A few weeks ago, the check engine light came on in my wife's 2004. She had it...decoded and the code came back as a P0160 - O2 sensor. I ordered in a new one (Bosch) and replaced. The light came back after 1 outing. Had the code read again and this time was a P0161 - still the O2 sensor though. I removed the first sensor I had replaced, ordered a new set for both the #1 and #2 spot, and check engine light is still on. Is there a set number of miles one has to drive for this to re-set, or is there a fuse I am missing somewhere? She hardly drives this car (54K) and to have this many problem with a babied car is ridiculous.

 

I hate to say it, but given that you have confirmed two error codes, I would most likely take the car in to the dealership so they can pinpoint the exact O2 sensor(s).
I could be wrong on this but if I'm thinking correctly, It could be that the first code that was thrown was the first one in the circuit that was detected and from what I've seen of code readers (smaller units) only one code can be pulled at a time.
Good luck to you.

 

I'm fairly new to this forum, and gotta admit I have learned alot and look forward to checking in periodically to see what else I can learn. I have to say though, one of the first things I learned was we are not suppose to use the "D" word (lol-jk).
From what I know about code readers, yes they will only read one code at a time. Therefore, if both 02 sensors were bad at the same time, could it be the catalytic converter was what was throwing the code??

 

I suppose I should clarify. Initially, I got the P0160 code - O2 sensor, Bank 2 Sensor 2. I replaced it but the CEL never did go off. Had it checked again, and this time got the P0161 (still Bank 2 Sensor 2) so replaced that one as well. I could swear that it is somehow not getting any power, but a Chrysler guy is telling me there are no fuses involved. My next attempt will be to get "Genuine Chrysler/Mercedes Parts" and try that. We recently talked about selling this car, as it was just not needed, and not a day later is when the O2 trouble started, and now the key is starting to lock up.


I don't know for sure, but I have a funny feeling that the Xfire has been eavesdropping.

 

I laugh as that is exactly how I found this forum about a month ago. I was looking to sell, my CEL came on (EGR valve, which I still am having a difficult time getting to the bolts to remove it) so I googled for info and Viola!! Crossfire forum came up and I was convinced to remain a proud owner. Funny thing, about a week later my alternator gave out. I remember thinking I'm glad I didn't sell as I would've felt really bad selling the car with a bad alternator. So I even learned to replace the S-belt and alternator myself. Now I'm just having too much fun tinkering. I just replaced my stock grille with the billet mesh being showed off here on the forum. Love it!!
So I have a question. When we are checking for our engine codes, are we checking Chrysler or Mercedes codes?

 

I found this while surfing and thought it might be helpful??

Well it started with the Engine Check light turning. I ran that way for a few years. I finally got an OBD2 reader and these are the codes I found:
- P1294 Target Idle Not Reached.
- P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2). This turned out to be the Left Side Back (after Catalytic Converter) Oxygen sensor.
- P0404 Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Range/Performance.

I did the easy part first which was to replace the O2 sensor. While installing it I found that the O2 sensor connector had come loose from its anchor post and was up against the engine exhaust. Not surprisingly, the both sides of the connector were melted. So my original O2 sensor was probably still good but the connectors were melted. So I needed a new sensor with pigtail and connector (universal model was about $80 CND) and a new connector on the chassis side (about $40 CND at Chrysler).

After installing both, clearing the codes and going for a 5 mile ride I re-tested and found the P1294 and P0160 codes were now cleared. Good stuff!

 

All this sounds so familiar....especially the "tearing out what's left of my hair part"
From the beginning:
A non-dealer shop found I had an exhaust leak. They were doing an oil change but I was also getting an intermittent Check Engine Light "CEL".
The welded the leak just before the Catalytic Converters "CATS".

The codes they found said all four O2 sensors were reporting trouble. This non-dealer shop said I should take it to the dealer to find out why. They also thought it was unusually for all four O2 sensors to go at once.

The first time at the dealer they said, "as usual" can't find anything wrong". They cleared the Check Engine Light.

It came back on in about a week. So I took it back.
This time they reported the following error codes:
P0153 2/1 O2 Sensor Long Delay
P0137 2/2 O2 Long Delay
P0133 1/1 O2 Short Delay
P0137 1/2 O2 Short Delay.


The dealer's conclusion: My Catalytic Converters are "just coming apart", and they did notice the earlier weld but this was not on the CATS but just before. They also said, "BOOS leaking also at flange at 2/1 cat colector leaking".

The manager told me that I need to first replace the Catalytic Converters THEN they can begin diagnosing the sensor issues. This first step will cost $3,400.00 USD WTF!

I went back to the independent shop and they put in writing that there were no Codes for the CATS and "No leaks in the CATS or exhaust system".

I went to a California smog check station. The guy there gave me a FREE "pre test". He said I wasn't getting any Catalytic Converter Codes either.

Sound like the dealer wants me to either, just go away, or wants me to start with replacing the most expensive part first.

Don't know what to do now.
I suppose I should just get an official smog check, fail, and see what goes from there. I'm running out of time since my smog check is due in a couple of weeks.

I'd hate to have to get rid of the car. In California you can't even sell it without a smog cert. Even if you sell "as is" and have the buyer sign that he knows about the smog check issue....the seller is still "financially responsible" for the cost of getting the car repaired for smog! Got to love our fine state government here in LA LA land!

ANYBODY have any good advice? Need some kind of practical suggestion.

 

I dont know how old the car/miles are but I have had issues with my durango and just replaced all 4 on that car. The shop gave me the wrong part numbers............So check the real part number(s) and do them all. Its cheaper than failing and having that on the record.

Makes va sound better. Woody

 

California Emissions Warranty | Federal Emissions Warranty - SmogTips.com. Don't pay for replacing or fixing emissions related automotive parts which are covered under the California emission warranty or Federal emission warranty.

http://www.chrysler.com/crossbrand/w...df/Minivan.pdf

See page 22 in pdf.. 8 yrs or 80,000 miles.