Code P0133

Tiny
JWPARKS310
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC VIBE
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 170,000 MILES
Sensor 1 circuit 1 slow response. Not sure how to tackle the problem the o2 sensor was replaced about a month ago so I do not think the o2 sensor is bad. A friend and I replaced the catalytic converter a couple weeks ago and everything is fine (no exhaust leaks or anything) but the weld is not exactly perfect so could possibly be a tiny exhaust leak? The manual for my car says it is either faulty wiring to the o2 sensor, an exhaust leak, or a bad PCM. I went to a pick and pull and got another PCM from a base model 2003 automatic transmission Vibe. I have not put it on or anything yet. Any advice?
Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 AT 8:33 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening.

Can we start with the code number?

I can give you good information once I know the code number.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-oxygen-sensor-02-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-oxygen-sensor-works
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Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 AT 5:37 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
I think you hit it on the money with the small exhaust leak, you cannot have any. Exhaust leaks cause slow response times.
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+1
Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
JWPARKS310
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you I will have a professional welder repair it tomorrow! Thank you.
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Wednesday, May 9th, 2018 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 47,643 POSTS
Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
JWPARKS310
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had a welder go through and reseal it. Looks much better and we did a water test no water got through at all.
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
JWPARKS310
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What do you think? I did not take pictures of the new weld but it looks much better than the one I did. The only code that has come up since I replaced the catalytic converter has been the P0133 code. I had to reuse the original exhaust flange from the original catalytic converter I took off the car. So I cut it off the old catalytic converter and cut the new one and welded the two together. That seam is where I think the problem was and that is where I had the welder do a professional job. His weld looks perfect to me.
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Thursday, May 10th, 2018 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Did you replace all of the 02 sensors are just the one? Sometimes when a new sensor is put in with remaining old sensors they do not read right because the response time is different from the new to old sensors. Let check the wiring though to make sure we are not chasing our tail.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the engine and oxygen sensor wiring diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, May 11th, 2018 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
JWPARKS310
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  • 4 POSTS
The code is p0133 it is in the title.
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Friday, May 11th, 2018 AT 1:59 PM

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