im not sure if this is the right place to post this. and its probably a dumb question to ask. but i know how 02 work, they read the oxygen content in the cat and adjust the fuel trim to accomodate. but does it work the same with a 3rd gen tpi car? because the previous owner removed the cat and the check engine light has been on forever so i know that what it is. but i have nver road in this car with a car and the 02 workin properly. so my question is should i out my car back on? or is there someway i can get the most out of my car with out installing cats?

 

anyone

 

I'm pretty much 100% sure the 02 sensor should be between the manifolds and the cat on your car, so it's reading won't be affected by a catalytic converter missing, because that comes downstream from the 02 sensor. Not having a cat won't cause your check engine light.

If your 02 sensor is unplugged that WILL cause a check engine light, or if its no good.
Are you sure your check engine light is trying to tell you about the oxygen sensor?
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Exhaust was a good place to post this.

 

no i wasnt 100 hundred percent sure thats what it is from. i am having a hard time find a scanner for my car, for less than a grand anyone know of one???

 

It's actually very simple to check it yourself. With my car, the people at Advance Auto Parts couldn't get their scanner to work on it.

If you pick yourself up a Hayne's Manual, it explains it all. All you need is a paperclip or a wire with both end exposed - I keep one in my car now just in case I get a code, I can check it right away.

With the car not running but the keys turned to be ready to start it (can't think of the word at all), your SES light should be lit. It's either the top two on the far right hand side of the plug, or the top and bottom on the right hand side, can't remember, try both, your SES light will start flashing. It'll flash once then twice, which means 12. It always does this and will do it 3 times consecutively. Then, if another code has recently been set, it will flash that one. For example, it may flash 3 times slowly then 5 times quickly, which means a code 35.
The Hayne's book has a chart which explains what each code means, and also tells you how to check them, just using better words then I did.

All in all, a Hayne's book can really save you in situations. My dad and I have used it for tons of stuff.

 

you wouldn't short out the ecm by sticking a wire in the slot?