'92 3.1L - CEL Code 13

[smf]

Hi All,

For the past month or so I have been getting a code 13 CEL. The light goes on and off at least a half dozen times on the way to work (17 miles). Is this code always representative of the Oxygen Sensor as the fault describes?

Thanks for any help,
smf

[jsgold]

There are always more than one way for a code to set, but, code 13 is the 02 sensor.

[smf]

Thanks jsgold, helpful as always,

I went to Autozone today and bought the replacement Bosch sensor and borrowed the sensor tool which was very necessary and free. After I was finished and drove the tool back to Autozone there was no CEL and the car seemed to run smoother. I'll have to wait and see if my gas mileage improves.

For anyone who needs to do this it was very easy. Only took me 15 minutes (45 minutes total with going to/from/to/from Autozone). Here's a step by step for anyone who's interested.

1) Disconnect battery cable.
2) Put special socket on oxygen sensor. Make sure wire is disconnected from harness.
3) Tool was a 3/8" drive so I used my 1/2-3/8" adapter and a 10"x1/2" extension to clear all the wires/tubing/engine.
4) Got out my 18" breaker bar and out it came. It was a little tough at first because the sensor was old and rusted. Note: Its easier if the engine is warm before taking the sensor out.
5) Threaded new sensor back on (already had anti-freeze compound) and put the socket on sensor.
6) The new sensor was longer then the original and the end was sticking out of the socket drive hole. Fortunately the special socket had a hex on the end and fortunately I had a large enough regular socket to place on the end. It was the largest in my box.
7) Used the extensions and ratchet and tightened it down.
8) Plug the sensor wire back into the harness.
9) Finished.

Hope this helps anyone needing this fix.

smf

[richtazz]

Just a note, Bosch oxygen sensors are not the greatest quality. Luckily, your car doesn't use a heated one, so you should be fine. I strongly recommend against Bosch o2's for newer vehicles that have heated (multi-wire) oxygen sensors.