O2 Sensor problem
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 26
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From: Birmingham AL
O2 Sensor problem
OK...I've got this code coming up:
Code P-157
O2 signal low
Bank 2 (BNK 2)
Sensor 2
Any idea as to what this will entail. I know I've got to replace one of the O2 sensors but how much trouble am I looking at and is this something I can do myself.
Thanks!!
Code P-157
O2 signal low
Bank 2 (BNK 2)
Sensor 2
Any idea as to what this will entail. I know I've got to replace one of the O2 sensors but how much trouble am I looking at and is this something I can do myself.
Thanks!!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
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From: Louisiana
Because there is a code showing up, doesn't actually mean it is a faulty O2 sensor. It could be in the wiring or the connection. Do you have a 96 FSM (factory service manual)? Does the car run/drive any differently since the code? More than likely the sensor has gone bad. I don't have a 96 and am probably wrong, but I think bank 2 sensor 2 is the right rear post cat O2 sensor. You should have no problem checking/changing it out yourself.
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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That's for your rear/after-catalyst O2 sensor, so I'd start by testing both of them with an 02 sensor test tool and a voltmeter.
This is where a datascan tool is helpful, too.
That way, you can determine which one's faulty. It's best to replace them in pairs since if ones gone ****-up, the other's sure to follow.
Hope this helps.
This is where a datascan tool is helpful, too.
That way, you can determine which one's faulty. It's best to replace them in pairs since if ones gone ****-up, the other's sure to follow.
Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
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From: Baltimore MD
All the O2 sensors are easy to replace for the left and right bank and post cat. Jack the front of the car up and they unscrew. They aren't that expensive ($30 to $40 a piece) and you can do it yourself. Usually would be replaced by the dealership at the 100K checkup if anybody actually let the dealership do it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by ralph
Is there any way to temporarily clean the O2 senor to test it? I have the same problem intermitantly with my duaghter's VW, except they want $200 the sensor 
"Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the oxygen sensor. Keep the in-line connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type. Do not repair the wiring, the connector, or the terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, the terminals, or the connector is damaged. Proper oxygen sensor operation requires an external air reference. This external air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, the connectors, or the terminals results in the obstruction of the air reference and degrades the oxygen sensor performance."
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Originally Posted by ralph
Is there any way to temporarily clean the O2 senor to test it? I have the same problem intermitantly with my duaghter's VW, except they want $200 the sensor
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: somers, ny
Onedef.....do you have a website? I know nothing about VWs or where to get parts. My guess and that of the VW service department is it is the sensor itself that is failing. If i could find one for like $100, i'd just give it a try and pray that it's not the cat failing.
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Originally Posted by ralph
Onedef.....do you have a website? I know nothing about VWs or where to get parts. My guess and that of the VW service department is it is the sensor itself that is failing. If i could find one for like $100, i'd just give it a try and pray that it's not the cat failing.
http://www.alleuropeanautoparts.com/...ts&btnG=Search
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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Originally Posted by ralph
BIG thanks.....$80....that site is a keeper 
It's saved my bacon more than a few times in keeping my aged E30 Bimmer puttering around.
