Check engine light is on saying its the o2 sensor what do i do?

Answer 1

You can drive the vehicle. Do not disconnect the battery as this will remove all codes. The problem could be a faulty catalytic converter and the O2 sensor is picking up bad emissions. However, I had that happen and it was the sensor itself that was bad. It could be a loose wire or bad connection due to contaminants. If the Check Engine light is flashing a code that indicates a concern with the O2 sensor, then you'll need to check both the upstream and downstream sensor. The upstream/downstream means before/after the catalytic converter. One common cause is that the connector is loose or needs to be reinstalled to get a better connection. Dirt, moisture, or oil could possibly block the wires from receiving a signal from the o2 sensor. To determine which sensor is a problem, go the your local Auto Zone store and ask them if you can borrow their computer code reader. They will ask you for your driver's license while you use it in their parking lot. The connector on the reader is plugged into the socket under your dashboard under the steering column. Often the socket can be seen by opening the driver's door and looking under the dash/steering column while kneeling on one knee outside the car door opening. Plug in the reader, sit in the drivers seat, and the code reader will tell you what buttons to push. It's easy and if you make a mistake the reader will tell you what to do and set you on the right path for success. After 3 or 4 steps, the reader will indicate whether it's the O2 sensor #1 or #2. #1 is the sensor located in the exhaust manifold, usually accessible via the engine compartment. Try to unplug/plug the wire connector to the sensor out/back in and run the test again. The #2 sensor is accessible from under the vehicle approximately in the area of the driver's door under the car in the center on the exhaust after the catalytic converter. To run the test again you may have to turn the ignition off/on as instructed by the code reader. If all else fails, take it to a TEST-ONLY smog station.