02 sensor ses light

[9901gp]

I have a 99 gtp 27k miles. I just had TOG headers, down pipe, and a borla cat back installed last week. Thats the only thing done to the car. Today the ses light is on. I had it scanned at auto zone they said it was the 02 sensor and that i need a new one. Is that true? or can the light just be turned off. Or do i need something else done? any ideas I'd appreciate.

[tblake]

Most of the times when people do exhaust work, They get the cat efficiency below thresh hold code. I did shortly after I installed a high flow downpipe.

You do have a cat converter on it, right?

What is the exact code that you got? P0420 by chance?

If so, and you have a cat converter, you have two options.

-buy an O2 simulator from ZZP and plug it in for your rear O2 sensor
-have the P0420 code removed from your PCM (if you plan on getting a tuned PCM, send them an email and tell them what you want before you order)

[9901gp]

yea I do have the cat. I'm not sure what the code was they just told me that the scanner said it was 02 sensor 1, bank 1. I do plan on getting a pcm at some point. So having that code deleted when i get the pcm or the 02 similuator will shut the ses light off? And if i just leave it as is for awhile will it affect anything else? thanks

[tblake]

When it comes back on, have it scanned again and post the code for us. Then we'll be able to give you more definitive answers.

[tblake]

btw, a 99 with only 27,000 miles? I'm SO JEALOUS!

[9901gp]

lol Yea an old lady had it before me and kept it really well. I will get the code tommorow and post it.

[tblake]

sounds good!

[BNaylor]

It is common to get a CAT converter efficiency issue with headers, aftermarket CAT or even an aftermarket downpipe.

As suggested get a 02 simulator or get the PCM module programmed to inhibit post CAT 02 sensor DTCs. I have my Intense PCM programmed to prevent the P0420 DTC if that is what the OP is getting and I still pass annual state emissions inspection.

On Autozone be careful on any advice they offer regardless of what the DTC(s) is.

[richtazz]

I agree with Bob on not taking AZ's advice on code definitions. It's nice that they pull codes for free, but get a list of the actual codes and post here or search the web for actual definitions. I've had them tell people with nothing but a P0300 (random mis-fire) that they should replace their O2, which has nothing to do with that code.

[9901gp]

I had it scanned again on my way home the code was P0133

[richtazz]

P0133- 02 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Sensor 1)

Now that we have the code and since it involves the upstream sensor, the simulator sugggestions above would not apply. It looks like for once they were correct, and you need an upstream oxygen sensor. Avoid Bosch branded ones like the plague, as they are highly unreliable.

[9901gp]

I have read that it could be an exhaust leak as well setting that code off do you guys think I should rule that out and just get the sensor or have them look for leaks first. Thanks for all the input new to all this

[tblake]

You would hear a leak large enough to trip an SES light.

I'm willing to bet one of the wires got messed up or the O2 sensor just picked that exact second to fail on you.

[9901gp]

changed the sensor, solved the problem thanks everyone