| From | Message |
DaMon Ross
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/14/2006
10:05:24
|
 Subject: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 02 Dodge Dakota 4x4. I replaced 2 o2 sensors about 8 months ago due to backfiring, loss of power, hesitation when accelerating, etc...this seemed to have fixed the problem. About a month ago, the problem resurfaced and I was told by the dealer that the computer code stated the catalytic converter failed. That was replaced as well as 2 o2 sensors(again!). This still didn't fix the problem. The truck was still idling roughly and the check engine light remained on. They did a full tune-up which didn't help. Then they put it back on the computer and this time it read that the remaining 2 o2 sensors were back. So they replaced them also. It drove fine for about a week and then CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I can feel the loss of power (as it usually gets worse after driving for about a week after the light comes on) so i haven't been driving it until I can find out what the REAL problem is. If it is the o2 sensors (again) something is killing them. And I was told that catalytic converters generally last the life of the vehicle UNLESS something else kills it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, the computer readings after the light came on the last time states that the "fuel is too rich".
Thx
|
Dan M
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/14/2006
13:33:14
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
most likely the rich condition caused your cat to fail. I doubt your problems are caused by the oxygen sensors - there are codes for o2 sensor failures.
have you checked the fuel pressure (regulator)? what about other sensors? coolant temp sensor? Map sensor?
coolant temp sensor can cause backfiring - personal experience. Also, the map sensor contributes to calculating the air/fuel mixture. Perhaps you are not getting enough air (oxygen) in your air/fuel mixture and this running too rich.
- Dan M
|
Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/15/2006
09:16:37
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
Something else is making the engine run rich and killing the catcon and O2 sensors. Until they find it, they will continue to replace them mindlessly.
I'd check the things Dan mentioned.
|
Mike Stager
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/15/2006
22:01:32
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
If you are having multiple failures on the same component, then you definetely have another problem that is taking these out. As stated, the Cat was killed from a rich condition for too long. The 02 sensors are probably being coated in carbon from the same rich condition. Hard to say. The bigger problem seems to lie in a factor that they can't just hook up the computer and diagnose. Chances are you've got a situation that requires a real mechanic, not a Scan Tool mechanic. If you are getting a rich condition, something is telling the computer to run rich..chances are it's the coolant sensor. However, they should be able to tell that by using the scan tool, so something else is goofy. Could be something that they either are not able to see in the information the scan tool is giving them, or the scan tool just isn't seeing the actual problem. Scan tools can diagnose a lot of problems very quickly, but they are not the holy grail of automotive repair.
I'd check all the harness connections, etc.
|
J and J Auto
GenII
12/17/2006
00:00:05
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
here is another situation
Read Your Plugs
they are your window to your motor
they should all be the same a nice light tan color
or something is not right
oil consumption, a rich or lean condition will
cause premature cat failure
An o2 failure in only 8 months is not right not
even close they should easily last 80,000 miles
yes you need a good mech to check it out
cats should also easily last 100,000 to the life
of your truck most get replaced when they fall
apart or begain to rattle
anyone can read a scanner and replace parts it
takes a real mechanic to figure out why the part
failed
If its near its life expectancy ok replace it if
not why did it fail
Like I have said many times these new mechs if
the scanner says there is nothing wrong they
truly beleave there is nothing wrong yet the
vehicle runs like crap and give the poor owner
a line of crap
The best thing to do here is locate a good high
performance shop just look what is parked in
there lot
old ruster fender benders stay away
nice hot rods and high end cars dyno shops and
street tunners yes go there
It may cost more but in the long run the joy of
having a truck that runs great is worth the money
how many times can they replace these parts and
how many times do you pay your actualy losing
money and gaining an attitude
I have had so many people in this situation it
just sadens me to see people get the short end
of the stick and be lied to
Larry
J&J Auto
|
DaMon Ross
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/17/2006
07:46:10
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for all the advice. I am definitely not going to take it to another repair shop until I find one that is high end and sounds like they are real mechanics. the sad part is, the people who kept replacing the o2 sensors and cat converters were at the DODGE DEALER!!!
Any estimates on how expensive a MAP sensor is to replace?
thx
|
Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/18/2006
08:21:45
| RE: check engine/repeated o2 sensor problem
IP: Logged
Message:
You can do it yourself for $30 to $30. It's just a vacuum line, electrical plug and mounting screws.
But do more diagnosis first.
As to the dealer, I had a code 51 once (O2 sensor) on my car, and they told me my O2 sensor was bad, my EGR valve, and probably also my MAP sensor. I thanked them and drove home, thought it through, did some diagnosis and replaced the MAP sensor for $30 in 5 minutes. That was it. The O2 went another 75K miles and the EGR another 18,000 miles. The dealer wanted $240 to shotgun it. That's what some of them are all about.
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
