This light only appears for around 10-15 seconds, after the car has been running for over 30 minutes, or when doing 55mph+. It soon disappears after this time, and does not reappear very often, only after another 30 minutes. The car doesn't lose any power, and it still drives normally when the light is on.
I had this checked out by a garage I normally go to and they said that this wasn't anything to worry about, as the light was only on very occassionally. Is this true, do I or do I not worry about it? I also tried calling another couple of garages and they said it shouldn't be a problem.
Thanks in advance again!
How essential is it to have the oxygen sensor replaced, if the orange ECU light only comes on occassionally?
Hi
This is the same as low output/no activity, and can actually be caused by something completely different to the O2 sensor, such as clogged injectors, faulty air flow sensor, weak fuel pump, faulty coolant sensor, intake air leak, etc, etc, anything that would cause a lean condition, which the coolant sensor then attempts to rectify by either switching low or not at all, and hence the fault code and flickering light.
I will add however that if your engine has more than 50000 miles on the clock then the O2 sensor is due a change and could well be the problem.
If the light ever stays on then you can take an exhaust reading and an injector pulse reading. If the injector pulse is lower than average and the exhaust is either rich or normal then you have a problem other than the O2 sensor.
If the injector pulse is low and the exhaust is lean then you have a faulty O2 sensor.
Unfortunately, you light is merely flickering and therefore this wouldn't be possible.
As long as your exhaust emissions are within the legal tolerances then your vehicle will not fail the MOT.
Cheers
Geordie
How essential is it to have the oxygen sensor replaced, if the orange ECU light only comes on occassionally?
dont worry its nothing
If the light comes on at your next MOT you will fail. Get thee to a scrapyard where you will find a plentiful supply of cars. Grab an oxygen sensor (obviously from an Astra - not a diesel), expect to pay about 拢10?? (I got one from a Honda salvage company and it cost me 拢40 - but still better than 拢130 for a genuine new Honda part). Try it in your car, if it works, job done.
It could also be a cable fault. Is the cable running to the O2 sensor in good condition? Is it caked with oil? Try cleaning it and the plug. WD40 should work well for this.
Hope this helps :-)
No need to worry.I drive an R Astra Sports.My light comes on in fits and starts,been doing it ages and my car runs normal.Will go weeks and then suddenly appears for a few days and goes off again.Not noticed any difference in performance.
you wont get a mot on your car with the light on.. so you will have to have it done by MOT time..
