I've gotten really strange codes that don't seem to be defined anywhere in any of the threads or decoder websites. I drove down to Florida from DC last Friday and on the way down I got a code 05 09, I reset it and it hasn't come back, but today I was driving and I got the code 04 13, it also didn't come back right away after the reset.

What's with this though?? I have a 98 SE with about 90k miles on it. It's in tip top shape, and I do all maintenance. Just had the tranny fluid changed last week, but I didn't think that would have anything to do with these codes.

Any ideas??

 

Both codes point to front O2 sensors in bank two.

 

So is there a way to tell if they are totally dead or fixable?

Also, is it okay for me to drive 750 miles back to DC on Saturday with this problem?

Lasty, how much would replacing these mothers cost?

 

IF you do need to replace the O2 sensors, its very easy. Go to www.autozone.com and click on the 'repair info' icon off to the left and go from there. An O2 sensor can run about $50-$100 depending on where you look for them. I would try a local auto store before trying a dealership.

 

Can somebody break me down some more info about these?

I could really use a O2 sensor 101.

 

Basically 02 sensors send the information to your computer about the air fuel mixture and whatnot. When they go bad, you simply have to unscrew them and unplug them from the connector. I bought one from Autozone for $77 dollars, it was a Bosch. You have 2 in your Y-pipe and 1 farter down by the cat. You'll see them in the exhaust system when you look under the car. Getting them undone can take some time, but really you just unscrew, unplug, screw in and replug and go back to autozone and reset your ECU. My ecu went off after 400 miles of driving with the new 02 sensor since I hadn't had time to go to Autozone to get them fixed. Don't go to the dealer as they want about $200 to do one sensor. Not worth it.

Jason

 

Thanks man. What do you mean 'go back to Autozone' to get them fixed?



And is it bad for the car to drive on bad O2 sensors?

 

I don't believe its bad, when a upstream one is bad (you have 2) i believe the system switches to read the downstream one and visa versa. You can go to autozone to reset your ecu and clear your codes out of the system. Mine check engine light went off automatically though, but id get the codes cleared anyways.