Chrysler Repair: check engine light, 1996 chrysler cirrus, chrysler cirrus


Question
Hi Roland,
I have a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX and my check engine light keeps going on and off. Every place that I take it to (even the dealer) seem to temporarily "fix" the problem, but then it happens again. I was reading some of your posts and previously answered questions when I came accross someone who asked a similar question and you told the person to do the ignition check. I went outside and did it, so I figured I would just send you the code and see if you could let me know if you could give me some ideas. Here is what I got:
1 2 2 1 3 3 5 5
Thanks so much and hope to hear from you soon.
Anthony

Answer
Hi Anthony,
The 12 and 55 are of no significance: 12 means the voltage to the computer was disconnected recently (maybe the battery was disconnected during recent readouts? if not then check your battery cables and the clamps at the battery), 55 means "end of readout". 33 means a problem with the AC compressor clutch activation circuit, so if you are having trouble activating the AC that would be worth looking into, so let me know about that.
The 21 is of significance for pollution and fuel economy. It means that the oxygen sensor on the exhaust manifold is not responding as it should be which means either that the wires are damaged, the heater coil for the sensor is open, or the sensor material is degraded. So that would be the fault to deal with first. A new sensor is a bit under $100, plus labor.
Roland