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2003 Pontiac Montana w/1SA Pkg 4dr Reg WB

2003 Pontiac Montana
Trim Info:
Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Reg WB, 2WD Minivan
19 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy
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September 3, 2012, 5:37 pm

Len K
 

Question: What will happen if my oxygen sensor quits working ?

My check engine light keeps coming on. Twice , I've had it diagnosed and it keeps coming up with oxygen sensor low pressure readings . I've had two new ones put on.

The transmission sometimes slipped and I was told by two different garages to have it rebuilt to solve the problem . Something about hard shifting would make it come on. I just spent over $3300 doing so and...........it still comes on . Outside of putting black tape over the check engine light , what can I do ??


September 12, 2012, 9:11 pm

Elizabeth K
Expert Mechanic

When an o2 code is set, it does not indicate that the sensor is bad, but that it is sending an out of parameters reading to the computer. There are several diagnostic steps to take to look at those possible causes before replacing the sensors. It sounds like either you have a very tough to diagnose issue, or the shop is simply not doing an adequate job. If you post the exact code being set, I can send you some troubleshooting information for it. Otherwise, I suggest taking it to another shop.

If your o2 sensor quits working, your check engine light will come on and your fuel mileage/performance will decrease while your emissions will increase. But there are other ways for it to fail that can cause other symptoms, like the vehicle will run rough, or buck, while accelerating.


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