o2 sensor replaced/ code reset
hughw
12-10-2006, 09:10 AM
I have a code for the 2 ox sensors for my 2000 ses, I am about to replace the sensors.....Question is Will the computer reset after the sensors are replaced by simply removing battery cable and replacing it again ?
shorod
12-10-2006, 10:03 AM
Do you happen to know what the codes were? Many times the person behind the counter at a parts store will tell you "The Oxygen Sensors are bad" even though the code was for a rich condition on one of the cylinder banks. In cases like this, the O2 sensors are doing what they are supposed to, reporting that there is a rich (or lean) condition.
The oxygen sensors in your 2000 should be good for around 100k miles, if you only have, say 50k, chances are good that either the sensors are not bad or you have other conditions causing the sensors to degrade prematurely.
As for clearing the codes, I've read others have had luck disconnecting the battery and leaving it disconnected for 5 minutes or so. However, my recall is that this is not supposed to work with OBD-II systems. I've always had a tool that can clear the codes, so I've never experimented to see if disconnecting the battery works.
Many chain auto parts stores will clear the codes for you at no charge. Some may ask you to provide evidence that you made an attempt to remedy the code (such as showing a receipt for new O2 sensors).
-Rod
The oxygen sensors in your 2000 should be good for around 100k miles, if you only have, say 50k, chances are good that either the sensors are not bad or you have other conditions causing the sensors to degrade prematurely.
As for clearing the codes, I've read others have had luck disconnecting the battery and leaving it disconnected for 5 minutes or so. However, my recall is that this is not supposed to work with OBD-II systems. I've always had a tool that can clear the codes, so I've never experimented to see if disconnecting the battery works.
Many chain auto parts stores will clear the codes for you at no charge. Some may ask you to provide evidence that you made an attempt to remedy the code (such as showing a receipt for new O2 sensors).
-Rod
hughw
12-10-2006, 01:08 PM
Do you happen to know what the codes were? Many times the person behind the counter at a parts store will tell you "The Oxygen Sensors are bad" even though the code was for a rich condition on one of the cylinder banks. In cases like this, the O2 sensors are doing what they are supposed to, reporting that there is a rich (or lean) condition.
The oxygen sensors in your 2000 should be good for around 100k miles, if you only have, say 50k, chances are good that either the sensors are not bad or you have other conditions causing the sensors to degrade prematurely.
As for clearing the codes, I've read others have had luck disconnecting the battery and leaving it disconnected for 5 minutes or so. However, my recall is that this is not supposed to work with OBD-II systems. I've always had a tool that can clear the codes, so I've never experimented to see if disconnecting the battery works.
Many chain auto parts stores will clear the codes for you at no charge. Some may ask you to provide evidence that you made an attempt to remedy the code (such as showing a receipt for new O2 sensors).
-Rod
Thanks for your reply Rod, and you are right on....I went to a different store
to get the sensors and he advised me that I was probably wasting money and that it was not usual thst two sensors went out at the same time...
And suggested that I checkl for a source of an air leak or possible a fuel problem...I changed the fuel filter ans decided to check the pcv valve...and
discovered that the pcv valve hose was broken.....Replaced the hose and all is well with the tauras! Thanks again for your info...by the way, I disconnected the battery and reconnected....the code is gone
The oxygen sensors in your 2000 should be good for around 100k miles, if you only have, say 50k, chances are good that either the sensors are not bad or you have other conditions causing the sensors to degrade prematurely.
As for clearing the codes, I've read others have had luck disconnecting the battery and leaving it disconnected for 5 minutes or so. However, my recall is that this is not supposed to work with OBD-II systems. I've always had a tool that can clear the codes, so I've never experimented to see if disconnecting the battery works.
Many chain auto parts stores will clear the codes for you at no charge. Some may ask you to provide evidence that you made an attempt to remedy the code (such as showing a receipt for new O2 sensors).
-Rod
Thanks for your reply Rod, and you are right on....I went to a different store
to get the sensors and he advised me that I was probably wasting money and that it was not usual thst two sensors went out at the same time...
And suggested that I checkl for a source of an air leak or possible a fuel problem...I changed the fuel filter ans decided to check the pcv valve...and
discovered that the pcv valve hose was broken.....Replaced the hose and all is well with the tauras! Thanks again for your info...by the way, I disconnected the battery and reconnected....the code is gone
shorod
12-10-2006, 07:45 PM
Thank you for the follow-up post on your experience, and congratulations on getting the car fixed!
-Rod
-Rod
medicmandan
12-13-2006, 06:36 PM
A little off subject, but is there any benefit to just replacing the O2 sensors around 100K? I just hit 90K on my 99 and have noticed the gas mileage degrading a little. I've replaced the air filter and run some good injector cleaner through already.
sparkslg
12-13-2006, 08:24 PM
A little off subject, but is there any benefit to just replacing the O2 sensors around 100K? I just hit 90K on my 99 and have noticed the gas mileage degrading a little. I've replaced the air filter and run some good injector cleaner through already.
To answer yor question , no O2 are not maintenance items
you generally only need to replace them when they fail.
To answer yor question , no O2 are not maintenance items
you generally only need to replace them when they fail.
shorod
12-13-2006, 09:30 PM
This depends on your definition of "fail." An O2 sensor can become slow to respond which may effect fuel economy. The sensor hasn't stopped working, but it is less efficient. If you define "fail" as not working as efficiently as new, then okay.
Ideally one who suspects the O2 sensors may not be operating to peak efficiency would use a scan tool with the datastream capability to monitor how effective the O2 sensors are working, as well as making sure the heater current is within specifications.
However, if you plan to keep the car for awhile, have noticed decreased efficiency, have recently had a tune up performed, and are looking for a weekend project that won't be a waste of money in the long run, treat the O2 sensors as a maintenance item. Even Bosch considers an oxygen sensor long-life if it lasts up to 155,343 miles.
For the decreased fuel economy, also consider the coolant temperature sensor and a contaminated Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor. A bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank every oil change is good preventive maintenance as well.
-Rod
Ideally one who suspects the O2 sensors may not be operating to peak efficiency would use a scan tool with the datastream capability to monitor how effective the O2 sensors are working, as well as making sure the heater current is within specifications.
However, if you plan to keep the car for awhile, have noticed decreased efficiency, have recently had a tune up performed, and are looking for a weekend project that won't be a waste of money in the long run, treat the O2 sensors as a maintenance item. Even Bosch considers an oxygen sensor long-life if it lasts up to 155,343 miles.
For the decreased fuel economy, also consider the coolant temperature sensor and a contaminated Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor. A bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank every oil change is good preventive maintenance as well.
-Rod
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