Dreaded “Check VSC System” and CEL - pulled the codes
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From: Illinois
Dreaded “Check VSC System” and CEL - pulled the codes
Couple days ago the dreaded “Check VSC System” showed up, along the CEL (2008 with 105k miles). Ive been meaning to buy an ODB2 scanner, so if there was a time to get one - this was it. Wound up getting an Autel AL319 from Amazon (this thing rocks!), pulled the codes and got the following: P0171 - System too lean bank 1, and P2195 - O2 sensor signal biased - stuck lean bank 1 sensor 1. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious (something I can diy). For now, I erased the codes and will wait and see if it comes back.
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Well the easiest thing would be if it just was an o2 sensor, but I suppose it could be a vacuum leak, or something going on with fuel delivery only to that side of the engine. Does it run good? Does it misfire? Haven't seen a lot of fuel delivery or vacuum leak issues with these cars so I'd venture to say it's a "simple repair". Then again you could have an exhaust leak causing the lean codes on that side of the engine, that's entirely possible as well.
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After receiving the VSC system check light , i changed the oil with full synthetic oil and AutoZone has a $16 adjustable pressure fuel cap. I put the fuel cap on and drove the car about 30 miles..the next morning the VSC light and check engine light disappeared.
Hallelujah!...saved $$$$ and a 1 week delay on service appointment from the dealership.
Hallelujah!...saved $$$$ and a 1 week delay on service appointment from the dealership.
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So.... The CEL kept coming back after driving about 20-30 miles and my MPGs dropped pretty drastically - went from ~21 mixed driving to 15s AND from high 20s to 19 on extended highway trips. Since my emission test was coming up at the end of January, I had no choice but to take it to a mechanic. After running some tests they determined that it indeed was bank 1 sensor 1 O2 sensor. $620 later (no idea if that was excessive or not), the car is running fine and the emission test passed.
While working under the hood they noted small leaks from valve cover seals. They quoted me $500 for both sides (I also asked them to do the fuel pump seals while they’re at it, since it’s just an added cost of seals at this point).
Any idea if this is reasonable? I’ve never used these guys prior to O2 sensor replacement, but they came highly recommended by a friend.
While working under the hood they noted small leaks from valve cover seals. They quoted me $500 for both sides (I also asked them to do the fuel pump seals while they’re at it, since it’s just an added cost of seals at this point).
Any idea if this is reasonable? I’ve never used these guys prior to O2 sensor replacement, but they came highly recommended by a friend.
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That seems excessive to change an O2 sensor.
EDIT: I just checked the repair manual and you have to remove so much stuff to change these sensors. There has to be an easier way.
EDIT: I just checked the repair manual and you have to remove so much stuff to change these sensors. There has to be an easier way.
Last edited by sha4000; Feb 1, 2018 at 10:08 PM.
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From: Illinois
Onto valve cover seals...😨
The downstreams look a bit easier since all you have to do is pull back the carpet which can be a PITA but the upstream which they technically call air fuel ratio sensors talk about removing the alternator, front exhaust pipe, etc..
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