Engine Light.

2001 3.4 V6 engine light.. Mechanic says Cat convertor, some on here say o2 sensor.. Which do I change?? Cant afford to do both.. My truck has 168k on it.. Muffler shop says that he can take 2 off and put one on.. about $225. Sensors are $90- $120 each. Has anyone else had this problem?? I am stressed, do I change sensors, or cat?? What do you all think?? Thanks...

 

Exactly which code is being thrown??? ...

 

Mechanic says its a cat convertor code.

 

I going to have it rechecked tomorrow.. But leaning towards cat convertor..

 

I would first change the O2 sensor. You can do it on your own. I just changed my uncles O2 sensor on my drive way, took less then 15 minutes. Just 2 10mm bolts hold it in place.

Do NOT go aftermarket on this sensor. Get the oem Denso sensor if you dont want any headaches in the future.

 

Mine did same thing, I have a 1999 3.4. I did a bit of looking on line, and found this place, I then found the how to clean a MAF sensor post, and for less than 10 Bucks and 20 minutes work I didn't have a CEL anymore. I think I had to disconnect battery,remove and clean maf, replace it go inside, drink a cold one, come back, and reattach battery start truck and no more check engine light. Those dam maf sensors don't like being dirty, gave me the o2 sensor code also. Try the easy things first then open the wallet. They sell MAF cleaner or electronics parts cleaner works also, it's the same thing, at auto parts stores. Good luck

 

hope its just a o2 sensor man even though theyre a tad expensive it would cheaper then a new cat