Check Engine/O2 sensor question...

[LtCmdrFlygirl]

I searched the archives and couldn't really find an answer for this.
I have a 2002 Chev. Cavalier Z24. My 'check engine' light keeps coming on. The mechanic said it was one of my O2 sensors. The light still keeps coming on. The same code keeps coming up for the O2 emmission sensor. All they can do is just keep re-setting the computer.
My question is this: would the type of fuel I use be a cause of this? Since I first bought the car, I have always used the 89 octane fuel. About a month ago, I began using the 87 octane, because I was dumb enough to listen to somebody telling me I was using the wrong fuel in the first place, never mind the fact it was cheaper than 89 octane.
Could this be a possibility? PLEASE HELP!!!

[MT-2500]

The type of fuel should not cause a 02 sensor code.
It is usually best to use the fuel that your owners manual calls for.
A lot of things can cause a 02 sensor code.
Bad wiring, bad 02 sensor, bad computer, bad tune up, or other engine sensors bad, some cars even need a pcm reflash to cure it. And I have run into some brands of fuel that has a lot of additives in them that is hard on 02 sensors.
If you can get the code no and post it back with the engine sise we can give you mor infomation on it.
Also finding a good repair shop that is trained in diagnoist repair would help.
Just getting the code and clearing the code is not very good repair work. They have to find the cause of the problem.
MT-2500

[MagicRat]

Good post^^
Did your mechanic actually change the O2 sensor?
If yes, and you still get a signal, there may be another fault.
For example, the O2 sensor may have a bad wiring or may have lost it's power source. Just replacing the sensor without checking the voltage down the wire is, IMO a shoddy repair.
Also, although you should use the fuel recommended in the owners manual, using 87 octane will not harm your car. If the octane is not sufficient, you may lose a bit of power and/or fuel mileage.
If 87 is sufficient, you should see no change.

[LtCmdrFlygirl]

P0132 Circuit High Volt sensor 1.
Does that make any sense?

[MT-2500]

Yes it does.
It tells us that your 02 sensor is running rich or feeding the computer a rich signal engine exhust is to rich.
May be bad tune up, fuel pressure to high, bad fuel pressure regulator, bad o2 sensor wiring, or bad o2 sensor.
You need to get it checked out by a good repair shop that know how to do diagnostc work.
Here is some info on the code in the pdf link below.
http://members.troublecodes.net/crunch/132.pdf
MT-2500

[LtCmdrFlygirl]

Thank you for all your help. I can't take it to my usual mechanic because I moved too far away, so I have been taking it to the dealership service department where I live now.

[MT-2500]

LTCmdrFlygirl
You are welcome and good luck.
Tip on going to the dealer
Ask that only a factory certified gasoline engine performance specialist work on your car.
Not all dealerships are concerned with how repairs are dispatched, and not all dealership techs bother to take advantage of the training offered by Ford (the vast majority of which is paid training). If the dealer is uncooperative, ask for your money back and call around for a dealer that will accommodate you.
Let us know how it goes.
MT-2500