O2 Sensor (P0160) w/a twist

pjdz · Nov 14th, 2005, 11:45 AM

So I got my 2001 Pathy repaired last week. They had to replace the ignition coils in the engine. Don't ask me what it cost. I asked them to check into the O2 sensors, etc... due to the fact that the Check Engine Light had been on for a while (don't ignore because then it can cost you). They Indicated that it was only the ignition coil and that the rest was fine. When I got the car back it drove fine.

Now the light has come on again (within 50 miles of picking it up) and I went and got it read. It is P0160 (bad O2 sensor) and P0505 (idle control system malfunction).

So three questions.

1. Are these codes related or is this two different issues? Meaning if I replace the O2 sensor should that also fix the idle control system?

2. Are these issues related to the initial issue around the ignition coils and having to get them replaced?

3. What happens if I keep on driving without getting it fixed?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

NPath · Nov 14th, 2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjdz

So I got my 2001 Pathy repaired last week. They had to replace the ignition coils in the engine. Don't ask me what it cost. I asked them to check into the O2 sensors, etc... due to the fact that the Check Engine Light had been on for a while (don't ignore because then it can cost you). They Indicated that it was only the ignition coil and that the rest was fine. When I got the car back it drove fine.

Now the light has come on again (within 50 miles of picking it up) and I went and got it read. It is P0160 (bad O2 sensor) and P0505 (idle control system malfunction).

So three questions.

1. Are these codes related or is this two different issues? Meaning if I replace the O2 sensor should that also fix the idle control system?

2. Are these issues related to the initial issue around the ignition coils and having to get them replaced?

3. What happens if I keep on driving without getting it fixed?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

1. I'd replace the 02 sensor first, see what happens from there. It could be related as the sensor could be carboned up, making the ECU think not enough 02, making it run a little rich.
OR, too lean of a mixture, making your engine a little dry, burning more air than gas.

2. I don't think so.

3. Bad mileage more carbon in the combustion chamber and maybe other negative issues that doesn't come to mind, yet.

pjdz · Nov 14th, 2005, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NPath

1. I'd replace the 02 sensor first, see what happens from there. It could be related as the sensor could be carboned up, making the ECU think not enough 02, making it run a little rich.
OR, too lean of a mixture, making your engine a little dry, burning more air than gas.

2. I don't think so.

3. Bad mileage more carbon in the combustion chamber and maybe other negative issues that doesn't come to mind, yet.

Thanks Do I have to make sure they do something else beside replace the sensor? they did clean the fuel injectors prior to all the issues. Would this effect the sensors?

Animal · Nov 14th, 2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjdz

Thanks Do I have to make sure they do something else beside replace the sensor? they did clean the fuel injectors prior to all the issues. Would this effect the sensors?

Observation: It seems to me that folks who take their vehicles to the dealers (or name brand repair shops) for repairs have a lot more problems with expensive fixes than the average owner.
The most expensive repair I've had on my '92 was when I took it in for an alignment and the DF guerilla broke a tie rod. His excuse was that the end was rusted on - guess he never heard of WD-40.
Anyway, my point is, find a shop you can trust. You shouldn't be having these problems. You were doing what you thought was good for your Pathy and they've turned you in to a repair junky.
-IMHO