After installing o2 simulator I first got a p0158 code, so I took it off and soldered the cables back together (p0430 back on). Then I installed the simulator again, and this time no CEL came on but I started getting BOTH battery and brake lights on fully lit at the same time (first they went on for like 5 minutes and now they stay on almost all the time). What's wrong? I took the simulator off, soldered all cables back together, made sure they're properly isolated and I'm still having both lights on (plus the CEL came back on). Any ideas?

 

That usually means bad altenator.

 

i would suggest putting the simulator back on and finding an alternator. you can have it tested if you have any doubts but mine did the same thing but at around 45k miles. i found a local starter/alternator shop that had rebuilt ones for cheaper than any other parts place in town.

 

usually, but why would it go bad RIGHT AFTER cutting and soldering ECU cables to hook up the o2 simulator. i might have shorted it somewhere? touched two wrong cables together? this is giving me a lot of headache.

 

maybe check to make sure the cables going to the battery are tight but besides that, i dont see where you would have been involved with the alternator itself. im running a simulator that has been taken off once before and never had the issue. i would suggest that its merely a coincedence unless one of the battery cables is loose and the alternator is unable to charge the battery. i would just go to autozone or advance auto for a free alternator test.

 

Thought so, thanks, I'll try that tomorrow and post the results.

 

bad altenator

 

Yep same thing happened before my alternator crapped out halfway through a green traffic light.

Best of Luck

 

yeah, mechanic checked it out and yes, it is the alternator. but could o2 simulator installation cause it to go bad or just a coincidence?

 

coincidence most likely.