1996 Dodge Caravan check engine light

PAM22HARRIS

MEMBER
1996 DODGE CARAVAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

My van leaks a little oil so I add some from time to time, but I had forgotten to add some for a while and the check engine light came on. It was about 1 and 1/2 qt low. I filled it. I then when to Auto Zone and they checked the car's computer that said the ozone sensor in bank one. The salesperson suggested replacing the sensor, but I friend thought that I should wait and see if the check engine light would go out on its own due to adding the oil. Unforunately, I am scheduled for inspection in 2 weeks and I don't want any problems with the gov't. Should I wait and see, or go to a shop and have it replaced. Times are hard for us at this time, so I need watch our dollars, but I want a safe car.

Thanks so much,

Pam Harris

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

A quart low on oil is nothing. My Caravan regularly gets more than three quarts low before I remember to add. It doesn't even touch the dipstick.

The Check Engine light will not turn on due to low oil. That is not monitored. The diagnostic fault code for the oxygen sensor means the Engine Computer detected a problem in the way it was responding to unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. The logical choice is to replace the sensor, but there could be a wiring problem too. The repair shops have a hand-held computer that can watch the sensors switch from rich to center to lean. That must occur rapidly while the engine is running.

Caradiodoc