i failed my emissions test due to my check engine light on,?

Question

the printout said the O2 sensor needs to be fixed. is this something i have to spend lots of money on for soemthing i can do? i have done many fuses, changed thermometers, fixed headlights, brakelights, etc. is this something i can find and fix on my 97 geo prism??

Answer 1

Your best bet is taking Ironhand's advice. He knows his stuff. Whatever you decide, do not remove the bulb. They will know. Sensor 1 cost $150.00 total and estimate on sensor 2 was around $200.00. I could have done sensor 1 myself but 2 is tricky.

Answer 2

You got some pretty good info but you got some pretty bum advise as well.
1) Do NOT remove the bulb. The tech WILL know, because that is part of the emissions test, the light has to work while cranking, and go out while running.
If you DO take it out, how will you know if there is something else that fails later?
2) There ARE 2 sensors. One in the exhaust stream before the Catalytic Converter, and one after the converter. Check the code for the correct sensor.
3) They can be changed pretty easily, and if you are going to do it yourself, change both of them, and save yourself a little bit of time (and the computer system will like it better as well).
4) After the repairs are made and confirmation is made that there are no more faults or failures, turn the light out (Code reader, scanner, or go to AutoZone, O'Reilly's, Advanced, etc.) and THEN ------>
5) Drive the car for at least 300 miles, driving NORMALLY at stop and go, regular traffic, cruise around at 45 - 50 mph, and some freeway (preferably using the Cruise Control). The computer has to test several systems that are NOT computer components, and it can require several days to accomplish this. If the MONITORS have/t run, and the computer declares them not ready, you will still fail your emissions test.

Good Luck

Answer 3

It all depends. O2 sensors can be a pain to replace simply because they're out of reach. Your vehicle is a '97, which means it uses an OBDII computer (which is why they scan you at emissions and don't tailpipe test you.) OBDII cars have 2 oxygen sensors, 1 before the catalytic converter (to check your fuel mixture and let the car run in closed loop mode) and 1 after the catalytic converter (basically there to make sure that you've got a cat and its working properly.)

I'm not sure where the primary O2 sensor is, but that may be the easier one to get to because it will be closer to the exhaust manifold which is accessible from underneath the hood. If its the aft-O2 sensor (the 2nd one) you may have to put the car up on jackstands to get to it. This can be a real pain.

If the O2 sensor is rusted into the bung getting it off could be tricky. You'll want to coat it in penetrating oil and take your time getting it off. It doesnt matter if you damage the sensor, but you don't want to round off the top of the sensor so you can't get a wrench on it to get it off. You'll also need to be careful installing the new sensor because if you are rough with it you could damage it and you'll be back in the same boat.

So to answer your question: 1st find out which sensor is broken, then try to find it and see if it's easily accessible. If you can get to it easily you can do it easily. If you can't see it, its probably worth paying a shop to do it.

Answer 4

all these answers are great I just wanted to add that there are sometimes 2 or more O2 sensors on cars. Be sure you have the right one. Like stated above a good Haynes manual will walk you through the process. You may be able to check the sensor without even removing it from the car. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

O2 sensor is an oxygen sensor located in the exhaust manifold it can be purchased at an auto store it is not too expensive and just screws in like a spark plug with a wire that plugs in the end if you know someone that knows cars it can be replaced pretty easy.

Answer 6

You can do this yourself with the proper size wrench, unless it has been so hot it has fused to the exhaust manifold. I wouldn't suggest trying to clean it, usually O2 sensors just go bad. They can be tested with an ohmmeter, but the tests are usually inconclusive. As for turning out your light, you should take it to a mechanic that can verify the problem, then use their scanner to turn out the light. As for prices they range from 40-180 bucks.

Answer 7

Nine times out of ten the O2 senser is why most cars fail the smog test.
If the O2 is bad, take the car to Auto-Zone to be shure and if that is the reason it failed replace it about 35-65 bucks. It can be changed by you with simple tools. Have Auto-Zone show you where it is and save yourself some bucks.

Answer 8

Yes, it is actually pretty easy.

the sensors screw into the manifold and in the exhaust and have a plug on the end. Sensors can run you about $50-$100.

Answer 9

typically, the O2 sensor is a pain in the knuckles. If I were you... I would pull the dash panel and unplug the bulb if the car drives fine. The garage will never know.

Answer 10

Yes you should find it in the manifold pipe some time you can run fuel injection cleaner through you gas and it will clean it or you can take it out and physically clean it after that take the battery cable lose for 30 Min's or so it will reset the computer