Engine Code P0133 Oxygen Sensor slow to respond

Well - I finally got the right code. Was given a wrong code from Autozone who I finally got the right code from. Anyway - here is my plight. I got this code and swapped out the 02 sensor before the cat. My mechanic reset and all was hunky dory for about 1K. Light back on again. Reset again, 1K or so and back on. Engine runs fine and fuel economy is about 30 city 36 highway. A little less than I used to get but not anything significant. From what I can deduce, my next step is the mass air flow sensor. Took to Hyundai service center as my mechanic said they might have some better diagnostic tools or be more familiar with problem. From a gogole search I see that I am not alone and this happens on all cars. I am awaiting word from Hyundai on what needs to be done. Not looking forward to spending another 3 or 400 bucks to replace the MAFS. If I do, can I be reasonably assured that the problem will be solved or "is it a matter of waiting for the shoe to drop?" Has anyone had this learning experience and could you share you thoughts on same? Thanks all. Freddy. :smokin:

Geez - I'm glad I wasn't asking for advice on open heart bypass surgery. Anyway - took to Hyundai because my mechanic couldn't find anything wrong. They put it on a lift and tell me that it is the flex pipe that needs to be replaced. Well, it could probably use replacement but the sensor on the flex is not the one malfunctioning. Remembered gas cap thingy and the guy at the station allways tops me off a lot. I decided to just stop topping off and 200 miles and several restarts later the engine light went out. The Stealer took my car on Thursday and guaranteed he'd have it fixed by Saturday. I got there at 8:05 Saturday morning and he puts it on the lift just before they open up and gives me a line of crap and then tells me that they haven't fixed anything and that they will only charge me $44 for their diagnosis. One good thing about Master Card. I didn't have to let this jerk know that he was about as likely to rip me off of $44 as the Pope is likely to turn Jewish. Same probability. Can you say dispute and I should know better. Use Hyundai parts, buy Hyundai cars, - stay away from Stealer. They will do nothing but rip you off anny way possible. All the best.

Freddy:smokin:

I have been having this same problem it has decreased my gas mileage. I belive its a small exhaust leak, I have had the CEL cleared and it keeps coming back, I think its also the flex pipe on my car, and today I got a blinking CEL so hopefully when I fix the leak it will fix all these problems.

I would say the exhaust leak would be the first problem, I know its not by the sensor that needs to be replaced, but the second sensor only really monitors if the cat is working properly.

Hi Danath 256:

Sorry to hear your in the same boat as me. I just drove 800 miles the other day and after 200 the Engine Light went off. Since the gas deal I've been double clutching at the pump and trying to squeeze in whatever will fit. I stopped that because I thought of that thingy with the vacuum pressure and all, though I've never had a problem like that and I remember driving in the days of the Original Oil Embargo when they sold locking gas caps because people would siphon your gas at night and fill up their tank with yours. I haven't had the light on since. I agree though that swapping out the flex pipe is a good idea. I got a price online for about $80. Hyundai quoted me $150 and $135 for labor. No thanks. I'm mechanically challenged but not totally mentally diminished yet. If you swap it out, would you get back to me and tell me if it's a major PIA and I should just buy part and have mechanic install or should I get my hands dirty and learn a little something. Thanks for the reply. I hope your car is doing better as we speak. This flex pipe - mine looks a bit worn but how much abuse will this item take. Is it warrantied with powertrain or anything like that. I think emissions is up to 80,000 miles. If you have less than that, you should be able to get it done for free. Finding a dealer that will do it anytime soon, priceless!!!!! All the best. Freddy:smokin:

Durning the next couple days (when it gets nice out again) i'm gonna jack up my car and climb under there, having someone hold a rag or something over the tailpipe so I can find out exactly where its leaking. Where did you finda good deal on the flex pipe? I also got a quote from the dealer, more than I want to pay.

This is kinda off topic, but how does your gearbox feel? Ever had any problems with it? Any grinding or anything?
I've been looking around and some people say they have never had a problem, and some complain a bit, so I was just curious.

Hi Danath: The shifter is a bit notchy. It isn't real smooth into 3rd for me and I've had the shifter cable replaced. The clutch is a little on the soft side these days too. I took a look under the car and the flex pipe looks lousy but not critical. I suggest you put it on a lift to see the pipes. Too low to ground to get a real good look at. I'm going to try swapping out the flex pipe. I googled Accent 2000 flex pipe and got a Borsch or something like that at Autozone (I think) for around $80. Hyundai wanted $150 for the part but the Hyundai part may include part of the exhaust pipe and the flex pipe (not sure). I got a muffler guy who's going to look at it when I have a couple sticks to rub together. In the meantime it gets 30 city 35 highway and I can live with that. It runs okay. It's really not the worst car in the world but the little things add up. When a car is lousy, it is usually lousy from the get go. This car has been good but I don't think the fit and finish are up to the Japanese and German cars. I'd like to swap for a new Accent. They look nice but I want a car I can get 10 years 150,000 miles out of. I think these days with the prices of cars and the technology that isn't asking too much and the new Honda's aren't that much more when you average all of the trips to get the car diagnosed (after the trip to Auto Zone to pull the code that points you in the direction of the problem). All the best. Let me know if anything good comes out of this. I'll let you know as well. All the best. Freddy.:smokin:

Took the car to an exhaust specialist. Turns out my flex pipe isn't pristine but there is no exhaust leak. Also the Mechanic showed me the codes and also showed me that the 02 sensor bank 1 was indeed working fine and showed me the diagnostic tool which showed the sensor fluctuating and sensing even though it was coming up with an error code. He also said it would be the sensor 2 that would reflect a flex pipe problem or catalytic converter problem. It took Bronx Big Apple Hyundai 3 days to diagnose my car which they did in 5 minutes. I got there at 8:05 and they open at 8:00. The previous night they called to tell me they hadn't gotten to the car and they open at 8:00 am. I got there at 8:05 and they hastily jacked it up and pronounced the problem was the flex pipe without even starting engine. For this thrill they charged me $44. He gave me a break. Fortunately, Master Card will dispute matter for me. Hate Stealers. The guy today spent an hour diagnosing the problem - took me in right away and showed and explained everything to me. His dianosis was that the sensor was working properly and that there was no exhaust leak of any kind. The flex pipe was not pretty but certainly functional. He advised that it might be a computer malfunction. At this point, I drive it till it doesn't drive any more. He said to just go by how the engine feels and fuel economy and hope for the best and expect the worst but that there was nothing mechanically wrong. He charged me $0 for his time and troubles and told me to just bring the car back if I need brakes or anything and that the computer might be able to be reprogrammed from Hyundai but it is no guarantee and a new computer is not an option. 87,000 miles and the engine is running. I only hope it passes inspection but he said it was okay with exhaust and all. I'm going to drive it till it drops. All the best. :smokin:

I need a Hi Scan Pro to diagnose the condition. It is a $4,000 unit that the 3 Hyundai dealers I went to neither used nor told me about and the one guy who told me he had it told me it was broken but I should bring in the car anyway. Anyone know an Auto Service Center in the New York Metro area that has this and that has one in working condition. I don't care if it's a Lamborghini dealer or a moped shop. I'd like to fix minor problem before it becomes a major problem and/or have some indication whether it's worth fixing in the first place. Without the aforementioned gadget, there is no precise way of telling what is wrong. I own a Hyundai because my last name is not Onassis. Fixing this, that and then the other in vain hopes of finally fixing the problem is a waste of money and time. The fact that I've found Hyundai unreliable in the service category should command some attention to a new prospective buyer. 100,000 mile warranty is great if you don't ever need to use it. If you ever do, don't scream when it hits you. Any ideas. Spoke to Hyundai Rep on phone yesterday. Very knowledgeable guy. I'd tell you his name but he wouldn't give me one. He had no idea what I was talking about and was yet another waste of time. Would appreciate it if anyone knew of a reputable service station to take it to who have the Hi Pro Scan scanner. My AAA guy just got one but he needs to find out how to use it. At least he's on the level. I'd like to fix it sooner than later but will deal with him if I can't find someone else to do the job. Anyone considering buying a Hyundai - they are made fairly well and are very nice until you need dealer services. In NY we have a saying for things like that. Forget about it!!!!!

i definately have a leak in my exhuast somewhere, but i am not showing any codes.i think its my flex pipe but not sure. do you siggest replacing it? i am also getting worse gas milege. But the gas might be due to the transmission problems i have been expierencing.

The flex pipe is located after the cat and before your second O2 Sensor if you have an accent. The part is sold by "Bosal" for US $68. It doesn't appear to be a big deal to swap out. If you have a leak in the flex, the second sensor after the cat should light up the ECM on your dashboard. I decided to swap out the Mass Air Flow Sensor and am hoping that that fixes the problem. I do use K&N filters and if the MAF is cooked it may be due to using one of them. I never reoil them as I know my limitations. Nevertheless, this is all I have left on my checklist. It ain't the flex pipe and it's not the O2 sensor. That leaves 2 things on the list - the MAF and the computer. If the new MAF doesn't fix the emissions problem, it's time to trade in the car and that would be a real shame as the car only has 87,000K on it and I take real good care of it. I can't see that it would hurt to swap out the flex pipe but I'd make sure that there is a leak before I did it as I believe in severe maintenance requirements but only fix something if you are sure it is broken or if you have no choice which is where I am at. If this works - I got a car. If it doesn't, I got a new car and some dealer gets the booby prize. Hope that helps.

I also went to autozone to get a reading on my check engine light. Reading was PO133 and P0137. They said for sure the 133 was bad and 137 could just need a cleaning. I dunno? I can only afford 1 sensor. Reading your post, looks like 133 is nothing to worry about and 137 is more like it.

And also, where do i find that MAF sensor in the car?

thanks for the advice, i have no idea if it is actually the flex pipe or not. I am putting my car in the shop today to get some tires mounted and balanced, so i will just have Paul take a look at it and tell me what the problem is, as for the location of the MAFS, if you are looking at your throttle body, on the right side there will be a tube coming out of it, follow the tube about 6 inches down and you will get to another peice of tubing making a T, the peice that makes the T is actually the MAFS, you can see a wire running from it and see that it can be unplugged. The MAFS is very delicate, never touch the screen and be carefull when handling them. hope that helps a little.

Also, i just installed a Weapon R, intake. It already had a hole cut in it for the Air temp sensor, and the MAFS went into place fine. I have been running it for about 2 days. And i was wondering if i am taking the risk of throwing a SES light by installing it. My friend installed a K&N intake on his car and his SES light came on. He just had to manually reset his computer and it was fine. any input or advice?

Hi guys: The MAF is the little gadget that is adjacent to the air filter. It's a little round gadget with a wire hookup on it. To be truthful, I have used a K&N since I bought the car and now have 87,000 miles on it. I was aware that if you reoiled it improperly it could mess with the sensors. I found out otherwise to the tune of $470 last night and $250 for an O2 sensor 2 months ago. I couldn't find a Hyundai dealer that would perform a Hi Scan on the car. Frankly, I like my car and it has had its share of minor problems but the engine hasn't caught on fire and the tranny hasn't fallen out yet. It runs well and I keep it serviced as it now belongs to me. I don't look forward to 5 years of payments and am hoping I can get some more miles out of the car. It is an old lady that swallowed the spider type of deal with this CEL light. I don't know what the P0177 code is. I googled it and came up with this: Fuel Composition Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. The problem is this could be your fuel pump or your gas cap or nine other things. With both those codes, I'd bring it to Hyundai if you live anywhere far from NYC. Service here at Hyundai is appalling. Make sure they have the Hi Scan Pro scanner and make sure they use it and show you the results before you spend dime one. Either that or take my route and swap out the problem areas and expect the worst and hope for the best. Wishing all well. I wish Hyundai had better service on their cars. When you bring in an older vehicle they try to nickle and dime you so that you finally trade it in and they replace a hose and sell it for 10 times what they gave you for it. That's been my experience with Hyundai Service. Now I have had help from a reputable service person from this very site so I ain't saying they're all bad, just the New York metorpolitan area stations I've had service at. And I do mean bad!!!! There is a Service Manager on the site here who is on the level and has helped me once or twice in the past so to all those Hyundai service guys who do an honest day's labor - you have my sympathies that you have representatives in other states that make one real leary of buying another Hyundai - and it's no longer the quality of the unit but rather that the dealers don't support it after 60,000 K. Oh yeah and to get your warrantied problem fixed; hope you have a few days to spend at the Motel 6 and make the most of all the amenities they will provide for the $50 a night you will have to pay out of pocket while they put your warranty job on the last of the list. Experience is a good teacher - a real bitch too sometimes but good nonetheless. All the best. If this don't work I'm taking the car for a swim in the East River. lol Wish you both well. Freddy:smokin:

Sorry about the wrong code: PO137 is listed as O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2). I am not sure if this is the one beyond the cat. If it is, it just might be your flex pipe is leaking. You will probably want to swap out that sensor too based on my research. I am not 100% on this and am a novice with a lot to say and little time to say it. Hope this helps. Freddy

137 is actually the one after the cat. Im gonna try to see if there's a leak anywhere and if not ill see if i can clean around the sensor. Is there away of clearing the codes manually w/o the obd II for a 96 accent?

By the way, your accent will last...this 96 hoopty accent of mine that I had passed down to my son has 150k mi. Did not take good care of it. In year 2000, for a whole year I didnt change the oil. I guess you can say after being ridiculed of what she is...I had abandoned her to suffer for years and also neglect but, after my nissan quest got totalled and all I had was her...she was the only faithfull one...:disappoin! Seriously, I had no probs with my accent only for the normal routine wear and tear replacements. I told everyone that this car outlasted my nissan SE-R and the Quest. None of them past 125Kmi. It has a lot of dings and dents but no rust...its amazing! As a matter of fact...Im looking at the new 06 Accent for myself!.

By the way...I wanna thank you guys for the advise!

Hi:

You're very welcome. You should be able to go to AutoZone and have them clear the OBD II codes with their reader. It sounds like a flex pipe issue you may be having. If that is it, you may have to swap out the 2nd 02 sensor too since it is probably rusted to the tailpipe by now but you never know. I saw a Bosal online for $68 US. So far my car is running well with the new MAF, filter and 02 sensor. I really like the car but servicing it is a PIA because these CELs are anything but target specific and finding a Hyundai service center in my area that A: Has the scanner and B: is going to actually use it on my car instead of C: sell me a flex pipe I don't need and D: hope I come back for more of the same. My AAA guy just got a $4000 scanner so you can go to a private shop and get a better idea of the problem and the little details of same. Hope that helps. Have a nice weekend.

Freddy:smokin:

oh yeah. Mine has no rust either except for the manifold but that is heat generated and wrought iron. The underside is beautiful and the body and interior is in really good condition. I hope it lasts. I own it and I like that better than the bank owning it even if it isn't a Maserrati. All the best.

Freddy:smokin:

Well - got the CEL yet again. The guy swapped out the flex and cleaned all the connections. I'm holding my breath. Did the job gratis. I may have been too hasty with Bronx Hyundai but the fact that they had the car for 3 days and couldn't get to the job doesn't add up. Anyway - as to the flex pipe - it can't hurt. My mileage seemed to improve a little so I'm hoping that all is hunky dory. I guess looking back in hindsight I would have swapped the flex before the other and I don't think it was the K&N either so I have to eat my hat on that one. Anyway - I hope you guys get your cars square. This hopefully ends my saga of woe. I don't know of anything else to try at this point other than what we've all done at this point. If it ain't a it's maybe b or c or all 3 of the above. Thanks OBD II. All the best. Freddy

Well - I finally got the right code. Was given a wrong code from Autozone who I finally got the right code from. Anyway - here is my plight. I got this code and swapped out the 02 sensor before the cat. My mechanic reset and all was hunky dory for about 1K. Light back on again. Reset again, 1K or so and back on. Engine runs fine and fuel economy is about 30 city 36 highway. A little less than I used to get but not anything significant. From what I can deduce, my next step is the mass air flow sensor. Took to Hyundai service center as my mechanic said they might have some better diagnostic tools or be more familiar with problem. From a gogole search I see that I am not alone and this happens on all cars. I am awaiting word from Hyundai on what needs to be done. Not looking forward to spending another 3 or 400 bucks to replace the MAFS. If I do, can I be reasonably assured that the problem will be solved or "is it a matter of waiting for the shoe to drop?" Has anyone had this learning experience and could you share you thoughts on same? Thanks all. Freddy. :smokin:

A flex-pipe that has a leak can cause P0133 -- a generic can be put on at a good muffler shop -- approx. $125 parts and labor.

tr :)

A flex-pipe that has a leak can cause P0133 -- a generic can be put on at a good muffler shop -- approx. $125 parts and labor.


Thanks for the timely reply. You wouldn't be the same arsehole that suggested wrapping my tailpipe in tin foil? lol Or might you be Tonto the Spaminator? Regardless, you two should be happy together - "birds of a feather" (Loons I believe) and all that. I have a nice new car and I will leave the two of you to fix one another's tail pipes and the like. As to the rest of the forum - there are only two things you will find on this forum - sick cars and sick people; and sometimes there is no car....... Peace Out!

Thanks for the timely reply. You wouldn't be the same arsehole that suggested wrapping my tailpipe in tin foil? lol Or might you be Tonto the Spaminator? Regardless, you two should be happy together - "birds of a feather" (Loons I believe) and all that. I have a nice new car and I will leave the two of you to fix one another's tail pipes and the like. As to the rest of the forum - there are only two things you will find on this forum - sick cars and sick people; and sometimes there is no car....... Peace Out!

Who else would it be, yes it's me. :)

I really like the beer can fix with worm drive clamps. hehe.

Over & out.

TommyR :)

Ah mon ami. Shakespeare was right "parting is such sweet sorrow." Good luck to you, TommyBoy and the rest. I think that people's perceptions of Hyundai are probably tarnished by those who own one. Myself included, of course. Fare thee well and best of luck to you. Frankly, you are a bit entertaining but very spiteful. Dude, life is short - "you could get more help from anusol so don't you waste your time on me." C'est la vie est Jaari?

Ah mon ami. Shakespeare was right "parting is such sweet sorrow." Good luck to you, TommyBoy and the rest. I think that people's perceptions of Hyundai are probably tarnished by those who own one. Myself included, of course. Fare thee well and best of luck to you. Frankly, you are a bit entertaining but very spiteful. Dude, life is short - "you could get more help from anusol so don't you waste your time on me." C'est la vie est Jaari?

You must include more George Carlin in your life's entertainment. Especially while driving in the Accent.

tr :)

Hi everyon at www.automotiveforums.com. This site came up in my search on this subject I am researching.So I just wanted to say hello to everyone.Great to see some real content on a site for onceinstead of the normal junk I have been reading.