Posts Tagged: oxygen sensor
How much does an oxygen sensor replacement cost
Understanding Oxygen Sensor Replacement Cost: What You Need to Know Oxygen sensor replacement cost varies based on whether the sensor is actually an old-style oxygen sensor or a more expensive (and more reliable) air/fuel ratio sensor. Many people mistakenly call an air/fuel ratio sensor an oxygen sensor. An air/fuel ratio sensor does the same thing as an oxygen sensor, but it’s faster, far more accurate, and almost four times the cost of the older style. An older oxygen sensor costs around $80, while an air/fuel ratio sensor can cost around … Read More
How to Replace an O2 Sensor: Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to Replace an O2 Sensor Replacing an oxygen sensor isn’t the most complicated job, but if you don’t do it right, you’ll end up frustrated, dealing with a stuck O2 sensor or damaging the exhaust pipe, O2 sensor bung, or the catalytic converter. I’ve replaced more than my share of oxygen sensors, and I can tell you that the right approach—and the right tools—make all the difference. Whether getting a check engine light for a bad sensor or performing preventative maintenance, this guide will walk you through the … Read More
Learn how a catalytic converter works
How a catalytic converter works A catalytic converter converts the various exhaust compounds of hydrocarbons (HC), Oxygen (O2), and Nitrogen oxides (N2) into more environmentally friendly gases. The converter is made using a porous ceramic structure coated with various precious metals. The metals are designed to react with the exhaust gases to cling to oxygen molecules and release them when fuel or oil enters the converter. This article explains how a catalytic converter works. In a perfect world, all engines would burn the perfect combination of air and fuel in … Read More
Diagnose and fix a P2098 trouble code
Fix code P2098 trouble code on Dodge Stratus, Sebring Trouble code P2098 on a Dodge Sebring or Dodge Stratus indicates that the downstream (post catalytic converter) is reporting a reading that’s consistently above or below center for a predetermined amount of time. Most DIYers replace the oxygen sensor and wonder why they still get the same code. In effect they’re treating the messenger and not the message. An exhaust system has two oxygen sensors. The first sensor tests how well the computer did in calculating air/fuel mixture. The second sensor … Read More
P0137 trouble code: What it means and how to fix it
Learn what a P0137 trouble code means and how to fix it A P0137 trouble code is defined as: Oxygen Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1). This sensor is located on the engine bank that houses #1 cylinder and is located AFTER the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor measures oxygen levels in exhaust gases post-combustion to optimize engine performance and minimize air pollution. If oxygen levels are too low, indicating a rich fuel mixture, the PCM reduces fuel delivery. Conversely, if oxygen levels are too high, indicating a … Read More
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) Code P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2) NOTE: Codes P0420 and code P0430 are similar. I wrote a much more detailed explanation of how an emission system works and what causes these codes. Read this post and then refer to this more detailed post. Code P0420 means the catalytic converter for bank 1 has failed it’s testing. The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter switches back and forth between rich and lean as the computer constantly changes air … Read More
P0133 Code — What it means and the most common causes
Learn what a P0133 code means, the most common causes and how to fix it A P0133 code is defined as: 02 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1). Bank 1 is the bank that holds cylinder #1 and sensor 1 is the sensor upstream from the catalytic converter. The code means that the upstream oxygen sensor on the exhaust from bank 1 isn’t reacting as quickly as it should to changing oxygen levels. The ECM is constantly updating the air/fuel mixture and overshooting and undershooting the 14.7:1 ratio. … Read More