WeekenderNutJob
TYF Newbie
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2022
- Posts
- 21
- Reaction score
- 23
TL;DR: The issue was the TSB reprogramming (not the O2 sensors). When I replaced the part a year ago, I likely installed "new old stock" that premature failed. The second replacement was maybe "new stock," which the ECU read differently? Maybe they aren't exactly the same? Either that or my car is running worse now for some other reason (old cats, worn injectors?) and that was tripping the code just over the unprogrammed ECU levels? Not sure exactly but at least getting the ECU updated, fixed the issue, not another O2 sensor. I am tempted to put the old (from a month ago) 02 sensor back in, but just assume not to mess with it at this point to prove anything to myself.
Long Version:
I could’ve pushed back harder initially when they suggested another 02 sensor, but I think dealerships, or pro mechanics, maybe they just distrust any home mechanics. I got the old, recently replaced, sensor back in the deal, and the ECU reprogrammed for "free". I figured the cost of the diagnostics and sensor install roughly equaled what the ECU reprogramming alone would’ve cost, so it’s a wash, and I keep the old sensor and my pride knowing I didn't have the Tech 2 Scanner tools to diagnose it any further or to reprogram it anyways and I was right the first time, just could not prove it without them doing the work. Took it for a 500-mile trip this weekend, with no issues. They also gave me a $50 service credit, so the next oil change is mostly on them I guess.
Long Version:
- Took the car to the dealership for diagnostics after all my efforts had failed. I was done trying to find the issue.
- They said the new AC Delco sensor I had installed about a month ago was bad, and quoted $330 for parts/labor/diagnostics. I let them do it, figuring if it wasn’t the issue, they’d need to address it again at no extra cost.
- Paid ~$330, drove a drive cycle, and the CEL came back on with the same P1153 code in <50 miles.
- Returned the car the next morning and pointed out (again) the TSB for this issue, and gave a full written list of all my previous repairs or tests that were noted above that were related. I also printed out the TSB and gave it to them as I was concerned they had ignored me on that topic the first time.
- This time, I pushed for the ECU reprogramming at no charge—minimal effort/cost for them. They agreed, reprogrammed the ECU, and.... it worked. After a drive cycle, the car passed emissions (Utah only requires CEL off and readiness checks).
I could’ve pushed back harder initially when they suggested another 02 sensor, but I think dealerships, or pro mechanics, maybe they just distrust any home mechanics. I got the old, recently replaced, sensor back in the deal, and the ECU reprogrammed for "free". I figured the cost of the diagnostics and sensor install roughly equaled what the ECU reprogramming alone would’ve cost, so it’s a wash, and I keep the old sensor and my pride knowing I didn't have the Tech 2 Scanner tools to diagnose it any further or to reprogram it anyways and I was right the first time, just could not prove it without them doing the work. Took it for a 500-mile trip this weekend, with no issues. They also gave me a $50 service credit, so the next oil change is mostly on them I guess.
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