Oxygen sensor - same one replaced within 12,000 miles...now another one??

[03LinLS]

I did research this and couldn't find the exact problem. My '03 LS is now on its third O2 sensor in 12,000 miles. I think it's bank 1.? Does that make sense? Either way, it's the same one. However, this last time, the light came on and stayed on for a few days and then went off...only to come back on 2 weeks ago. But when I took it to the mechanic, after he received the code, it went off and has been off since.

Is there anything that could be going on that is causing the short life span of the O2 sensor? I am planning to take it back in on 1/5 so I'd love to give the mechanic some ideas. Unlike the Ford garage I've taken it to, I'd rather not just throw another O2 sensor at it.

Many thanks!!

 

[1LoudLS]

my main thought on this is, what is the actual code that you are getting. just because the code has something to do with the O2 sensor, it doesn't mean that the sensor is bad...

for example, maybe you have damaged wiring somewhere TO that O2 sensor... or maybe your problem is some other problem that the O2 sensor is letting you know? like you have a failing cat and the O2 sensor is reading something is out of range?




specific codes not only help, but getting advice without them is pretty much useless (and can sometimes be worse...)

 

[03LinLS]

Thanks. I will post the specific code Monday. The Ford garage replaced the same O2 sensor twice already. That's why I suspected the O2 sensor was bad, but I just thought I should get more than a year and a half or 12,000 miles out of one.

 

[1LoudLS]

well you definitely should get a lot more than that.

that alone really makes me think something else is going on.

 

[03LinLS]

The most recent code was PO133 Bank 1 Sensor 1 Slow Response.

 

[joegr]

The most recent code was PO133 Bank 1 Sensor 1 Slow Response.

I'm sure you mean "P0133."
Anyway, what brand sensor did you use? Is your car burning oil? What octane gasoline are you using? Do you ever feel like the engine misfires a little? How many miles on the car? How many miles on the coils and plugs?

 

[03LinLS]

Was just reading what the mechanic wrote down. I guess I looked at the 0 and saw an O. Anyway, the car does not burn oil b/w 5,000 mile oil changes. Always have it serviced at a Ford garage and have always used Motorcraft's synthetic blend oil. I always use 93 octane. The car had its coil packs replaced around the 65,000 mile mark with the "uprated" valve cover gaskets. I have 97,000 miles on it now. The plugs have not been changed since I've owned it (bought it in 2011 with 62,000). Was a one owner car and meticulously maintained.

Thank you.

 

[joegr]

... The plugs have not been changed since I've owned it (bought it in 2011 with 62,000). ...

I must assume then that the COPs (Coil-On-Plug, not coil packs) were not changed at a Ford/Lincoln dealer. They know that you must change the plugs when you change the coils. What brand coils were used? (Strange, since the coils, plugs, and gaskets should have been covered under a special warranty program.)

I'd really want to change all the coils and all the plugs now. (bad coils damage plugs, damaged plugs damage new coils, cycle repeats...) However, I can't promise that will solve your current problem.