Hyundai Repair: 2003 Honda Accent, oxygen sensors, numerical digits


Question
QUESTION: The Check Engine light is on while driving, had the Oxygen Sensor changed at a dealer repair shop about 2000 miles ago.  Code that continues to come up when I get it checked indicated Oxygen Sensor in Bank 1.  The repair man wasn't very cordial when I asked how many Oxygen Sensors there are in Bank 1.  Can you advise so that I can be prepared to get my  moneys worth when I return to this dealer repair shop?  I have had trouble with them before and I feel it should be replaced by them at no charge and at this point, they feel differently, but I need to go armed with information so as not to get snow-balled.  Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

ANSWER: Hi, Toni.  There are two oxygen sensors in bank 1 (the only bank in your engine as it's an in-line four cylinder): an upstream (sensor 1) and a downstream (sensor 2).  

There are numerous trouble codes which designate problems with the oxygen sensor circuits or the readings from oxygen sensors.  And in most cases, the presence of a code indicating such a problem doesn't necessarily mean it's the oxygen sensor that's at fault.  There could be an issue with the wiring or another component on the vehicle making the oxygen sensor read incorrectly.

If you can give me the actual code number (Pxxxx, where x's represent numerical digits), rather than someone's interpretation of what the failed component is based on the code, I can tell you what the code means and offer my expertise regarding the potential causes of that particular code and the most likely remedies.  

It's also my recommendation that if you cannot get the shop to provide you some sort of assistance with the still-needed repairs (presuming the same code has been stored again), you should look for another place to work on your car.  As this is the second time you've had trouble with this shop, it seems that they have difficulty fixing vehicles properly.

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QUESTION: code was po133   02 sensor cht slow response
bank 1 sensor.
The shop said it is the flexible part of tailpipe & until that is repaired ($500)???, they won't know if the sensor is bad or not. They reset the check engine light & it is not on now---so far. Does this sound  logical to you? How about the cost to replace a section of tailpipe? Thanks, will be awaiting your response. Toni Wilcoxen

Answer
Indeed, this is a common issue.  And this code is known to occur when there are exhaust leaks in the flex pipe because it introduces oxygen into the exhaust, affecting the sensor's ability to accurately detect changes in exhaust composition.

$500 sounds a little on the high side for this repair, however.  You might shop around different places near you for quotes on replacing the pipe.  In fact, you may well be able to have the job done at the dealer with factory parts for less than the $500.  While this section of pipe hasn't proven to be the most reliable, the factory pipe is still better made than any nonfactory replacement I've seen.