QuestionI have a 2005 Hyundai Sonata. My Engine check light came on and I had it checked out it is my Bank 2 Sensor 1. I had it replaced a few weeks later the light came on again. I had it checked out again and it shows the same sensor. They said my sensor is fine, and it could either be my wiring or my computer is going out. They said they don’t know how to fix the problem because it’s a Hyundai and said to take it to the dealership. Dealership are expensive is their anything else I can do? Where is the computer?
AnswerHi, James. I think the first thing we've learned is that this shop is not the place to take your car for check engine lamp repairs. Presuming the same code returned that occurred the first time, and presuming they're admitting they cannot or did not properly diagnose the vehicle and are unwilling to rectify that situation on their own, it's a safe conclusion that they're also not interested in standing behind their work.
The information you've given me is that the shop in question thinks the code means there's a problem with your bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor. Unfortunately, there are not only several codes which indicate problems with that sensor, but also others that technicians misinterpret to indicate problems with oxygen sensors. To be able to help you determine your problem and/or decide how to address it, the first thing I'll need to know is the actual code number. This will be of the form Pxxxx where the x's represent numeric digits. I'll presume that since you've already referred to bank 2 that you have the V6 engine.
As for the dealer being expensive, that's hard to say. Prices vary from dealer to dealer, and in some cases, independent shops charge prices similar to dealer prices in the area. But one thing is for sure. Anything is cheaper than a shop that charges you to do things that do not fix your car.
Do follow up with the actual trouble code. If you do not have it and cannot get the shop to tell you what it is, you might take your car to the local auto parts chain and see if they'll read the trouble codes for free. Most will. Again, I'm interested in the actual code number, not the parts store's interpretation of what it means. And most importantly, do not take their advice as to what the cause of the code is. It's very rare for personnel in parts stores to understand how electronic fuel management systems operate.
And, actually, I almost forgot. Your engine control module is under the center of the dash. At this point, without knowing the trouble code, however, I cannot in good faith recommend you go to that area. Without the trouble code, I've no evidence that you're likely to find a problem there. In addition, problems with the ECM or anything else in that area are *very* rare on this vehicle.
