its the sensor. always write the code down, clear it and see if it comes back, if it comes back, start pulling on the wires, unplug the connector, clean it and try again. if it comes back, print out the flowchart how to diagnose the sensor to determine whats wrong. you can throw parts at a vehicle and maybe never fix it, its your money, I am telling you how to really diagnose it. now with an O2 its probably one of the front ones, bank 1 and the heater part is probably dead on it. heated o2s don't last very long and do need replacing.

hope this helps