My engine light turns on, and i went to autozone to diagnosis, and it’s faulty o2 sensor. Would you be able to replace it?

My engine light turns on, and i went to autozone to diagnosis, and it's faulty o2 sensor(P1036). Would you be able to replace it?

My car has 88449 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If code P0136 sets the only way you can determine if the oxygen sensor has failed is to use an automotive scope to graphically depict the sensor output waveform (it will look roughly like a sine wave) and switching rate (around 5 hertz). Even if Autozone used a real time scanner (as opposed to just a simple code scanner which is probably what was used in your circumstance; by the way, if you car was NOT running during the "scan" they did NOT use a real time scanner) even a real time scanner only has the capability to show voltages. It can give a crude indication but to tell if the sensor is really bad you need a Mechanic with a scope. The fact of the matter is code P0136 has MULTIPLE and distinct possible causes including faults in the wiring to and from the oxygen sensor, exhaust leaks and defects in the catalytic converter. In fact, you can install a brand new oxygen sensor on your car, disconnect the wire to the sensor to simulate a "bad connection" and code P0136 will set! The point is the sensor ITSELF has to be tested. Now, it is possible that AutoZone has "guessed" right but once you act on guesses, as opposed to actual diagnostics and appropriate testing, you’re on the old "slippery slope". Better to ask for repairs according to the instructions, test just as the instructions require, and if bad, replace. If you want the sensor tested by a certified mechanic, and replaced if it is defective, please request oxygen sensor diagnostic/replacement and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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If you have noticed some bad O2 sensor symptoms and are ready to replace your sensors, AutoZone has everything you need to do the job right.
Is It Okay To Drive My Car If It Has A Bad Oxygen Sensor? We recommend not driving with a bad oxygen sensor as the powertrain isn`t running on the correct fuel mixture. Though it may seem fine, if the powertrain is running rich and over-using its fuel it could start to clog the catalytic converter.
Because the sensor can no longer regulate the fuel mixture, a car`s emissions will go up. While O2 Sensors are robust, they are exposed to the elements, and will deteriorate. Once this happens, the sensor will throw a fault, and thus the Check Engine light comes on.
Can I Drive My Car With A Bad Oxygen Sensor? We recommend against driving with a bad O2 sensor as the powertrain is not running on the correct fuel mixture. While it may perform fine in the beginning, if your engine is running rich and using too much fuel it might begin to clog the catalytic converter.
It is best to replace O2 sensors in pairs. For example, if you replace the downstream left sensor, you should also replace the downstream right. However, on most vehicles produced since 1996, replacing one sensor (especially the front engine monitoring sensor) will cause the ECU to set a code for the other sensors.
How Serious Is P0136? This type of trouble is moderately serious, meaning that your vehicle should still be capable of running, but you risk major damage to your engine if you don`t address the problem as soon as possible.
Whenever the P0136 code appears, the ECM has determined that Sensor 2 located behind your car`s catalytic converter is malfunctioning. Sensor 2 on the Bank 1 side means that it is located on the side of the engine that contains the #1 cylinder.
If you notice your sensors or relays begin to go faulty, AutoZone has the solution to get you back on the road in a jiffy.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

My engine light turns on, and i went to autozone to diagnosis, and it’s faulty o2 sensor. Would you be able to replace it?
ANSWER : If code P0136 sets the only way you can determine if the oxygen sensor has failed is to use an automotive scope to graphically depict the sensor output waveform (it will look roughly like a sine wave) and switching rate (around 5 hertz). Even if Autozone used a real time scanner (as opposed to just a simple code scanner which is probably what was used in your circumstance; by the way, if you car was NOT running during the "scan" they did NOT use a real time scanner) even a real time scanner only has the capability to show voltages. It can give a crude indication but to tell if the sensor is really bad you need a Mechanic with a scope. The fact of the matter is code P0136 has MULTIPLE and distinct possible causes including faults in the wiring to and from the oxygen sensor, exhaust leaks and defects in the catalytic converter. In fact, you can install a brand new oxygen sensor on your car, disconnect the wire to the sensor to simulate a "bad connection" and code P0136 will set! The point is the sensor ITSELF has to be tested. Now, it is possible that AutoZone has "guessed" right but once you act on guesses, as opposed to actual diagnostics and appropriate testing, you’re on the old "slippery slope". Better to ask for repairs according to the instructions, test just as the instructions require, and if bad, replace. If you want the sensor tested by a certified mechanic, and replaced if it is defective, please request oxygen sensor diagnostic/replacement and the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

Check Engine light comes on, mechanic replaced o2 sensor but light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there:

If the mechanic completed the O2 sensor replacement, reset the codes and the error code was triggered again, it is possible that the catalytic converter is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s also very common for the electrical harnesses that power these sensors to become frayed, damaged or faulty; which can also trigger the check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive a vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter for extended periods of time, as it can cause damage to internal engine components.

Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.

O2 sensors changed, but check engine light still showing code after clearing it I checked fuse. Wires are good and used Denso OE.
ANSWER : Depending on what the code was for will determine if the oxygen sensor was to be replaced. If the conditions were for a rich or lean mixture and it said oxygen sensor, then the spark plugs and wires could need replaced if its a rich reading or the fuel injectors could be clogged or not working if its a lean mixture. If the code said that the oxygen sensor was bad, then check the harness and see if there is a break in the wiring or a short to ground in the wiring from the oxygen sensor to the main harness. If you need further assistance with your check engine light being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Check engine light – O2 sensor circuit + speed sensor circuit…
ANSWER : Hi there. O2 sensor low voltage can be caused my a number of things. Mass air flow sensor was only one of them. It can be a bad O2 sensor, coolant temperature sensor, or wiring issue.

What should be done is a proper diagnosis for the Check Engine Light. Using a complete scanner rather than just a code reader gives a technician the opportunity to not only read trouble codes, but to read voltages for individual sensors. While a code reader tells you the relevant system that set the Check Engine Light on, but with a number of possible causes, the full scan tool allows checking of each individual cause. Having a proper diagnosis will help you have this repaired correctly without replacing parts that are not faulty.

Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.