98 pontiac grand am acting funny

[deb789]

When riding my grand am Ive noticed the car after putting it in brakes the car stopped on me liked it jerked. I heard a clicking sound and then the car stopped. The check engine light came out in the beginning so it was warning me ahead of time. I started the car back and it turned on. But noticed that it waas like jumping and made that clicking sound again So i was scarred and called my husband. He took it to Autozone and have the service engine light checked. they read the code. They said it was the 02 senser went bad. Is this true this sensor can make your car run bad. Please help!!

[jrcaraudiofreak]

First I will tell you ahead of time that that test is merely a tool to get you pointed in the right direction, not always 100% accurate. I work at Autozone just to let you know. But, yes an O2 sensor can make your car act that way. What an O2 sensor does is that it measures the carbon and oxygen in your exhaust to determine how much fuel is being burned. It then relays this message to the ECM (Electronic Control Module) AKA the computer, and the ECM proceeds to adjust air/fuel mixture to compensate for a too lean or too rich mix. Now if this sensor goes bad the computer will "see" from the sensor that it might be measuring a too lean or too rich mix and try to adjust the curve when it needs not. Or the ECM will simply detect that it is not getting a reading from the O2 sensor and will set a code. But, with all of this said, 80% of the time with an too lean or too rich mix on today's vehicles, it usually points back to the O2 sensor. They are a common problem. I hope this helps you out.

[deb789]

Originally Posted by jrcaraudiofreak

First I will tell you ahead of time that that test is merely a tool to get you pointed in the right direction, not always 100% accurate. I work at Autozone just to let you know. But, yes an O2 sensor can make your car act that way. What an O2 sensor does is that it measures the carbon and oxygen in your exhaust to determine how much fuel is being burned. It then relays this message to the ECM (Electronic Control Module) AKA the computer, and the ECM proceeds to adjust air/fuel mixture to compensate for a too lean or too rich mix. Now if this sensor goes bad the computer will "see" from the sensor that it might be measuring a too lean or too rich mix and try to adjust the curve when it needs not. Or the ECM will simply detect that it is not getting a reading from the O2 sensor and will set a code. But, with all of this said, 80% of the time with an too lean or too rich mix on today's vehicles, it usually points back to the O2 sensor. They are a common problem. I hope this helps you out.

Will this check engine light dissapear, also after installing the 02 sensor? Also my low trac light keeps showing. What do i do about this annoying light? Thanks, jrcaraudiofreak.

[ClassicRockMe]

Question for all, Did the problem occur at low RPM (when coasting to a stop) and applying the brakes? Make kind a gurgling sound, and kind of lurch forward as if it didn't want to stop? If so, that's what I am experiencing on my '98 4 cyl SE. Question 3 - If the O2 sensor is the culprit, how do I know if it's the one in front of the catalytic ($25) or the one behind the catalytic ($97)? Arrrrgh!!!
Many thanks for any help!!

[petey_z24]

they usually recommend replacing all of them, but the code should tell which specific one, ie. bank 1 or 2

[Slade901]

Once all other engine sensors reading are taken, the O2 sensor is the last authority and then the computer make final changes for the air/fuel mixture.
Example, if the Coolant Temperature Sensor (CTS) is bad and registering cold all the time even though the engine has already reached the operating temperature, the O2 sensor will try compensate its best after all other sensors reading are read.

Just make sure that the O2 sensor wires is not disconnected or rubbing on the engine block.

Check this article http://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/o2sensor.htm

[bottomtech]

The 02 sensor behind the convertor is only used to monitor the efficiency of the convertor. It has no effect on fuel delivery.

[ClassicRockMe]

Whoo hoo! Thanks everyone!!
Guess where I'll be tomorrow? Looks like a new O2 and new plugs will solve a couple of problems.

Again MANY thanks!!!

[jrcaraudiofreak]

Originally Posted by deb789

Will this check engine light dissapear, also after installing the 02 sensor? Also my low trac light keeps showing. What do i do about this annoying light? Thanks, jrcaraudiofreak.

The check engine light will not dissappear after installing the O2 sensor. It must me reset with the OBDII scanning tool or by dissconnecting your battery for about 10-15min. The problem with the low tract light has got me. Sometimes grand am's tend to turn off the traction control when the ses light is on but not the low tract light. That kinda indicates to me that a speed sensor or abs sensor might be bad. Or even a loose connection. That one has got me stumped. Sorry. Good luck.

[ClassicRockMe]

I replaced the plugs and O2 sensor and no real change noted. Still looking for ideas on what to try next.

Many thanks in advance!