Car threw a cel saying that the sensor in the cat has gone bad, any one know how to fix this? I didn't think it was a big deal, but today I was driving in 6th gear, and when I floored it, car didnt really accelerate, it was really weird, that never happened before.

 

Then get a new sensor!

You got the Cel so.........

 

Sounds to me that it is more than a sensor. SOunds like your cat took a crap. You "fix" it in one of three ways. 1) replace it. 2) core it out with a long screw driver 3) by aftermarket.

Assuming this was code p0420?

 

Considering the cost of a O2 sensor, and you are already down there.........

You always check that first, if you can.

But the bolts heat up and usually need to be replaced when you disconnect the pipe.

 

The OE sensor is very expensive. I wouldn't replace it unless it needs to be. There is no code for a bad sensor, just that the efficiency test failed. The car refuses to accelerate under high load. All this points to taking the cat out and at least looking down the barrel. I bet there are crumbles in there.

As for the "bolts"; are you refering to the sensor as bolts? I have taken mine out at least 10 times and have never had an issue. I dont even use antiseize. The sensors, if taken care of, are not wear items.

 

likely you got the 420 code. if so.. cat by by..

beers

 

i def have the exact same problem. be carefuly taking it to a dealer tho. i did. i have the cel but it was for my intake? and they didn't do anything about the cat and i pushed it too. so now i'm broke and my car is too.

symptoms like:
no acceleration at higher rates of speed
bogging down and stalling even and stops
actual deceleration if in sixth gear and going up a slight hill even with the pedal to floor

the dealer told me that my intake wasn't assembled correctly and that caused my whole problem. obviously not. i'm still covered by the federal emissions warranty. i think its 8 years/ 80000 miles. that will cover your cat if its fried.

 

arun i have a stock cat . 200 bucks and shipping. its already packed and ready. 7k miles on it in perfect shape

 

The acceleration problem has not happened since then, weird.

I'll go autozone or something tomorrow and check what code it is.

I'll let you know, I'll see if I can get it replaced with warranty if not I'll either go catless or get it from you.

 

I check the code today, its actually 37, not 40. What would that mean?

 

p0037? definitely o2 sensor failure, or wiring problem to o2 sensor:

DTC P0037

Rear HO2S heater control circuit low

DETECTION CONDITION

The PCM monitors the rear HO2S heater control voltage when the PCM turns the rear HO2S heater off. If the control voltage exceeds 25% of the battery voltage, the PCM determines that the rear HO2S heater control circuit voltage is low.

Diagnostic support note
This is a continuous monitor (HO2S heater).
The MIL illuminates if the PCM detects the above malfunction condition in two consecutive drive cycles or in one drive cycle while the DTC for the same malfunction has been stored in the PCM.
PENDING CODE is available if the PCM detects the above malfunction condition during the first drive cycle.
FREEZE FRAME DATA is available.
The DTC is stored in the PCM memory.

POSSIBLE CAUSE
Rear HO2S heater malfunction
Connector or terminal malfunction
Short to power supply in wiring harness between rear HO2S terminal D and PCM terminal 2A
PCM malfunction

kevin.

 

Hopefully this is covered by warrenty, if not whats a good place to buy the sensor. look on ebay its like $40bucks shipped.

 

cheapest method would be checking the wiring before replacing the sensor.

kevin.

 

Doesn't that O2 sensor have a tendency to heat up so much, it can strip the threads when removing? It's like being welded.

 

sometimes apparently, i personally haven't run into it yet

kevin.