Hey,

For the past while my service engine soon light has been coming on, after driving for more then 10+ minutes. So today I ran the code retrieval thing from the tech info, and it gave me:

code 44: O2 sensor-Lean exhaust indicated

What in the world does this mean? I'm pretty sure I have an exhaust leak, and I know the O2 sensor hasn't been replaced in a long while (I'm gettin to it ). Is this something serious?

Also I noticed in diagnostic mode, something started whirring up, and the car was shaking a little bit as if it were running. What was that? The car wasn't running, and the climate control was off...thanks

The diagnostic mode, is good to test the cooling fan'* operation. This way you know the ECU can control them, and that they are working properly. If they are making an excessive noise, they may be in need of replacement, but if they sound like a big fan, that'* normal [kinda because they are a big fan].

That code, means that you have a lean engine condition [duh]. I believe when an O2 sensor is really old, it gets 'lazy,' well, your'* may have become so lazy, it doesn't move past a certain resistance, and thus, giving you the code. Replace the O2 sensor, and you should be all set. If it'* been a while since it'* replacement, some PB Blaster may be required, it was for mine. And, that'* with the header off...


-justin

O2 Sensor replacement eh? Well, here comes the pile of n00bish questions that you may have come to expect from me.

Where the hell is it, is it tough to do, and is it something someone like myself could do with limited knowledge, but decent practical ability when instructions are provided. I won't be offended.

Now, judging I could do this myself, what brand should I get/from where? I noticed AC Delco has two for my car, and I've also noticed some people talk about "Bosch" brand for these things.

Anyhoo, let me know.

and oh yea, it just sounds like a big fan.

The O2 Sensor is located on the rear header. It is right smack dab in the center of it. There is one wire coming from it, which connects to a wire on the firewall. Unplug it, and if you have your replacement on hand, just break the sensor, so you can use a deep socket on it [that'* what I did]. If you want to keep it [I don't see why you would want to], then you may need to use an open end wrench, or perhaps a box head. You may have to remove a spark plug to get to it, but I have never had that problem. Just grab a bottle of PB Blaster, you are going to need it, trust me.

I do not know of which part number to use. However, only use AC-Delco. Bosch is crap on all GM cars. Don't get it! It'* worth the few extra bucks for the AC-Delco unit. It'll cost a couple bucks, btw.


-justin

Many makers of tools also make a special socket with a slot down the side to allow for the wire. Depending on what size wrenches you own, that might make more sense.

The spark plug doesn't get in the way of the O2 sensor, but the O2 sensor might get in the way of the #6 spark plug, if the sensor is taller than stock. Nothing you'll have to worry about this time.

The -503 and the Bosch sensors are both considerably taller than the -20, enough so that the purple wire has to make a sharp angle at the top of my slotted socket which is not a good. Sensor R&R is much simpler with the socket and about 18" of extension.

Further, from what I have seen on the 'net, sthe material used in all single wire oxygen sensors is the same, the only difference is in the flutes for the air

And on the '88 I had a Bosch sensor in place and had to remove it before I could replace the #6 plug. YMMV.

Yes, those O2 sensor sockets do make more sense. But, sometimes we have to improvise, and I was just using it as an idea. I like using combo wrenches, versus sockets in that small[er] space. Sockets often times don't have the clearance I need, or want.


-justin