CEL Came On...Fun

[scottmarston]

Hey guys,

Well, here are the codes that are stored:

12 - Direct battery input to PCM was disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles
21 - 02s sensor problem (oxygen sensor), upstream or down stream
37 - Torque converter clutch solenoid CKT or park/neutral switch failure

These are my first CEL codes I have ever gotten. It is also the first time I have checked for the codes. I was using the self check by counting the CEL blinks. Has anybody gotten these codes? Good or bad news? I had the battery disconnected just recently, so I'm assumming that code 12 is not a big deal.

Is the O2 sensor code telling me to replace the sensors? I know I'm supposed to disconnect them and ohm them out, but I was just curious if others have swapped these out before based off the same CEL code. I'm going to test the O2 sensors...as soon as I find them. I suppose I'll have to get underneith the car to get to these? Are they located further towards the front of the motor (closest to the radiator) or the back (closest to the firewall)? Picture's worth a thousand words if anybody has got one.

I don't even know where to start on the 37 code...advice?

Any help would be great...I'd surely appreciate it.

 

[scottmarston]

Bueller...?

 

[speedracervr4]

What year Viper?

 

[daveg]

Do you / did you have a CEL on. I am asking because you did a disco on the battery!

 

[scottmarston]

Sorry, '95 Viper. It actually came on when I downshifted three days ago. It was a typical downshift...got up to about 3k rpms. I disconnected the battery at the driver's side fender where you would jump it about a month ago to swap the amp...turns out it didn't kill the power to the radio, but that's besides the point. I haven't turned the key 50 times since then because it has been raining.

 

[scottmarston]

I haven't taken the car in yet to see what EXACTLY the problem is (I anticipate it is bad O2 sensor(s)), but I got a quote to change them out...$750. Can anybody comment on if this quote is a ripoff or not?

 

[speedracervr4]

Yes, you can change to 02 sensors out pretty easily. You may need a jack and jack stands since you have to get them from below. Look at the exhaust manifolds and you'll see them. The sensors(factory) themselves are about $90 or so. $750 way is too high.

 

[scottmarston]

Yes, you can change to 02 sensors out pretty easily. You may need a jack and jack stands since you have to get them from below. Look at the exhaust manifolds and you'll see them. The sensors(factory) themselves are about $90 or so. $750 way is too high.

Thanks. I'll check it out hopefully this weekend.

 

[AJ02]

I haven't taken the car in yet to see what EXACTLY the problem is (I anticipate it is bad O2 sensor(s)), but I got a quote to change them out...$750. Can anybody comment on if this quote is a ripoff or not?

Serious rip off! Not much work at all to change them. I did both of my fronts in about 30 minutes. Don't remember the exact cost for the sensors, but it was less than $750.00. Art

 

[scottmarston]

Serious rip off! Not much work at all to change them. I did both of my fronts in about 30 minutes. Don't remember the exact cost for the sensors, but it was less than $750.00. Art

I ordered the O2 sensors and will replace them myself. The funny thing, is that when I started the car a day ago...the CEL light didn't come on! It hasn't come one SINCE! Aren't those alarms supposed to latch until someone clears them? I did the key trick and checked the log and it still tells me that the O2 Sensor is alarmed...so I'm changing them out. I had a shop check out the #37 alarm. He said it was the skip shift solenoid circuit...which makes total sense because I unplugged that POS a loooooooooooong time ago. Soooo, I'll swap the O2 sensors and I think everything should be good to go.

 

[scottmarston]

Success! That was easier than changing the oil! Saved me $530 doing it myself. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Jack B]

I believe the Bosch sensors from NAPA are about $100 each>

Serious rip off! Not much work at all to change them. I did both of my fronts in about 30 minutes. Don't remember the exact cost for the sensors, but it was less than $750.00. Art

 

[Stonep185]

NTK is the brand I found already in the car. NAPA or Rock auto carries NTK....