P0133 O2 Sensor question

[Ringmaster]

Hope this finds everyone free of snow. Engine light came on in our 03 LS V8 Sport. Used code reader at Advance Auto and got the following: P0133 O2 sensor CKT response Bank 1. Store told me that is a oxygen sensor and bank 1 indicated driver's side. Person behind counter then said the car might have a total of 4 of these things with 2 on the driver's side. Can anyone confirm? Also where exactly is the part located on a LS and how hard is it to change. One website I checked said you need a special oxygen sensor tool and it could take from 15 minutes to 4 hours to replace depending on how frozen in place the thing is. BTW I deleted the code and the engine light did not come back on while driving home. Does this mean it could have been a fluke or can I just expect it to come back on. Thanks.

 

[rt2barbers]

O2 Sensors

I believe there are 2 on each side (bank). The removal tool is cheap, one size fits all, available at most auto parts stores, essentially a deep 1/2 drive socket with a slot cut into it. Don't try loosening the sensor without this tool!

 

[Ringmaster]

Thanks for the reply but I still would like to know where it is located and if there are in fact 2 per side where are THEY located. Drove the car again today and the engine light still did not come back on. So once again I am asking could this have been a fluke or should I expect the problem to return and if so how hard are these things to change out?

 

[SlickLS]

Did it snow on your car recently? Because everytime it snows, which is only a couple times every few years, my car throws a CEL but goes off and never comes back on until it snows again.

 

[605RezlifeLS]

same thing with mine, the 02 sensors are bad or something, the check engine light goes on and off but I'm going to replace them anyways.

 

[bxstang20000]

Yes OBDII cars have 2 sensors per bank. There is one before and one after the cat. P0133 is B1S1 Circuit slow response. Usually this is either a bad sensor, exhaust leak, or wiring. With a scan tool you can read the data to determine what the sensor is doing. Normally it is just a bad sensor plus if you have a lot of mileage its a good idea to replace them anyway since new sensors have a quicker and more accurate response increasing your fuel mileage.

They are easy to change just spray them with some PB Blaster or rust penetrate a few minutes before then get the right socket and just screw it out. If it is frozen you might need to heat it in order to remove it.