ok been here b4! engine lite comes on?

Question

i was told it is probably the 02 sensor,o i changed it and it still comes on. i took the battery off for a few minutes and it still comes on. will it take the cpu a couple of drives b4 it stays off or ???? i changed a sensor on the top of the engine a few years back but not the canistor it is attached to because it is ceased together it to is part of the exhaust. it is a 2.3 4 cylinder any suggestion will be appreciated. thank you James

Answer 1

If the light comes on, you have a trouble code. Many parts stores now read out trouble codes for free, Auto Zone is one of them.

Find out your code, it will help solve your problem!

Answer 2

Do yourself a favor --- When it comes to your car, ask someone who KNOWS what is going on under your hood, not just a buddy or the "expert" at the local discount auto parts house.
These people may indeed know what they are talking about, but YOU don't know if they do or not.
It is easy for someone to "shoot from the hip" as it were with your car and money. If they didn't guess right, it's no skin off their noses, unless you want to count your displeasure.
If you don't have the money to take it to the repair facility, at least do this ----->
Go ahead and go to the AutoZone, or (?) discount store and ask them to read your codes. Write down the identifying code numbers (most important, don't depend on their descriptions).
Either buy the repair manual from them, or go the library, or go here----->

http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/index.php

and read the descriptions, and circuit/system failures.
UNDERSTAND one thing-----a code identifies only the circuit or system in which a failure has registered, NOT necessarily the component.
If for example you get a code "P0171- System too lean, bank 1", it does not necessarily mean that the oxygen sensor has failed. It may well have failed, but it could also be directing you to a lean condition that the computer cannot adjust for. (eg. restricted fuel filter, fuel injector(s) failing, fuel pump failing, vacuum leak etc.)
Use the repair information available to you to DIAGNOSE the problem, and proceed accordingly with the correct repairs.
Follow the prescribed "trouble tree" plan of eliminating all components and systems in an orderly manner avoiding the shotgun method of diagnosis and repair.
Just standing back and throwing parts at the car will cost a lot of money and time, and will not necessarily deal with the problem.
This is the long way around, but it will save you quite a bit in the long run.
The only people you should trust (barely) to shoot from the hip are those who have been dealing with these repairs in a great volume (techs & mechanics), only because they see it all day long, and MAY be aware of a pattern failure.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I was reading your question to my hubby since he knows enough about cars, and he thinks you should try changing the oil. Maybe that might do the trick. Good luck.