Well guys, I installed my XS headers a couple weeks ago and right after the install, a CEL came on. I read the code and it was something like... P0141 Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2. So I decided to replace it with an OEM one.

Two weeks later, TODAY, the light pops back up out of no where. Not panicing, I reset it by pulling the clock backup fuse, turn the car off and the check engine light is gone. COOL! So I drive my car up the street and back. 2 minutes pass by, it pops back up.

I then use my scantool and low and behold, THE FUCKING OXYGEN SENSOR IS OUT AGAIN!!!!

What can I do to stop the oxygen sensor from going out? Should I wrap my headers with exhaust wrap? Extend the o2 sensor? Get a new cat?

I was looking into purchasing the RT cat with 02 extensions along with a new cat anyways. Any difference between DENSO's O2 sensor and the OEM one?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks in advance fellow AZine members.

 

wrapping the header, extending it wont do any thing. you need to get to the root of why they are failing. (although many have had multiple o2 failures) Its possible the front one is causing it. or that the cat is wearing out.

 

Ah I see, I will get a new o2 sensor along with the rt cat and extensions. If all else fails, I'm chucking these headers and buying the new and improved DC ones.

 

It is possible that you used too much silicone spray such as WD-40 when trying to loosen the header and exhaust bolts, and some got onto the O2 sensor. O2 sensor is especially susceptable to contamination by silicone sprays.

 

The headers arent the cause. Which O2 sensor did you replace the first time

 

I replaced part number 36531-P8E-A11 only.

 

Sorry, I'm a bit unclear on which one died. Is it the first one or the second one? (I'm too lazy to look up the part number.)

I had multiple primary o2 sensor failures. Every time it died, it was after running the car really hard. It finally went away after I tuned it... apparently the increased exhaust flow was super hot and killing the heater circuit. I haven't had a sensor failure since tuning it.

Get a V-AFC (I, II or Neo) and pay a shop like 100 bucks to dyno tune it.

 

The primary one is the one I replaced....

I was thinking about getting the unichip. Which is better the V-AFC NEO or the Unichip? Sounds like a really good idea. I'll probably order one of the two tonight.

 

if im not mistaken bank 1 sensor 2 is the rear o2 (ive had a long weekend-3 hrs of sleep since fri)

 

You may be correct, and I think I might have replaced the wrong sensor ...

I don't get it though. I got the same code last time and ordered the primary one, replaced it and the CEL was gone. Now I get the same code and the 02 sensor after the cat is F'd up?

What the hell do I do?

BTW, I got 7 hours of sleep total since last sat til now. Believe me, I know how you feel.

 

replace the rear sensor