someone was recently talking about how the CEl can turn off after something like 50 - 100 ignition cycles. it makes sense if it is just throwing some ghost code, but if there is a legitimate code, does it still turn off? it was throwing 0303, front bank O2 sensor, I think and i was just about to order one, when i realize that the CEL wasn't on anymore. i figure i should order one because it has over 109,300 miles, so it is probably worn out, but did the problem dissapear, or what? should i not order one?
just lookin for some clarification.
thanks!

 

If the CEL turned off, it means that the ECU went through X number of cycles without detecting the failure. So then it clears the problem and turns the light off (assuming no other codes were still stored).

Just pull the codes (even though the light is off) and see if you get 0505 - which means the ECU things everything is normal.

Typically, if the sensor is at the end of its life, the ECU will detect another failure soon and the code will be reposted. If that is the original sensor (I assume you don't know if it was ever replaced), it is probably not a bad idea to replace it with 109k on the car already. You could also just wait until the ECU reposts the code.

 

it is most likely the original. i'm about 99% sure. the car was bought new by my dad, and then i bought it from him and he never did work on it himself, and i asked him if he had it serviced for O2 sensors at all. he was pretty sure no. so i will pull the codes again and check and wait to order until necessary. is there any difference in driving that can be noticed with a bad o2 sensor? i heard mileage will decrease...

 

Perhaps a loss of power and loss of MPG. If you have the money and plan on doing it yourself, with that kind of mileage, its probably not a bad idea to just replace both the front O2 sensors. You can get them cheap from oxygensensors.com - get the Bosch OEM equivalent ones - that way you don't have to mess around with splicing the harness, etc.

 

well, it did throw the same code for me in April and it went away after like 2 weeks ... it came back ten days ago and it's the same code ... i ordered the Walker brand O2 sensor from oxygensensors.com .... 10% discount for maxima.org members ... contact person is Mike. thought of buyin both front ones but bought only one

 

Don't worry about it. Just replace the one that set the code and replace the other one if/when you get a code.

 

yeah, cuz isn't there free shipping on orders over $50? and don't they come out to be almost $70 or so? so just order them as you need them. I will.

 

thx njmodi for the suggestion ... yaa, i'll probably buy the second one a little later ... i can't expect an O2 sensor to be good beyond 115k miles ..

the part actual cost is some $62 and after discount, the final dollars that i paid is 56.10 ... yaa, free shipping ...

i need to take car of my front suspension ... sometimes i feel i should atleast get those monroe or gabriels ... i wanted H&R with Illuminas but that's expensive ...

also 120k tuneup is fast comin up ... lotsa money dudes ..