Codes confusion

[Corby]

Hey all, I have had a check engine light come on periodically and then go off again, and on and off over and over again. Well I finally got the codes pulled in my auto class and it said alot about ego. I asked my auto teacher and he told me it basically means that there is not enough oxygen being fed to the converters which will eventually lead to clogged ones. It did a "test" to it when we were checking the codes and every time I tried to pull them again it wouldnt work. My auto teacher said only to worry about it if the check engine light comes on again, it hasn't yet but..... is there anyway this "test" "fixed" the problem, is that a stupid question? Thanks for any replies.

 

[SuperHO]

Nope...when you pull your codes, they're erased until the CE light comes back on. Wanna "fix" the problem? change your 02 sensors.

 

[projectSHO89]

Nope...when you pull your codes, they're erased until the CE light comes back on. Wanna "fix" the problem? change your 02 sensors.

Reading the codes does not erase them.

Erasure of the codes occurs when PCM KAM power is removed for a sufficient amount of time OR when the reset procedure is performed. The reset procedure is to disconnect the STI input from SIG GND DURING code output.

Corby: Without the exact code numbers, it is a crapshoot as to what is the actual fault. Best advice is to drive the car and see if the codes come back under driving conditions.

Steve

 

[Corby]

He told me it was because there was not enough oxygen being fed to the converters.... would this be because of faulty oxygen sensors? The cel came on again.

 

[projectSHO89]

He told me it was because there was not enough oxygen being fed to the converters.... would this be because of faulty oxygen sensors? The cel came on again.

Need the actual codes....

Steve

 

[Corby]

Ok, I will have them by tuesday.... from what I remember it was 168 I believe... and after I tried pulling em again and it didnt work it was 538 and 111

 

[Corby]

Here are the #'s as of KOEO

177 EGO not switching, rich exhaust bank #2

542 Fuel Pump Circuit open-ECA to GND

I looked up these codes on all data and here is what I found. Left/front HO2S rich. Possible causes: Fuel injectors, HO2S, Secondary air injection system, PCV/Hose, Vacuum, Evaporative Cannister Purge, Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor, Electronic Ignition Coil Failure. It also tells me to remove the pcv valve from the valve cover and inspect both rocker cover hole and pcv for damage, sludge build up, blockage and movement of the plunger. So my question is.... Do any of you know which one it would be?? Do I have to go through and do all of these?? The car seems to be running great but my teacher told me it will clog up my cats. Any input is greatly appreciated.


Problem 2. A continuous memory diagnostic trouble code 542 indicates that one of the following intermittent conditions has occured: Fuel pump circuit activated when PCM expected circuit to be off, Inertia fuel shutoff switch reset, Open circuit in or between the fuel pump and the fuel pump monitor circuit to the pcm, poor fuel pump ground, fpm or power to pump circuit short to power, fuel pump relay contacts stuck closed, left front heated oxygen sensor circuit short to power. Again, any help with this is greatyly appreciated, sorry for the long read

 

[CerberuS]

failling O2 are common on SHOs , id put my guess on that.

 

[Corby]

The one thing I don't wan't to do is clog the cats up, seeing as i just paid 250 for em. I guess it's worth a shot to try and replace the o2 sensors, i just hope that fixes the problem.

 

[Corby]

Well the CEL did not come on again until a week ago, it's doing the same thing, periodically coming up, should I just replace the O2 sensors?? What would happen if I did not if they were the problem?

 

[Corby]

Sooooooo..................

 

[plethaus]

Replace them. If they aren't the problem your CEL will come back and you'll be back to square one, but with one possible cause to check off your list and the comfort that you have brand new O2 sensors.

FWIW, I just replaced the O2 sensors on mine and so far, no more CEL (which both were reading LEAN.. which is normally because of a vacuum leak)

Molly

 

[Corby]

Thanks for the advice I will do that then..... just a quick question, what is the length for both of the 02 sensors? Is it 8.5in or 16in??