P0135 code A/F Sensor S1 Heater Circuit

Tiny
LYNNE BUSH
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 HONDA CRV
  • 50,000 MILES
After having my catalytic converter and two O2 sensors replaced (they had been cut out / ripped out and stolen), both the Check Engine Light and the Orange Triangle/! Light will not stop shining. The mechanic hooked it up to their computer and a P0135 code is the result.
Prior to the damage from the theft, my CRV was in perfect working condition. There was no evidence of any sort of pre-existing malfunction. I did drive it after the theft because I could not leave it where it was and, also, to drive it to the mechanic. All told, I put fewer than thirty miles on it before it was repaired.
Insurance is refusing to pay for a mechanic to further diagnose the reasons for the warning lights unless it is a direct theft or, possibly, a mechanical error. The mechanic can't offer an estimate without doing diagnostics. I am cash strapped (like many!)
So, my questions: a.) Is it safe to drive? B.) Am I damaging my vehicle? C.) Is this related to the theft of the catalytic converter/O2 sensors? D.) If so, how can I prove it? E.) If not, what needs to be fixed/replaced? F.) What questions should I be asking both the mechanics and insurer? G.) Is this damage typical after a theft of this sort? H.) Do I need to repair it at all? I.) Will I pass an emissions or safety inspection?

My car may be an older model, but with less than 50,000 miles on it, it should still be in excellent condition. I am very concerned and, just a little, worried that I am being treated unfairly. I have little faith in insurance companies.
Monday, May 9th, 2022 AT 12:32 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The code is pointing to the primary oxygen sensor. Now it could be due to a bad sensor or an issue with the wiring. Since the wire was ripped out it is possible that there is damage to the harness for the oxygen sensor.
So yes, it is possible the issue is due to the theft as something was damaged due to it, however it might be difficult to prove it.

Driving with an oxygen sensor code is not necessarily damaging to the vehicle. However, it can impact fuel efficiency as well as emission.
So, this will not pass emission inspection.

I have attached the diagnostics procedure below for the code P0135 below.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work
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Monday, May 9th, 2022 AT 1:23 PM

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