Condensation will happen no matter what you do...

 

This is what helped me out when I got my codes(thank's to iamxpL for pointing me in the right direction)
http://ww2.justanswer.de/uploads/hyb...2012_p1172.pdf

Condensation can and will damage the o2

ROD

 

I wonder if that software update would apply to the 2008+? Even though that document only references to all 2006's and partial 2007's.

edit: This refers to the primary 02 sensor since they referenced part number 36531-PZX-003.

 

RROUNDS when you called the dealer did you ask them just to reflash it? even though your CEL was off they did it anyways?

 

Didn't call, my car has 101k miles, so with that many miles I just replaced the o2 myself. My fuel mileage is up from the 15 mpg(LOL) I was getting with the bad o2 sensor. If the new o2 last another 101k miles I doubt I'll still have the S.

Rod

 

Mine was starting to get bad too, from my normal ~23ish mpg to something much lower. Mine has 82k miles, its something I expected to go bad since the same thing happened in my 02 si, but I think it was the first 02 sensor that went out on that one. I remember taking it to the dealer because I just couldnt get to the sensor.

 

Replaced the o2 sensor tonight, it was a pain doing this under the car but I had it on jackstands on the front. I hate being under any car but I had to get this done...


I had to pull the tip of the old sensor out of the cat via the hole that the sensor is in. I can see why it was bad, the thing fell apart once it was out of the car. I cut the wires to help in removal. Cleared the CE light and drove it home, should I still pull the 'backup' fuse or is clearing the code sufficient?

 

if you hated being under the car, sorry to say you will be under it yet again. you should probably replace the cat. the reason why its broken like that is due to the cat internals moving and crushing the sensor. chances are it will happen to the new sensor and then it would be a waste of money.

i would do a fuse pull if you dont have a scanner to clear the code. it takes a certain amount of driving to get the system ready before it clears the code.

 

Im not sure if the ultragauge would qualify as a 'scanner' or not, this was actually the first time I used it with this car...I got it back when I had my mazdaspeed3 and used it to monitor my ltft's and stft's as well as engine temp since it didnt even have a water/temp gauge.

As far as the cat goes, in the past I have always used high flow cats and I think berk makes one for this car from what I have gathered. Ill do some research on that. So with the cat internals moving around, I should expect the cat to start rattling too correct? I cant go with a test pipe since I do have to get tested for emissions because I live close to Atlanta.

 

i would also suggest a berk. but mind you that Ap2 are a hit or miss with the check engine light. im pretty sure your cat halves are loose and thats what crushed the head of the sensor. before buying one i would take off the cat and inspect it. the insides if loose will move left to right. or alternatively you can buy a used cat from the classifieds. you can get low mileage units for a decent price.