QuestionQUESTION: Last night one of my diagnostic lights went on. I found out it is an Error code 32. What is the cause of an Error Code 32?
ANSWER: Hi Rich,
If the code reader was based on the OBD-I system that is the code for a fault with the exhaust gas recirculation valve or the egr solenoid. It is saying that the valve is not responding properly to command.
The first thing to do would be to lubricate the valve stem where it enters the valve body with some WD-40 and then work in back and forth with the tip of a screwdriver inserted in a slot in the valve stem. You will find that stem located between the valve body and the round vacuum actuator 'top', hidden behind a flange that separates those two parts.
I do wonder, though, if this code number is based on that OBD-I system as that was phased out in 1997 and replaced with a different system. Yet I don't see a 32 code in any of the other possible code systems. The egr would be the place to begin. You will find it in a small pipe that runs between the exhaust minifold and the throttle body area in a pipe that is connected to the intake manifold.
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
Looking at the printout I received from AutoZone, I wonder if your answer above was from the old code. I failed to give the whole code also, it was P0032. Autozone's printout states" "(Oxygen sensor) heater condition-check repair. The Powertrain Control module controls the electrical circuit for the oxygen sensor heater. The computer has recognized a failure in this circuit. Probable cause: 1. Check the circuit fuse. 2.Relay defective. 3. Check circuit wiring."
Looking in the manual there is an Upstream and downstream oxygen sensor, which are located by the catalytic converter.
Is there any way on how to check if these are working correctly? Or to narrow down that it is not the PCM?
Thanks Roland,
Rich Clark
ANSWER: Hi Rich,
That is why I questioned a two-digit code number...the OBD-II codes are all 4-digit numbers. The 0032 code is about the upstream sensor located on the underside of the front exhaust manifold and probably best inspected from underneath the vehicle. To reach the sensor you may have to remove the battery, battery tray, and the speed control vacuum harness and the servo itself. But the plugs for both the upstream and downstream sensors may be found from above the engine, above and below oneanother, near the center of the front exhaust manifold according to the manual diagram (look near the engine mount, the downstream plug is above, the upstream sensor is below the downstream sensor plug, and they look identical so check for the wire colors described below).
The code is about the two wires that heat the upstream sensor, and there are also 2 wires for its "signal".
The wires to the sensora are very thin and easily damaged, There should be 12v on the brown/light green wire at pin 2 of the socket for the plug when the engine is first turned to run (which lasts for about 1 second) or continuously showing 12v when the engine is actually running. The other wire (black/light green) on pin 1 goes to grouned at the battery post - clamp.
So I would suggest that you also check the condition of the upstream sensor wires and if those are OK then check for continuity of the heater proper between pins 1 and 2 of the sensor plug. If that is OK check for continuity between the sensor socket pins (pin 1 black/light green to ground clamp at battery, and pin 2 brown/light green goes to pin 18 of the pcm black/orange plug.
I would very much doubt it is the pcm. Rather the fragile sensor wires or the heater element inside the sensor itself has gone bad.
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Roland,
I am sorry to bother you again. With your information and a Chilton manual we were able to find the upstream O2 sensor and was able to change it out. I definitely noticed a difference in how my van ran, but I guess I got too cocky...
As I got about a block from my house, and the Trouble light came on again. I ran down my local AutoZone and this time it shows a P0135 error code. It states: "Definition-Heater condition (heated oxygen sensor bank sensor 1) Explanation-The powertrain control modute monitors the oxygetn sensor heater. The computer has recognized a failure in this circuit. Probable cause-1)Oxygen sensor defective. 2)Poor connection at oxygen sensor. 3)Check circuit-fuse."
Any Ideas you have are certainly welcome. Thanks Roland.
Rich Clark
AnswerHi Rich,
It is about the same issue as 0032. It points to the sensor or its 2 heater wires. Did you check the wire continuities to the pcm and to ground? If those are OK then check the resistance across the heater pins of the new sensor's plug to verify that the resistance is 3.0 to 4.0 ohms. If not, then you have a bad sensor. That is about all it can be. There is no fuse in the circuit as the power for the sensor comes from an internal source in the pcm proper and if that were bad there would have been other codes also for the downstream sensor, etc. I hope this will resolve the matter
Please 'rate' my answer (see below).
Thanks,
Roland
