How much longer do I have with this O2 sensor? (Engine light on)
 

I'm trying hard to get on top of maintenance with this car, but it seems like every time I fix something, another part breaks.

The check engine light has been on for about three weeks now, and the code pulls up that one of the O2 sensors is failing. I drive the car about 20 miles a day on average, so should I be ok as long as I get the part replaced by the end of the month? It's a 2000 model with about 53,000 on it.

What is the error code? Most O2 sensor codes are reporting a problem upstream and there is nothing wrong with the sensor. It could be reporting a failed AOS and if not resolved quickly your car will become a giant black hole for $$$. Diagnose the code first. :)

Wow, thanks for that information. I immediately did a search on the aos, and pulled up one of the main symptoms I am having. I'm getting smoke on start up almost every other morning.

Ordering parts immediately, and thank God for this website!

Hope it's not too late, been about 1 week 1/2 since consistent smoke.

Is 53k mileage when the AOS can be expected to fail?

-Don

No.

BTW, I had two O2 sensors that failed and it was a bad cat that was the culprit.

MikeBat, Thanks I did not want to be looking over my shoulder expecting the AOS to fail at 52k which is what my 2001 996 has on it presently.

Don

About the mileage my first O2 sensor showed "tired" response on an '01S.

What is the actual code number? alot of people misinterperet their code based on the description that their code reader gives them. o2 sensors are not unheard of to go bad, but MAFs throw a "oxygen sensing" code and vacuum leaks from the AOS leaking can also throw a wrench into this. And as far as when the AOS fails, if I had a 996, I would replace it at my first clutch job since it only adds an extra hour or so of labor to the job, as opposed as pulling the intake.

Travis84,

I may have to wait till I do the IMS as I have a tip.

Don