Spiffy

I have a '96 pickup with a 350 engine and I'm having trouble with the O2 sensor. The check engine light was on so I took it to Autozone and they checked it and told me the oxygen sensor was bad, I bought a new one, installed it and they cleared that code. All was fine, the light was out but after about 20 miles it came back on again, I had purchsed a code reader and the reader showed that the O2 sensor was "Slow to respond" or something like that. I cleared that code and the light stayed off for about 10 miles and it's back on again. Anyone got any ideas why this would happen with a new O2 sensor?? This is the sensor that is in the exhaust pipe before the muffler. Thanks.

oldchevy

You should have 4 sensors. The code reader will tell you which sensor is bad. What exactly was your code?

Spiffy

I'll get back to you Monday with that info. Thank you for your reply. I replaced the one Autozone said was bad----I hope they sold be the right one.

Spiffy

I just read my code from my O2 sensor problem and it shows "PO153 O2 sensor circuit slow response".
I see that EvansBlue posted some code info for OBD1 vehicles and the same info is shown for that (PO153) even though I know that my '96 is a OBD2.
He also shows that PO153 means Bank 2 Sensor 1--is it the same for my OBD2? If it is the same as mine, which sensor is Bank 2 Sensor 1?
Sorry for my ignorance on this subject--I'm used to working on Hot Rods with pre emission type engines but I want to learn as much as I can about my newer vehicles.
Thank you, Bruce in Florida

oldchevy

I got this from another site. Bank 2 sensor 1 is the one on the side where cylinder 2 is and the sensor before the catalytic converter.

Things that may fix the problem include:

Check and fix any exhaust leaks
Check for wiring problems (shorted, frayed wires)
Check the frequency and amplitude of the oxygen sensor (advanced)
Check for a deteriorating / contaminated oxygen sensor, replace if necessary
Check for inlet air leaks
Check the MAF sensor for proper operation
Replace the Bank 2 oxygen sensor upstream of the catalytic converter

Spiffy

Well, I replaced that sensor, took it for a 50 mile ride and there is no check engine light so I guess all is well!
I'd like to thank you very much, oldchevy!! I've learned something about what the heck is going on with these computor controlled vehicles. I'm printing all the info that you have provided plus some other info that I found on this site. Pretty soon I'll be ready to put a LS3 in my '36 Ford Coupe. lol