O2 sensors are not expensive?!?!? I had it changed, read my post above. They not only charge you for that, but also the labor and other minor things along the way. In the end, it IS about $600 to have the O2 sensor replaced. It sounds easy but when they have to lift the car, charge for taking it out, buying the new one, and installing it, it all adds up. They were also suggesting that I get the tune up done, I was like I don't think so buddy!
for that kind of money to spend on O2 replacement, I'd have pitched in another $400 and bought another car with working O2 sensors :) but seriously $600 is an aweful amount for O2 job. Only God & that mechanic know what he did. He probably replaced all 4 (or 2 depending on the config.) O2 sensors with Honda OEM components w/o even figuring out if all of them need to be replaced at once. This was a sweeping shot - an easy way out for a mechanic to fix an issue w/o knowing exactly where the problem was.
O2 sensor replacement, specially the upstream O2 isn't a challenging job. Could be easily done in about 30-45 mins doing by yourself. Downstream you may need a mechanic's help.
But always, it pays to do a little homework before going to the mechanic. I once went in for a simple oil change and ended up shelling out $120. Go figure!
May be worthwhile to go back to the muffler guy and ask him to chlk if there's a weld leak. Afterall he suggested putting in a new muffler as solutioN and Mich says the problem went away for a few days once the new muffler was. Put in.
Muffler comes after the catalayst converter, a leaky muffler would be noisy. The error code is around catalayst converter..
Only reason I don't take my vehicle to the shop.... I DO NOT TRUST THEM
for that kind of money to spend on O2 replacement, I'd have pitched in another $400 and bought another car with working O2 sensors :) but seriously $600 is an aweful amount for O2 job. Only God & that mechanic know what he did. He probably replaced all 4 (or 2 depending on the config.) O2 sensors with Honda OEM components w/o even figuring out if all of them need to be replaced at once. This was a sweeping shot - an easy way out for a mechanic to fix an issue w/o knowing exactly where the problem was.
O2 sensor replacement, specially the upstream O2 isn't a challenging job. Could be easily done in about 30-45 mins doing by yourself. Downstream you may need a mechanic's help.
But always, it pays to do a little homework before going to the mechanic. I once went in for a simple oil change and ended up shelling out $120. Go figure!
In my defense :D I agree with what you are saying. I moved to this state on Jan 17. My license plate was expiring on Jan 30 (from the former state). I had taken a day off from work on Jan 18 to take care of the registration. In the old state, they did not care about check engine light and just looked at the EXTERIOR to give you the safety inspection certificate. However, this state cared about the check engine sign and would not pass me until that light went away.
Fine. But I was new in the state, did not know where to go. I was sent to that station by a gas station owner and it turned out that the service place a little upscale (I found that out later). Anyway, they had the car open, I had taken a day off to get this done, my attitude was whatever, just fix it, pass the inspection, give me the certificate so that I can get the license plate before it expires in a few days and I end up paying late fees.
I normally do a lot of price comparison before spending money and I also admit this wast waste of money, but my options were limited. I preferred convenience over price.
My Honda Accord 04 had the same problem.
Took it to the dealsership for diagnostics (On board computer sensors control)
indicated 'emission' sensor failed (as you mentioned) diagnosis cost (Paid) $95.00.
Honda OEM part cost - $410. anticipated labour 2 hours cost $ 150. = $655 + tax (Never bothered)
Searched for OEM part on the internet found one $ 140 - Free shipping to your door.
Instaed Bought my self a spoiler LED light replacment pack $ 90
Tottaly ignored sensor part and stuck a black sticker over the annoying yellow check engine light = PRICELESS
Ps; disconnecting battery will shut-off the warning light but will re-occure after 9 engine starts and stops. (Tested)
feul cap is one possibility but there can be a variety of things that can cause this. I used to have a car where the EVAP solenoid failed because of the damn salt they use in michigan roads during snowfalls.
Toyota dealership charged about 700 dollars and changes catalytic converter , I had to do that because otherwise my car would not pass the State mandated inspection. That light is off now. I had to trust the dealership, I did not want to trust mom and pop mechanic for this kind of repair.
Thanks for everybody's input.
One thing though, you could have gotten the code read from the dealership before getting your muffler changed, as the autozone code reader obd2 is pretty generic (because of the scanner they use), whereas the Toyota people can narrow it to down more.
One thing though, you could have gotten the code read from the dealership before getting your muffler changed, as the autozone code reader obd2 is pretty generic (because of the scanner they use), whereas the Toyota people can narrow it to down more.
Yes I did onece free at Autozone , then at dealership itself.