New O2 Sensor = Service Engine Soon
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
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New O2 Sensor = Service Engine Soon
Today I decided I would do a little bit of work on the car. When I had the headers installed I had to have an O2 bung welded in which kinda messed up the coating in that area. I decided I would paint it before it rusted, I picked up some ultra-high temp header paint, Aluminum color to match the coating supposed to withstand 1500 degrees, blah, blah, blah. I dont' know how well it will work, but it's better than letting it rust.
While I was at it I decided I would replace the O2 sensors as well, the ones on the car are AC Delco so they may well be original, or dealership replacement. Either way it's time to replace them at 60k miles, assuming the dealer changed them at 30k. I get the new sensors and proceed to install them, and do my touch up painting.
I took the car for a drive, everything was cool for about a mile. After that I noticed that my A/F ratio gauge suddenly stopped working. WTF? I found a safe harbor, Total Engine Airflow, and checked it out. All my wiring was intact, so I decided to go on. 5 minutes or less later I get a Service Engine Soon light. At this point I decided to go back home. The car was still running great, so I knew it couldn't be too serious.
I got back home and pulled the codes, code 44, left O2 sensor lean condition.
I looked again at the wiring, everything seemed intact. I unplugged the sensor, looked at it and plugged it back in. I tried the key again and suddenly my A/F gauge works again. I guess I just didn't get it plugged in good the first time although it didn't fall out.
Oh well, I haven't driven it again, but I think I'll be fine. I did start it back up and gave it a rev or two, the gauge worked fine and I didn't have a code, although I'm sure I didn't give it enough time to get out of the diagnostic cycle.
I think my car just doesn't like me, it makes me do everything twice. Some of you may remember I had to do the same thing with my clutch. :smash: :smash: :smash:
I guess it beats driving a Ford.
:cheers: :chevy
While I was at it I decided I would replace the O2 sensors as well, the ones on the car are AC Delco so they may well be original, or dealership replacement. Either way it's time to replace them at 60k miles, assuming the dealer changed them at 30k. I get the new sensors and proceed to install them, and do my touch up painting.
I took the car for a drive, everything was cool for about a mile. After that I noticed that my A/F ratio gauge suddenly stopped working. WTF? I found a safe harbor, Total Engine Airflow, and checked it out. All my wiring was intact, so I decided to go on. 5 minutes or less later I get a Service Engine Soon light. At this point I decided to go back home. The car was still running great, so I knew it couldn't be too serious.
I got back home and pulled the codes, code 44, left O2 sensor lean condition.
I looked again at the wiring, everything seemed intact. I unplugged the sensor, looked at it and plugged it back in. I tried the key again and suddenly my A/F gauge works again. I guess I just didn't get it plugged in good the first time although it didn't fall out.
Oh well, I haven't driven it again, but I think I'll be fine. I did start it back up and gave it a rev or two, the gauge worked fine and I didn't have a code, although I'm sure I didn't give it enough time to get out of the diagnostic cycle.
I think my car just doesn't like me, it makes me do everything twice. Some of you may remember I had to do the same thing with my clutch. :smash: :smash: :smash:
I guess it beats driving a Ford.
:cheers: :chevy
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
Re: New O2 Sensor = Service Engine Soon (Nathan Plemons)
It is possible that your O2 sensor wire has a short in it, or the post you plug it into may be loose. This could cause an intermittent problem like the one you are experiencing.
Jim
Jim
