The check engine light came on again after I replaced an oxygen sensor. What could be the problem?

Question

A week ago, the check engine light came on on my '98 Honda Civic Dx. I took it to a shop and Autozone to get the test and both told me it was the o2 sensor after the cat converter. I replaced it yesterday and that took care of the check engine light. On my way to work this morning the darn check engine light came on again. What could be the problem?

Answer 1

I could be that the error code was left in the memory. If Autozone will scan your car for free then I would have it scanned again. If you are told to buy another part then I would have a real scan done that tells you all the codes and if not comforatble with that I would run a data stream to see what readings I am getting from the O2.

Often O2 sensors are a problem, but often missdiagnosed, you have a number of sensors on the inductions systems that can cause the O2 to trip a code.
I referenced my reapir manuals and found that there is a primary and alternate O2 sensor for a 1998 Honda DX L4 1.6L engine.
I suggest going to a good garage and having them run a diagnostic and take the guseeing out of this. Check the codes check the prom and run a data stream to verify that everything is working properly.
Good Luck

Answer 2

The only reason Auto Zone does it free is to sell parts. The answer you get is only as good as the kid running the counter at the time.

Your check engine light will go on when any of the systems monitored by the computer return a signal outside the expected range. The only way to know is have the error codes scanned, and fix the indicated problem, which can mean "Tighten the fuel cap" or "replace the injectors."

Fix, reset, drive, repeat until it stays off.

Answer 3

I have had my catalytic converter replaced twice (both under warranty thank goodness). After the second one, I had 3 of the 4 O2 sensors replaced and then shortly after, the 4th one went bad. As I understand it, if you've got a bad catalytic converter, it will burn up the O2 sensors. You only mentioned getting one replaced, perhaps it's a different one. The check engine light came on with each occurrence.

Answer 4

Check the sensor again. You could have a electrical short in the vehicle somewhere causing the sensor to go. Or sometimes just the light needs to be reset.

Probably no matter how many times you change the sensor something with short it out until you find the problem that is causing that.

Answer 5

Yes I would let Auto Zone check it again and see what the problem is. Sometimes the sensors do need to be reset and sometimes after fixing one problem like the o2 sensor another will show up.

Answer 6

i replaced the oxygen sensor, for my 2000 infiniti qx4 , after numberous sensor checks first, and the light still came back on. i replaced the bank 1, sensor 2.

Answer 7

i would take the car to autozone again. But sometimes they too will tell you its a possiblility of a few things. Like o2 sesor, your cat, or anything else related. Get it check out, sometimes it something simple as a bad gas cap. Work your way from the cheapers to the more expensive repairs.

Answer 8

Auto Zone is in business to sell parts. Mechanics are in business to fix cars. Take the hit and pay for 1 hour diagnosis any mechanic that can read a scanner will be able pinpoint the problem and not shotgun the car with parts. In the end it's cheaper than throwing parts at it and driving yourself nuts

Answer 9

Did you make sure to get a Denso or NGK o2 sensor?

If you got a Bosch, then get rid of it.

Answer 10

take it back to auto zone... maybe the light just needs reset, OR maybe its something stupid like it needs spark plugs etc