When I first bought my car 2 years ago the CEL light would frequently come on for a P0133 code (Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1). I eventually replaced the primary O2 sensor and the code hadn't come back until about a month ago, and then again today (P0133 again).
I'm stumped, as the sensor is less than 1 year old with less than 10,000 miles of use. Do O2 sensors go bad so quickly?
My only other explanation is that the A/F gauge I recently installed is causing the code..? The A/F gauge is the Autometer SportComp series. It appears to be working properly and I didn't get the code for at least a month after the gauge was installed. I soldered the signal wire to the purple O2 sensor wire on the PCM side of the O2 sensor harness and taped it off well.
Does anyone know if O2 sensors fail this quickly, or has anyone experienced an A/F gauge causing a P0133 code?
I've got a 2000 2200 5 spd by the way. Thanks in advance.
im having problems with cels too but its from my header. I think the problem is you a/f gauge. It really doesnt serve a purpose other then a pretty light. just sell it and get a wideband then you will have something cool
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/827643
Yeah, but I'm a sucker for the pretty lights....that's why I bought the gauge. My car is more for show than it is for go, so I don't really need or want a wideband. So you think it's possible that the A/F gauge could be causing a slow response code?
I have the gay ass narrowband Autometer AF gauge along with a friend of mine, neither of us have gotten codes.
Thanks for your input guys. So, if my A/F gauge isn't causing the CEL, is it possible that a brand new Bosch O2 sensor went bad in less than a year with less than 10,000 miles of use?
I've been told by many people to stick with the stock replacement AC Delco sensors, because everything else is basically crap and will go bad much sooner.
Are you sure something else isnt causing your O2 sensor to fail, like say a vacuum leak?
The sensor has a slow reponse. It means if the computer expects it to switch from rich to lean five times a second, but it only switches 2 or 3 it will say well something isnt right better set the CEL so the customer gets this addressed.
I'm fairly sure your dont have a Snap ON scan tool. But you need to see how the other sensors are acting, and most importantly you need to look at long term and short term fuel trim.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
Update:
A few days after the CEL came on, it suddenly turned off. I'm assuming that there was sufficient cycling of the computer without any additional codes, so the CEL turned off.
In case it comes back on again, how would a vacuum leak cause a slow response signal from the O2 sensor?
I also have a vacuum gauge hooked up, and at idle I see about 18-20 in Hg vacuum and under full throttle conditions I see 0 in Hg vacuum. Also, the needle is steady and doesn't fluctuate, so there shouldn't be any vacuum leaks.
And no, I don't have a Snap ON scan tool. If the CEL comes back on, I will buy another O2 sensor (maybe AC Delco this time) and hope for the best.
Thanks again guys, and feel free to give me any more suggestions.
I can just about Garentee its the 02 sensor itself. BOSCH sensors suck on our cars. Many months ago i had gotten a bosch replacement, and it caused more damage then anything else.
Switch to an AC delco or common replacement, NOT A BOSCH.
http://members.rankmyride.com/djtorello
No vacuum leaks cause premature O2 sensor failure is what I meant.
But if your just going to buy another sensor and sit there and throw money at the thing till it runs right go ahead.
Dont guess, test.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
