PO133 O2 Sensor Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

[LunaZ]

Got my fortun...err, code read at Advance Auto Parts today.
Got PO133 O2 Sensor Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) from the code reader.
Replacing an O2 sensor is easy enough, but where is it? I can see O2 sensors at the end of the headers on either side of the engine, I'm guessing this is Sensor 1... but which side is Bank 1?
I'm a little busy these days with other projects. Are there any drastic ill effects if I let this go for a while?

TIA

[LunaZ]

Looks like the O2 sensor isn't the only thing that's slow to respond.

[joker515]

bank one is drivers side; but for the record... google is your friend

[LunaZ]

If I was going to just Google things, I wouldn't bother joining a forum populated by enthusiasts of the same vehicle as mine. I could just go buy a Hanes manual, too.

However, I did Google my question and found this thread, and another on this forum which says Bank 1 is on the passenger side: o2 Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1.
The other search results resulted in no definitive answer as to where the sensor is located.

I was really hoping to find more on this forum than guys installing stereos and cutting holes in their airboxes.

[2002 2WD Edge]

Originally Posted by LunaZ

Got my fortun...err, code read at Advance Auto Parts today.
Got PO133 O2 Sensor Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) from the code reader.
Replacing an O2 sensor is easy enough, but where is it? I can see O2 sensors at the end of the headers on either side of the engine, I'm guessing this is Sensor 1... but which side is Bank 1?
I'm a little busy these days with other projects. Are there any drastic ill effects if I let this go for a while?

TIA

Is it running rough or something? You didn't say. Is it a 3 or 4 Liter V-6? The error code you got can also be caused by an exhaust leak and a few other things. Same with many error codes. They are a help but not always lead to to the problem. Shopping around for sensors can save money. Some places sell OX sensors for half of what others want. You may want to get yourself your own code reader or scanner. The scanners cost more but tell you more in detail. Notice this one for example..can do most vehicles 1996 and newer. Ist thing to do if the vehicle is running OK is just clear the code(S)..readers and scanners can do that...and see if it comes back. http://www.harborfreight.com/can-obd...ner-98614.html

[joker515]

in most cars it is on the drivers side, but regardless of what side, if you replace one, you should replace both anyways, they tend to go out at about the same time, would you change only 1 spark plug because that is the only one misfiring when its been awhile since your last change?

[LunaZ]

Originally Posted by 2002 2WD Edge

Is it running rough or something? You didn't say. Is it a 3 or 4 Liter V-6?

To be honest, I haven't had my Ranger long enough to know if it's running any different than it should be. I don't have a baseline to compare it to... the light came on a week after I brought it home.

That said, it's not running like crap, hesitating or doing anything objectionable. Cleared the code when Advance read it for me, and it came back two days later. Interestingly, the CEL disappeared for a couple of days last week, but then it came back. Weird.


It's a 3.0 V6. This is the right section for my engine, no?

Originally Posted by joker515

in most cars it is on the drivers side, but regardless of what side, if you replace one, you should replace both anyways, they tend to go out at about the same time, would you change only 1 spark plug because that is the only one misfiring when its been awhile since your last change?

I guess that's sound logic. I apply the same thinking to light bulbs... except spark plugs and light bulbs are a lot cheaper than O2 sensors!

[terryduanemiller]

Originally Posted by LunaZ

To be honest, I haven't had my Ranger long enough to know if it's running any different than it should be. I don't have a baseline to compare it to... the light came on a week after I brought it home.

That said, it's not running like crap, hesitating or doing anything objectionable. Cleared the code when Advance read it for me, and it came back two days later. Interestingly, the CEL disappeared for a couple of days last week, but then it came back. Weird.


It's a 3.0 V6. This is the right section for my engine, no?


I guess that's sound logic. I apply the same thinking to light bulbs... except spark plugs and light bulbs are a lot cheaper than O2 sensors!

there are 3 engine bases for ranger. hince the question of displacement.
bank 1 is passenger side the code doesn't necessarily mean sensor is bad cld be vacuum leak causing back 1 to run lean, in turn sensor #1 throws code
please keep "smart comments" to your self.. you will not receive help acting immature

[joker515]

Originally Posted by LunaZ

I guess that's sound logic. I apply the same thinking to light bulbs... except spark plugs and light bulbs are a lot cheaper than O2 sensors!

that is true, but most other expensive parts dont have a scheduled maintainace period, and if you are throwing a code more than just one is probably due, just trying to help, and 02 sensors are about 50 dollars (alot, i know) but changing them can increase your fuel economy, which will save you more than 50 dollars at the pump. just trying to be helpful...

[LunaZ]

Originally Posted by terryduanemiller

there are 3 engine bases for ranger. hince the question of displacement.
bank 1 is passenger side the code doesn't necessarily mean sensor is bad cld be vacuum leak causing back 1 to run lean, in turn sensor #1 throws code
please keep "smart comments" to your self.. you will not receive help acting immature

This isn't my first forum, you know... every forum has its share of guys who answer questions by telling you to do a search, and then there's the ones who are Nazis about posting in the right section.
Because of this, I did do a search first, and I also found it odd that someone would ask what engine I had when I made sure I posted my topic in the "Engine Tech Forum / 6-Cylinder Tech / 3.0 Vulcan Tech" section. Why would I post in here if I had a 4.0?

Thanks for your advice.
I'll take a look for vacuum leaks before I go replacing sensors that might not be bad.

Aww, hell... if sensors are only $50 each, I'll just replace all four and hope that solves the problem. Throw enough money at a problem and it'll go away. It's the American way, right?

[terryduanemiller]

Originally Posted by LunaZ

This isn't my first forum, you know... every forum has its share of guys who answer questions by telling you to do a search, and then there's the ones who are Nazis about posting in the right section.
Because of this, I did do a search first, and I also found it odd that someone would ask what engine I had when I made sure I posted my topic in the "Engine Tech Forum / 6-Cylinder Tech / 3.0 Vulcan Tech" section. Why would I post in here if I had a 4.0?

Thanks for your advice.
I'll take a look for vacuum leaks before I go replacing sensors that might not be bad.

Aww, hell... if sensors are only $50 each, I'll just replace all four and hope that solves the problem. Throw enough money at a problem and it'll go away. It's the American way, right?

you wld be surprised how many people dont know how to use this forum correctly.. if not stated I ask..
just so you know, with an ASE certified and street knowledge of 16 yrs, I still know hardly nothing about 3.0 or 4.0 (have never worked on them) I googled it, found info I gave you within 5min of searching. (of course its all in key words)..
there are some people that are glad to help, and there's some people
are just smart ass punks.

[2002 2WD Edge]

Please read this. A good explanation of this. Notice for other causes/possibilities it doesn't mention exhaust leak but that is another.

http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4794599...rd-ranger.html

So you see you don't want to just go and buy new OX sensors. The sensors can be tested with a voltmeter though. I just tried to find a store I came across a few days ago. Couldn't find it sorry. It had sensors for about 29 bucks each. Since the OX sensor readings can be out of parameter/not in normal range by many things 3 could be fixed cheap and should be done anyway as routine maintenance. Check the air filter, buy some fuel injector cleaner (the more expensive HD ones that are meant for 5,000 mile intervals)...and the PCV valve (putting in a new one is the hardest to do of the 3, but a new one is cheap).

[2002 2WD Edge]

Found that place...typed in your yr,model and motor;

http://www.partstrain.com/store/?N=0...ref=partfinder

They vary with numbers of wires?

[LunaZ]

Hmmm. Guess I was taking for granted that the code meant what it said without being so vague as to why.
I gotta find a friend with a garage so I can investigate the other possibilities. It's 20 degrees and windy here, which is just a little too chilly for screwin' around under the hood.
However, I need to get this sorted before my February state inspection. My county does emissions testing, so I'm pretty sure that whatever it is causing the CEL will mean a fail.

Thanks for the links!

[modelageek]

if you have just the p0133 code and no other codes my guess is it is the 02 sensor........I have had this happen on 2 of my vehicles and both times replacing the sensor solved the issue.....

*and I do suggest anyone with 20 posts should maybe be a little bit more polite.......you should also make a detailed profile of your truck...it helps a lot.....and it also says "the OP is doing his part to solve his problem" my $.02