Monday, September 19, 2011

If i changed the oxygen sensor, why is it giving me the same code problem on a 1998 chevy astro van.?

did you reset the computer after changing the sensor? did you change the right oxygen sensor? disconnect your battery cables, waiting a couple minutes, then replace them and see if it disappears
If i changed the oxygen sensor, why is it giving me the same code problem on a 1998 chevy astro van.?
Your manifold gasket could have a leak or a crack in the manifold.
If i changed the oxygen sensor, why is it giving me the same code problem on a 1998 chevy astro van.?
There are two oxygen sensors, one in front of the converter-just off the exhaust manifold and one behind the converter. Could also be the catalytic converter. If so capture a direct pre-fit replacement from: autopartswatehouse.com, partstrain.com, rockauto.com or autopartsgiant.com. You or any new car dealer will slap it on for you.
First of all, you did not address what is the problem specifically. Is the van burning a lot of gas? Is the code says anything about O2 sensor? Keep in mind that O2 sensors worked hand and hand with the MAF sensor. What I mean is, this sensors are associated with the fuel system. If any of this sensors are not working right, then the computer cannot adjust the right flow of fuel consumed by the engine. Some cars have 2 oxygen sensors. 1 after the exhaust manifold and the other is after the catalytic converter. Assuming that one of them doesn't work, the other should still be able to pick up the remedy,but if the MAF sensor is dirty, it cannot relay the output message from the computer and to the O2 sensor or vice versa inorder to lean or rich the the flow of fuel needed by the engine.



I have the same problem with my 1996 Regal a month ago, the car dies for no reason. I thought it was the fuel pump but still keep on doing it after I put a new fuel pump. So I pulled the MAF sensor and cleaned (spray) it with electronics cleaner that I bought from Radio Shock. So far, so good that it never give me the problem since. My car has 145,000 miles in it now, and I never change any of the oxygen sensor. Try it and see what it does. Good luck..



Btw, there are 3 sensors located in the throttle body. TPS or throttle position sensor, MAF or mass air flow sensor, and AIC or air Idle Control. If the AIC is not working proprely, you should be able to hear a wobbly sound (up and down idle) when car is sitting still. All this sensors are associated with one another, but mainly that is controlling the function of the O2 sensors is the MAF and the TPS will adjust accordingly based on the demand of air as needed during accelleration or high speed.



When in doubt, just punch (or Google any of the sensors listed) and a brief function or recommendation how to clean it can be obtained through internet...
You need to understand that the reason for most O2 sensor failures is a dirty throttle body and IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE. The O2 sensor send a signal to the CPU, the CPU adjusts fuel mixture with the IAC valve. If you are smart, you will remove the A/C plugs that are junk, and replace them with Bosch Platinum, Fusion, or Nippondenso Iridium plugs. These plugs simply burn more fuel more completely, thanks to fuel chemistry. You get more power, better fuel mileage, and your emissions drop. Also, your O2 sensors and converter will last longer. KEEP your throttle CLEAN!!! Use Amsoil Foaming Cleaner, if you can find it!!!