[TheFreemans]

Well, just got my first check engine light on my 2003 Outback LL Bean.
Took it to Advance Auto and they said the code read "O2 Sensor Bay 1"

she could not provide me with a generic error code...

can anyone help me with that?

.... also...I would love a link that shows location of said sensor....I may try cleaning it before I replace it...

...now, if I have to replace it.. should I spend the $100 on Denso #234-9010 or would I be ok with this:

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-15730-Oxygen-Universal-Fitment/dp/B000BZL08A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346078701&sr=8-1&keywords=2003+Outback+O2+Sensor[/ame]

Thanks in advance!
Donald

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

post the code (Pxxx) so we can determine which sensor it it is.

did they clear the code? how quickly did it return?

 

[TheFreemans]

the wonderful Advance Auto representative could not provide me with a code... the ONLY 'code' she would give me is "O2 Sensor Bay 1"

which I understand is the Air Fuel Ratio sensor

Light came on, I have not reset it yet...

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

each Bank has 2 for 4 total.


try going to another parts store.


mileage, condition of the car - any other recent problems/work done?

 

[TheFreemans]

awesome! Glad i live in such a crappy town! My mechanic 'didn't have time to run the CEL check' and AAuto is too stupid to get me a real code. Now I have to drive another hour round trip just to diagnose. #frustrating

(glad it's just an O2 sensor!!)

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

awesome! Glad i live in such a crappy town! My mechanic 'didn't have time to run the CEL check' and AAuto is too stupid to get me a real code. Now I have to drive another hour round trip just to diagnose. #frustrating

(glad it's just an O2 sensor!!)

in all fairness, we really don't know what it is yet. The codes are helpful, but only occasionally actually point to a 'bad part'. They indicate a system which doesn't meant the expected thresholds or performance the ECU is looking for.

That is, P0420 could be a bad rear O2 sensor, or an exhaust leak.

maybe someone here can recommend a mechanic near you in Virginia..

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

5 total sensors;

 

[TheFreemans]

I actually do most of my own work. The whole exhaust system was replaced last year and is still under warranty.... I have a feeling it's just carbon build-up from Ethanol on a specific sensor.... but I will certainly be repairing this myself unless it involves engine work or welding.....which, I doubt...

 

[TheFreemans]

I guess I'll just look around and clean all sensors I find... I'm sure one of them will be it.

...just to reiterate... the sensor that the "Advance Auto Diagnostic Machine" pointed to the Fuel/air ration sensor in bay 1.... wherever that is... are there really 5 of those? seems like overkilL!

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

well, BANK 1 is your passenger side.

seriously though, get a foot or so of copper tubing, put 3-4 feet of vacuum line on it and listen all over for an exhaust leak. THe copper can even be gently bent to listen in tight spots.

Also, try changing the PCV valve if it hasn't been changed or cleaned.

If you do your own work, and particularly given how uncooperative the parts shop and mechanic were - you might consider buying a scanner for the codes. i have a $99 one, you can get them for $30, you can get cables or bluetooth units that let you use smartphones or laptops. I admit though, I loan mine out more than I use it myself.

you need to do more diagnosis before throwing parts at the car. Especially if it's driving OK.


how many miles on the car? How old is the battery?

 

[TheFreemans]

Hey, thanks for those sensor positions!! appreciate it! That'll get me started for sure!

 

[TheFreemans]

cool ,thanks for the heads up...I'll start with cleaning the sensors and go back to a different store for another CEL reading... I may have to ask Santa for a code reader this year!!

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

well, you COULD try swapping sides with the sensors to see if the problem follows it to the other bank. But you will still need to be able to read the code(s).

if you can't get 'em loose, try it with as warm an exhaust as you dare. You may need to get a special O2 sensor socket if open end wrench doesn get it.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

here's some discussion about changing sensors - most of the talk is for the H4 but there's some talk of tools and other stuff too.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...uides/20574-2002-obw-front-oxygen-sensor.html

 

[TheFreemans]

5 total sensors;

I inspected the passenger side..(noticed that only the driver side exhaust was completely new...) the elbow in between #3 (pic) and the gasket on the end has a crack in the metal and I can see what I assume is fire resistant insulation.

What is the technical name for that part? That may be the culprit! .. haven't gotten the sensor off yet... but I'm fairly certain that crack isnt Kosher...

 

[RobLog]

I may have to ask Santa for a code reader this year!!

Yeah ... if you're a DIYer, IMO you really should have one. There are some pretty decent ones basic ones available in the $50 range.

 

[TheFreemans]

So, anyone know the name/part number of that downpipe/elbow in between #3 and the gasket on the end?

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

dunno, might just be 'front exhaust pipe ? maybe get one from a junkyard.


this has some part numbers; http://opposedforces.com/parts/legacy/us_b12/type_28/exhaust_system/exhaust/illustration_1/

 

[TheFreemans]

dern, so that looks like more of a 'specialty' part that is normal installed with the straight pipe and cats....

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

might just be a heat shield. can you hear exhaust coming out of it?