O2 sensor...

[nhbilly]

Autozone doesn't lend out O2 OBD readers any more

Does anyone here know where I can borrow one? I'm in the SoCal area.

I'm taking a wild guess that my car O2 sensor is busted since driving my 98 Civic EX w/ 120K miles seems fine in SoCal 405 traffic jam it's only been 2 days since the check engine light was on. I wonder if this will significantly screw up my mpg of 29-31mpg.

What do you guys think?


Thanks.

nhb

[DarkFury]

Paging MM34... Patient on line 1... STAT!!!

[nhbilly]

Paging MM34... Patient on line 1... STAT!!!

LOL

I wonder if pepboys lends it out.

[uncledaddy]

Autozone doesn't lend out O2 OBD readers any more

Does anyone here know where I can borrow one? I'm in the SoCal area.

I'm taking a wild guess that my car O2 sensor is busted since driving my 98 Civic EX w/ 120K miles seems fine in SoCal 405 traffic jam it's only been 2 days since the check engine light was on. I wonder if this will significantly screw up my mpg of 29-31mpg.

What do you guys think?


Thanks.

nhb

Anytime the Check Engine lamp of Service Engine Soon lamp comes on, you aren't getting optimal mpg. The vehicle goes into what's called a limp in mode. It runs off of programmed memory in open loop, usually full rich mode for all driving conditions to allow the vehicle to be driven to be serviced. It can be driven this way forever, but it may eventually cause other repairs necessary down the line.

I don't know where to get any scanners in SoCal, maybe try Kragen. I don't usually see O2 going out too often, they are probably the most misdiagnosed sensors in a feedback system. Even if you get an O2 code, make sure you put a scope or vantage on the sensor and read the waveforms at different conditions such as idle, snap throttle, etc. and check voltages. You also have upstream and downstream O2.

If you get a open circuit codes make sure you check all harnesses with dvoms before condemning the sensor.

Other problems can cause O2 codes as well.
It would suck to replace only to have the lamp come back on later.

[johnnymk]

About a year ago, I asked the Autozone guy about renting a scanner. He said they don't, but you can buy one and then return it for a complete refund. I don't know if this is still in effect though.

[uncledaddy]

I've never used any of those parts store scanners, I wonder if they are any good. My Snap-On cost me over $6,000 for the unit and the last 2 upgrades.

You don't even get a thank you, a kiss, a "hey, was it good for you"....nothing.

[uncledaddy]

I've never used any of those parts store scanners, I wonder if they are any good. My Snap-On cost me over $6,000 for the unit and the last 2 upgrades.

You don't even get a thank you, a kiss, a "hey, was it good for you"....nothing.

Of course a Snap-On can do a lot more than just read codes.


oops, how the heck did I quote myself.

[Daedalus]

You have a Modis? A guy in my shop class brought one once and it was pretty sweet.
Once when I was travelling I had to use the "buy and return" scanner from Autozone. They will read all generic codes and some manufacturer specific codes. You can read generic parameters, including O2 voltages, but no waveforms or anything fancy like that. I'm not certain, but I think they can run some simple diagnostic tests for some cars, probably domestics only.

[DarkFury]

Of course a Snap-On can do a lot more than just read codes.


oops, how the heck did I quote myself.

Bwaaa haa haa haa...

Pretty funny that you responded to yourself on that one. Now I'm waiting for you to get into an arguement with yourself in a future post.

[NSX]

My check engine light(CEL) came on as well last month. This is on my 241,000 mile 1992 Honda Accord.

What I did was jump the service connector with a paperclip to have it run it's diagnostics. The CEL in the dashboard blinked to give me the error codes (like an SOS signal). Then I looked up that error code pattern on the internet.

The error code that came back for mine was the 02 sensor. I checked it and I discovered I accidently cut one of the 02 sensor wires while changing the radiator hoses.

One of the things I read on the internet during my research is to NOT buy Bosch or any other aftermarket O2 sensors. Stick with Honda OEM.

I would go research the internet to find out how to jump the connector to get your codes. Then go from there.

--Conrad

PS Someone mentioned fuel economy would drop. I drove my car for three tanks with the CEL on and my MPGs did not drop one bit. The only side-effect (for me) to the CEL being on is about a 200 rpm drop in idle speed... which made it idle very roughly. But keep in mind, I'm only OBD1. YMMV!

[nhbilly]

Just going to replace the O2 I have a friend that owns a junkyard. Cross my fingers it won't be a bitch to take off. Hmm maybe I should check the wires make sure its connected.

[uncledaddy]

I think you may be able to access the codes from the harness behind the right kickpanel. It is a blue connector. Use a paper clip to jump the connector terminals with the ignition off. Turn ignition on then count flashes of check engine lamp. Long flashes = tenth digits and short flashes = ones.

It's been awhile but I don't know if this works on OBDII. I never have to use the tricks, I have equipment.

Calling mechmike.......


edit: Now that I think about it, I think on an OBDII system, that connector in the kickpanel may be used for timing only, but then again, its been awhile and I don't have any manuals available.

[mechmike0034]

What do you guys think?

I think that there are literally hundreds of situations that could cause a CEL to come on.

I think that trying to substitute a "wild guess" for proper diagnostics is an exercise in futility.

I think you should get whatever is making the CEL come on properly diagnosed and repaired.

I think installing a junkyard O2 sensor is like re-using a paper plate after eating spaghetti off of it.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but you asked what we (collectively) thought...

[mechmike0034]

You have a Modis? A guy in my shop class brought one once and it was pretty sweet.

I created the curriculum for this: http://www.snapontraining.com/on-line_training_10.html

[uncledaddy]

I think installing a junkyard O2 sensor is like re-using a paper plate after eating spaghetti off of it.

Nice one.

I created the curriculum for this: http://www.snapontraining.com/on-line_training_10.html

That's awesome!

[Daedalus]

Impressive! Wish I could justify getting one, but it's way too rich for what I would use it for. I simply love cars, engines and garage tools, but at some point I realized the more I spent on tools the more I found myself fixing friends' cars.

[uncledaddy]

I'm with you there. I have over $75,000 invested in tools and equipment. All sitting in a toll box that cost more than my truck. And yes, I spent too much time on friends vehicles. I haven't done much since my accident. (I took a torque multiplier to the frontal orbit under 1200 ft. lbs.). But I love to work for fun now and then.

And I missed your question earlier but I have the MT2500. Still accomplishes a lot, but no where near a MODIS.

[johnnymk]

When I put the '92 5.0 with all of the fuel injected components in my 64-1/2 Mustang, I borrowed my friend's Snap_On scanner to verify the integrity of the system. I was amazed when it told me that only 5 components had errors. Well, one of the couplers which sits at the back of the intake manifold was not seated. Those errors went away but a TPS out of range error then came up. I adjusted it and hopefully everything is OK.

I haven't compared the Snap-On to other cheaper models, but I sure am impressed with it.

[Nija]

After reading that, I now know what it's like when my friends and I start talking about computers/gaming amongst non-geeks.

[DarkFury]

After reading that, I now know what it's like when my friends and I start talking about computers/gaming amongst non-geeks.

Yeah, I wish I had more "mechanical" knowledge of combustion engines as well (along with more home improvement knowledge... i.e. electrical, plumbling, and craftsman skills.)

I just have to defer to the experts on stuff like that.

[nhbilly]

I think that there are literally hundreds of situations that could cause a CEL to come on.

I think that trying to substitute a "wild guess" for proper diagnostics is an exercise in futility.

I think you should get whatever is making the CEL come on properly diagnosed and repaired.

I think installing a junkyard O2 sensor is like re-using a paper plate after eating spaghetti off of it.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but you asked what we (collectively) thought...

Thanks I'm just being lazy I need a reader or should I short the OBD pins to get a read out.

[Daedalus]

Get some confirmation that would work. You don't want to fry your ECU. I did a quick Google but couldn't get a straight answer for your particular car. A basic code reader is pretty cheap and they're easy to come by. It will only tell you what subsystem the car's computer *thinks* has a problem.

[uncledaddy]

As I posted earlier, the paperclip test doesn't work with OBDII. You need to use a scanner of some kind. And even though you know what the DTC is does not mean that the particular sensor or actuator is at fault. It's as mechmike says, literally hundreds of situations can cause a CEL to emit. And for any DTC, there may be a dozen reasons for the DTC, from a faulty component to a faulty ECU and anything in between. Not trying to scare you, but it's possible.

Proper diagnosis from a reputable and competent tech is probably the best and least expensive way to go, for the long run. Other wise you may find yourself just throwing parts at the problem without fixing it.

[nhbilly]

Finally got it fixed. The stupid oil mileage thing on my car was broken. Usually it would turn yellow and red to indicate that it was 7,500 miles and time for an oil change but the thing is I always change the oil at 5,000. I run synthetic and always forget to hit the reset button I was caught off guard since the indicator was still green, so when I reset it and drove for another day it went away. Thanks guys! Saved myself $100+ bucks

[uncledaddy]

Finally got it fixed. The stupid oil mileage thing on my car was broken. Usually it would turn yellow and red to indicate that it was 7,500 miles and time for an oil change but the thing is I always change the oil at 5,000. I run synthetic and always forget to hit the reset button I was caught off guard since the indicator was still green, so when I reset it and drove for another day it went away. Thanks guys! Saved myself $100+ bucks

That's cool. Now are you sure that it was the CEL that came on or the MIL (maintenance indicator lamp). There is a difference. CEL is amber in color and MIL is red, (or yellow to red).

If it was the CEL that's pretty good, I remember that it used to take Fords forever to run the monitors and turn off the CEL but the DTC will remain until cleared with a scanner.

[nhbilly]

I'm positive it was the CEL. This is the second time it has happen to me since I let the indicator go red after changing the oil.