Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Code P0133

Here it is Code 133:02 sensor slow response (bank 1, sensor 1)

Where is this located? and how hard is it to get to?

Anyone have an extra 02 sensor laying around thats workin? :p

Thanks gang!

There is something wrong with the code format. It is usually something like P0133, not 133.02.

You might find this helpful in learning what a code means. http://www.obdii.com/codes.asp

You may not need it since you already know that it is for bank 1, sensor 1. Be careful, a code for an oxygen sensor doesn't always mean that the sensor is bad. It is wise to do a little further testing before replacing it.

Bank 1 is the rear bank. The numbering system is based on where cylinder #1 is located and the rear bank is cylinders #1, 2, & 3. It is awkward to get to. It is in the exhaust manifold in front of the pre cat. It is usually best reached from the top. Move the coil pack out of your way for access.

Thanks Jim! It is code P0133 I was just explaining what it was after the code hence the :

Hmmm...how else could I tell if its something else? The car runs ok except for the crapy gas mileage...(guess I shouldnt drive so fast huh? hhehehe...)

But what else should I look for?

You can swap the two front sensors and see if the code follows the sensor. If it doesn't, look elsewhere.

To check the sensor more carefully someone receintly posted how you can bench test an oxygen sensor using a propane torch and a DVOM. You can find that using a search. It has only been about a week or two.

Normally you check out an oxygen sensor by reading the sensor with the engine running. The voltage should be changing constantly between rich and lean. You can drive the mixture lean by causing a vacuum leak and confirm that the sensor reads lean. You can drive the mixture rich by artifical enrichment with an unlit propane torch feeding propane into the intake and confirm that the sensor reads rich. A lazy sensor, one that is not switching very rapidly, can be from a defect or it could be from not being properly warmed up. If an oxygen sensor remains lazy after warming it up and exercising it from driving the system lean and rich, it probably needs to be replaced.