I thought changing an O2 sensor shouldn't cost much

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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
I'm not sure how they can claim that.

COVERED EMISSION PARTS
• Catalytic Converter(s)
• Electronic Spark Control
• Evaporative Emission Canister, Evaporative Emission
Liquid Separator and Controls
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve and Control System
• Fuel Tank Filler Tube and Cap
• Induction Control Valve Assembly
• Multiport Fuel Injection System
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve
• Timing Advance/Retard System
• Hoses, Clamps, Brackets, Pipes, Gaskets, Belts, Seals
and Connectors used in the above systems
• Vacuum, Temperature, Altitude, Speed and Time Sensitive Valves and Switches for the above systems
• Any other components necessary to assure conformity.
If failure of one of these components results in failure of
another part, both will be covered by the performance warranty


Seems O2 sensors would fall under the last bullet point as they are necessary to assure conformity.

And in California
“CALIFORNIA” EMISSION WARRANTY
24
• Accelerator Position Sensor
• Air Flow Sensor
• Camshaft Position Sensor
• *Catalytic Converter(s)
• Crankshaft Position Sensor
• Emission Solenoid Valve
• Evaporative Emission Canister
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve and Control System
• *Exhaust Manifold(s)
• *Exhaust Manifold(s) with Catalytic Converter(s)
• *Exhaust Pipe(s) between Exhaust Manifold and Catalytic Converter
• *Exhaust Pipe(s) with Catalytic Converter(s)
• Fuel Filter/Evaporative Emission Separator
• Fuel Injectors
• Fuel Level and Fuel Pressure Sensors
• Fuel Pressure Regulator
• *Fuel Pump
• *Fuel Tank
• *Fuel Tank Filler Tube
• Fuel Tank Filler Cap
• Ignition Coil(s), High Voltage Wires and Boots
• Induction Control Valve Assembly
• *Intake Manifold
• Knock Sensor
• *Liner A/F Sensor
• MAP Sensor
• Oil Control Valve
• Oil Filler Cap
• *Onboard Emission Diagnostic Device
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve
• Spark Plugs
• *Throttle Body
• *Transmission Control Module
• *Valve Lift Control Motor
• *Valve Lift Control Unit
• Valve Lift Sensor
• Control Relay, Registers and Solenoids used with the
above systems
• *Engine Control Module used with the above systems
• Oxygen Sensor(s) used with the above systems
• Temperature Sensors used with the above systems
• Vacuum Hoses, Clamps, Fittings and Tubing used with
the above components and systems
• Vacuum Sensor(s) used with the above systems

Thats the page I have printed and it's also in the owner manual. I'm in PA but I see how they could squirm their way out since that last bullet is pretty generic. Since I haven't been to the dealer for all the maintenance , except for the last mileage maintenance they will probably also say some stupid stuff too.

I need to get someone from work to drive 20 min with me so I can drop the car off there tomorrow and then back. Also a pain when you work with antisocial people ha.
 

halik

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
25,696
1
0
'Spacers' a.k.a. spark plug nonfoulers, will not help with his problem. Those are used to bring the rear sensor OUT of the exhaust stream to try and shake a P0420 (or just 'P042x,' as that whole range is different ways of saying 'bad catalyst').

Good catch, I thought it was throwing cat efficiency codes. To my best knowledge, the post-cat sensors are not used for fuel maps at all (after all, the cat will most certainly throw off whatever reading of oxygen was coming out of the exhaust manifold). I'm thinking the sensor in question is actually upstream of the cat, where the ECU does actually watch the lambda values.

My S8 has 4 upstream o2 sensors, could be the same with his car if they're running the exhaust mani in some strange way.
 

Midwayman

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
5,723
325
126
Thats the page I have printed and it's also in the owner manual. I'm in PA but I see how they could squirm their way out since that last bullet is pretty generic. Since I haven't been to the dealer for all the maintenance , except for the last mileage maintenance they will probably also say some stupid stuff too.

I need to get someone from work to drive 20 min with me so I can drop the car off there tomorrow and then back. Also a pain when you work with antisocial people ha.

You can always ask to talk to the regional rep. They have the ability to override the dealer. Seems pretty simple though. O2 is absolutely an emissions related component.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
You can always ask to talk to the regional rep. They have the ability to override the dealer. Seems pretty simple though. O2 is absolutely an emissions related component.

Just went outside and checked the model number on the passenger side door. It ends with a 7M which means it's a PZEV model and the warranty booklet says those models are entitled to California emission warranty as well as federal. And since PA has adopted the California model, like you mentioned 02 sensors should be covered for 80,000 miles or 7 years.

Going to need to find the regional guy here in PA and call them to discuss this. I'm not paying crap this is ridiculous.

Edit: Actually they may be right the parts covered as extra mileage due to the emissions due to California have an astriks next to them and O2 sensors do not. I guess this means for example catalyct converter goes bad and takes the o2 sensor with it then it's covered.
 
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Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
37
91
Just went outside and checked the model number on the passenger side door. It ends with a 7M which means it's a PZEV model and the warranty booklet says those models are entitled to California emission warranty as well as federal. And since PA has adopted the California model, like you mentioned 02 sensors should be covered for 80,000 miles or 7 years.

Going to need to find the regional guy here in PA and call them to discuss this. I'm not paying crap this is ridiculous.

Edit: Actually they may be right the parts covered as extra mileage due to the emissions due to California have an astriks next to them and O2 sensors do not. I guess this means for example catalyct converter goes bad and takes the o2 sensor with it then it's covered.

I would argue the hell out of this, but in the end the bold part above is correct. Only the items marked with an * are covered under the increased 7/8 year 70,000/80,000 mile warranty. The rest of the stuff is 3 year 50k miles. I do think it's funny that the turbo on my Evo X is covered for a longer period of time than a freaking O2 sensor that is ONLY there to determine if the cat is okay.

If the issue is with the sensor itself (and it probably is given the code), you don't have to worry about driving with it on. The bank 3 sensor is definitely the post-cat sensor. I know for damn sure that the Evo X ECU doesn't use that cat for anything (plenty of people remove them as you can easily tune / turn off that check engine light). I can say with almost 100% certainty that the regular lancer with the N/A version of the 4B11 doesn't do anything different.

For what it's worth, your sensor is in the same place as mine. You need a 22mm (7/8 inch) O2 sensor wrench / crows foot to change it (and a breaker bar / ratchet if you get the socket version). You'll also want some kroil oil, pb blaster, etc... I actually don't think it really takes more than that (it is also pretty easy to reach). You may need a small socket or screw driver to remove the small protective panel under the car in front of where the rubber grommet is. I routed my wideband through the front grommet hole (where the front O2 sensor ties in) so I'm not sure if you have to remove the seat to access the rear O2 harness... but even if you do... it's not hard stuff. Also you only need to be under the car for a few minutes (can be easily done with jack stands and I think you could get away with just the right side of the car in the air). The replacement sensor should run you ~$150 online.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
I would argue the hell out of this, but in the end the bold part above is correct. Only the items marked with an * are covered under the increased 7/8 year 70,000/80,000 mile warranty. The rest of the stuff is 3 year 50k miles. I do think it's funny that the turbo on my Evo X is covered for a longer period of time than a freaking O2 sensor that is ONLY there to determine if the cat is okay.

If the issue is with the sensor itself (and it probably is given the code), you don't have to worry about driving with it on. The bank 3 sensor is definitely the post-cat sensor. I know for damn sure that the Evo X ECU doesn't use that cat for anything (plenty of people remove them as you can easily tune / turn off that check engine light). I can say with almost 100% certainty that the regular lancer with the N/A version of the 4B11 doesn't do anything different.

For what it's worth, your sensor is in the same place as mine. You need a 22mm (7/8 inch) O2 sensor wrench / crows foot to change it (and a breaker bar / ratchet if you get the socket version). You'll also want some kroil oil, pb blaster, etc... I actually don't think it really takes more than that (it is also pretty easy to reach). You may need a small socket or screw driver to remove the small protective panel under the car in front of where the rubber grommet is. I routed my wideband through the front grommet hole (where the front O2 sensor ties in) so I'm not sure if you have to remove the seat to access the rear O2 harness... but even if you do... it's not hard stuff. Also you only need to be under the car for a few minutes (can be easily done with jack stands and I think you could get away with just the right side of the car in the air). The replacement sensor should run you ~$150 online.

Mine is a 4B12 engine, 2.4L. I found the oem part here.

http://www.oemmitsubishiparts.com/parts/2011/Mitsubishi/Lancer/GTS?siteid=214331&vehicleid=376952§ion=EMISSION%20SYSTEM&group=EMISSION%20SYSTEM&subgroup=EMISSION%20COMPONENTS&component=Rr%20oxygen%20sensor

It is $326 for what looks like my model. And yea the front passenger seat needs to either move up or be taken out. I don't have jack stands, only the jack that comes with the spare in the back. Can't believe a stupid sensor is that expensive.

I'm not sure which part would be cheaper but I'm not good at cutting wires and soldering them if that needs done, as I know some sensors do not have the stock connector that just plugs in.
 

Hartle4

Junior Member
Mar 13, 2014
17
0
0
Don't worry about the o2 sensor problem until you have to pass emissions again. It is just a bunch of crap to get people back to the dealers to have work done' oh and to monitor how clean its running. This is coming from an auto technician. Most people are very bothered by the light being on but i assure you that it will not affect how your car runs. You wont be able to tell if new stuff comes into you codes though.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
Don't worry about the o2 sensor problem until you have to pass emissions again. It is just a bunch of crap to get people back to the dealers to have work done' oh and to monitor how clean its running. This is coming from an auto technician. Most people are very bothered by the light being on but i assure you that it will not affect how your car runs. You wont be able to tell if new stuff comes into you codes though.

Well I'm going to clear the code for now and see how it goes. The second shop I called today quoted me $700 and honestly told me to just disconnect the negative battery cable for a bit. He was like it's nothing really major and I feel bad having to charge that for a sensor. Basically told me I'll fail emissions but I had my inspection done a couple of weeks ago.

He told me I'd have to clear it if I wanted to get it inspected next year and hope the light won't come on lol.
I wish the oem part I found had a part number I could use to look up generics. I'd buy it myself and have someone put it in since I don't have the tools needed.
 

Wuzup101

Platinum Member
Feb 20, 2002
2,334
37
91
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sk...NP2344114.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DENSO-234-4...Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b8476e76&vxp=mtr

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2011/mitsubishi/lancer/fuel_injection/oxygen_sensor.html

I'm pretty sure that is what you want. There is also a cheaper walker one available, but I've never used them in the past. I'd suggest posting on one of the lancer specific forums (or something like Evolutionm.net / Evoxforums.com in the lancer sections). It certainly wouldn't hurt to e-mail a few vendors asking about fitment.

Forgot about the 4B12... was thinking they were all 4B11 variants for some reason!

Edit: you are looking for the rear / downstream sensor.
 
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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
Is it the Denso 2344386 Downstream California sensor?

Seems to be it from the Denso website.

http://densoautoparts.com/find-my-part/vehicle-selection

That's about $160.00 at Rock Auto.

Denso is probably the OEM supplier.

Yup I believe denso is a popular part manufacturer for Toyota and Mitsubishi. The proper denso one has the oem connector it seems. Looks like I'll email rock auto and ask about it, order the part and keep my light reset for now. Maybe I can get a buddy to help me replace it or just ask the shop I talked to couple days ago if they will install it.

No clue what order systems shops use, my guess is straight from denso because that was the California emissions model downstream sensor that showed up for $323.
 

sontakke

Senior member
Aug 8, 2001
895
11
81
Do you have scanner/code reader? If not, I do not believe you are serious about fixing this yourself. The cheapest one is about $20 and if you have android platform, it is even cheaper. You have zero excuse for not knowing exactly what the code is or not knowing the freeze frame data. If people are still wondering about primary or secondary O2 sensor, it means you have not provided the actual code in this discussion.

Bottom line:- Are you really want to fight for this or not?
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
Do you have scanner/code reader? If not, I do not believe you are serious about fixing this yourself. The cheapest one is about $20 and if you have android platform, it is even cheaper. You have zero excuse for not knowing exactly what the code is or not knowing the freeze frame data. If people are still wondering about primary or secondary O2 sensor, it means you have not provided the actual code in this discussion.

Bottom line:- Are you really want to fight for this or not?

The first post states the code and the cheapest sensor is $170. Already talked to dealer and brought warranty paperwork. Look back two pages and see a list of emissions components that are covered by the California emission warranty. Sensors do not have a * next to them which means they are not covered unless for example one of the parts that is covered to extended emissions warranty goes bad then it's up to warranty to replace both. But yea the sensor is not under emissions warranty and definitely not $20.
 

BarkingGhostar

Diamond Member
Nov 20, 2009
8,409
1,617
136
sze, have you spoken with the service manager? I know you spoke with 'someone' at the dealership, but unless you speak to the actual service department manager then you may be wasting your time at the dealership.

Keep in mind that I have never encountered a dealership service department not willing to perform warranty work. Its easy money for them as they aren't charging the customer for business they need. If the situation lies in a gray area then the sales manager can engage the regional manager and see if it can be comp'd as 'doing the right thing'.

I had a steering rack fail on a 2001 Tundra less than 10K outside of the 36K mile warranty. Steering racks are not powertrain. It was a rare instance that would have cost me $600 in 2004 for a rebuilt one put in with no warranty by a local garage, or $1300 by the dealership which came with the 12-month/12K warranty.

The sales manager spoke with the regional and met me half way and it cost me $550. While the steering rack that is in the truck has worked flawlessly ever since (put another 100K miles on it since), it was an unusual issue. Sales managers can be your friend, or just be representative of a dickhead dealership.

BTW, the first time an O2 sensor failed on my Tundra it was under warranty. But they couldn't get the pre-cat fucker out of the exhaust manifold. They replaced the sensor and manifold on the manufacture's dime. LOL I late learned the sensor, made by someone other than Toyota, had a design fault and a nation-wide recall took place.

Ask to speak to the service department's service manager and ask him to engage the regional manager on your behalf. Be polite, but also tell them at this point you are not likely to buy Mitsu again and would be more likely, upon a negative result, to bad mouth Mitsu in your day to day affairs with the general public.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
sze, have you spoken with the service manager? I know you spoke with 'someone' at the dealership, but unless you speak to the actual service department manager then you may be wasting your time at the dealership.

Keep in mind that I have never encountered a dealership service department not willing to perform warranty work. Its easy money for them as they aren't charging the customer for business they need. If the situation lies in a gray area then the sales manager can engage the regional manager and see if it can be comp'd as 'doing the right thing'.

I had a steering rack fail on a 2001 Tundra less than 10K outside of the 36K mile warranty. Steering racks are not powertrain. It was a rare instance that would have cost me $600 in 2004 for a rebuilt one put in with no warranty by a local garage, or $1300 by the dealership which came with the 12-month/12K warranty.

The sales manager spoke with the regional and met me half way and it cost me $550. While the steering rack that is in the truck has worked flawlessly ever since (put another 100K miles on it since), it was an unusual issue. Sales managers can be your friend, or just be representative of a dickhead dealership.

BTW, the first time an O2 sensor failed on my Tundra it was under warranty. But they couldn't get the pre-cat fucker out of the exhaust manifold. They replaced the sensor and manifold on the manufacture's dime. LOL I late learned the sensor, made by someone other than Toyota, had a design fault and a nation-wide recall took place.

Ask to speak to the service department's service manager and ask him to engage the regional manager on your behalf. Be polite, but also tell them at this point you are not likely to buy Mitsu again and would be more likely, upon a negative result, to bad mouth Mitsu in your day to day affairs with the general public.

The service manager I spoke to at the dealership close to my house kept telling me only cat, emc, fuel pumps, etc are the ones on the Cali model like mine that are covered under 80k/7 year warranty.

So I asked if the sensor, since they work in conjunction with the other emissions parts are also covered and he told me no those are under the 60k/ 5 year warranty since they did not have an astriks next to them in the warranty booklet.

I then stated so if my catalyct converter goes bad, then the o2 sensor as well as the cat would be covered under the extra warranty. He says yes, then a long silence. Which does not make any sense.

So I tried a dealer near my work and they gave me the same speal. This is what the warranty booklet states, if the code only states it's a sensor and not a covered emissions part, then the sensors are excluded.

After work I got in my car, turned it on and to my suprise no more service engine light. I didn't reset it earlier as I was planning to take it to my mechanic right after work and tell him I found the part online.

Drove home about 30 miles and drove some more tonite after taking my motorcycle out for a small tour around the city, and still no more engine light.

Weird...either the light is a false alarm or I don't know what happened. I never noticed my mpg go lower or any weird behaviour. I guess I'll wait it out. This gives me time hopefully to finish my dental work and take care of my medical bills assuming the light or the same code does not come back.

Very strange, I've never had a check engine light that spit out an actual code go away on its own.
 

satyajitmenon

Golden Member
Apr 3, 2008
1,911
9
81
Weird...either the light is a false alarm or I don't know what happened. I never noticed my mpg go lower or any weird behaviour. I guess I'll wait it out. This gives me time hopefully to finish my dental work and take care of my medical bills assuming the light or the same code does not come back.

Very strange, I've never had a check engine light that spit out an actual code go away on its own.

Unless your CEL bulb burnt out. Ask me how I know.
 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
8,874
111
106
Probably not a bad bulb, as all dash indicator lamps come on when you turn on the ignition switch. It is known as a bulb test and all cars do it. Keep an eye on it, see how it runs and when it is inspection or emission test time, see how it does. If it passes, fine. If not, then you will need to fix whatever it needs to pass.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
Unless your CEL bulb burnt out. Ask me how I know.

That's what I was thinking. When you turn the key to Acc all lights are suppose to come on and check engine stays lit along with some others until you turn the engine on.

I've already passed inspection so I'm not worried about that now. If it comes back I will go to AutoZone again and get the code read once more.
 

sontakke

Senior member
Aug 8, 2001
895
11
81
This is where you go and spend the $20 to get your own code reader / scanner. Then you will not be wondering if the code has gone away or still dormant. You will also be in a position to see if the ECM has completed all the tests successfully or if there any pending tests. If you spend little bit more, you can even look at the completed tests and margins they had for successful completion.

I mean when you resist spending $20 to get the ability to do this but keep on asking questions here and would rather go to to Autozone and ask to scan code, I don't get the feeling that you are serious about finding or fixing this.

Generally, why do people refuse to have their own cheap reader/scanner?
 
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sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
This is where you go and spend the $20 to get your own code reader / scanner. Then you will not be wondering if the code has gone away or still dormant. You will also be in a position to see if the ECM has completed all the tests successfully or if there any pending tests. If you spend little bit more, you can even look at the completed tests and margins they had for successful completion.

I mean when you resist spending $20 to get the ability to do this but keep on asking questions here and would rather go to to Autozone and ask to scan code, I don't get the feeling that you are serious about finding or fixing this.

Generally, why do people refuse to have their own cheap reader/scanner?

All you need is a Bluetooth obd 2 plug and an android app it seems. I think I will get one of these.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
Well the light came back on again. I must have a loose wire or something. I'm not noticing any lower mpg and it's the same code again. I'll have to order the part and find time and some stands to put it on or have a mechanic do it. So odd that it went away by itself then after a couple of days after I changed my battery for a fresh one, it came back.
 

phucheneh

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2012
7,306
5
0
Well the light came back on again. I must have a loose wire or something. I'm not noticing any lower mpg and it's the same code again. I'll have to order the part and find time and some stands to put it on or have a mechanic do it. So odd that it went away by itself then after a couple of days after I changed my battery for a fresh one, it came back.

It's not a 'loose wire.' You gotta understand that your ECM/PCM is not just seeing a short or open circuit all of a sudden. You're probably setting the code after repeated attempts at running the catalyst and O2 monitors. Monitor = test that the car runs on its own, in the background, as you operate it. At various times. Catalyst and O2 (which are pretty intertwined) along with evap (unrelated to your issue) are usually the most picky and erratic to get to run successfully. Borderline failures in some of these tests can also result in periods that are similar to getting as Magic 8-Ball stuck on 'ask again later.'

What I'm saying, basically, is that your problem is pretty constant. It's just that it's only intermittently flagged by the PCM.
 

sze5003

Lifer
Aug 18, 2012
14,207
636
126
I tried using the regular Jack for tires that came with the car but I couldn't get under well enough to mess with the sensor. I figure I'll buy the sensor for $160 and have my mechanic put it in. Dunno why those guys don't order from rock auto. No idea why they said the sensor isn't available anywhere but the dealer and costs $400 bucks. Pretty ridiculous for something like this.
 

master_shake_

Diamond Member
May 22, 2012
6,425
291
121
Very strange, I've never had a check engine light that spit out an actual code go away on its own.

i have on my car.

intermittent camshaft position sensor...POS olds.
 

Midwayman

Diamond Member
Jan 28, 2000
5,723
325
126
I tried using the regular Jack for tires that came with the car but I couldn't get under well enough to mess with the sensor. I figure I'll buy the sensor for $160 and have my mechanic put it in. Dunno why those guys don't order from rock auto. No idea why they said the sensor isn't available anywhere but the dealer and costs $400 bucks. Pretty ridiculous for something like this.

They probably do order it for $160 or less. Then charge you $400.
 
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