P1133 help

[Mikat1]

Hey all, My car is throwing a P1133 code for o2 sensors. I have read all about it and have some piece of mind after. Having said that, in one portion of the write up they explained that an exhaust leak 6-12 inches away from the o2 sensor could cause this code. I do have a pretty significant leak coming from both headers where they meet up with the y pipe. so my question is, with an exhaust leak coming AFTER the o2 sensors, could this cause the P1133 code? Also would these leaks have any affect on the performance of my car? any input is appreciated. Thanks Mike

[02SS35th]

I would think for a few dollars, you can have an exhaust shop close the leaks and see if the code goes away. That, or the actual sensor went bad. I had to replace my front two O2 sensors not long after I got the car because my longtube headers wore out the stock ones. Replaced both and no more codes.

First option you can try is just replacing the sensor, since you can return them if that's not the problem. Otherwise, you can get the leaks fixed up at an exhaust shop, then see if it is still throwing the codes after you reset it, then install new sensors if you need to. Performance wise, I'd say it depends on how bad the leak is, but even the smallest leak probably wouldn't affect much in my opinion. You'll just get bad gas mileage and it won't run as efficient as possible when it's in that "default" setting when the PCM reads a sensor fail.

[Mikat1]

So I fixed the exhaust leaks and replaces the o2 sensors, drove the car for a couple days and bam! Ses light comes on p1133 and p1153 insufficient switching bank 1 and 2. I don't know where to go from here. Any ideas?

[pajeff02]

How old are your sensors?

[Mikat1]

Sensors are brand new

[pajeff02]

It is possible as there are pressure waves that travel up and down the exhaust system as each valve opens and closes. It could possibly draw outside air into the exhaust and alter your sensor output.

[Mikat1]

Any way of correcting something like that

[pajeff02]

Reset the codes and drive it some more -- see if they repeat. If you can hook a scanner to the car you will be able to see the sensor output in millivolts (mV). It should rapidly cycle up and down if they are each working properly.