Chrysler Repair: 02 Dodge Caravan Sport: code p0135, unnecessary pollution, dodge caravan

Question
My wifes van engine light came on.  I cycled the ingition and it gave me a P0135 code.  What is this?

Answer
Hi Tim,
The code means that the heated oxygen sensor mounted on the top of the rear exhaust manifold has a failed heater or heater circuit, which means it won't operate, which causes unnecessary pollution and fuel economy loss. It looks like a spark plug but has 4 fragile wires on its cap. If the harness that plugs into it looks undamaged then I would assume that the sensor has failed and needs to be replaced. You would do well to put some penetrating oil on the threaded area overnight, then warm up the engine and then try to remove it by gently rocking back and forth until the threads released. Use the anti-lock compound that comes with the replacement on the threads. Tighten to about the same as you would a spark plug.
Roland