I took my car(99 saturn sl) for emissions at meineke. I knew i wouldnt pass emissions because my check engine light was on but i wanted to find out why anyway so i just did it. here on the paperwork it says diagnostic trouble codes: P0133:O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 1, P0341:Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance Bank 1 or Single Sensor. To me that was written in french so they basically told me that i need a camshaft position sensor and an O2 sensor. they also told me i need a valve cover gasket and a new catylitic converter. the Saturn place told me that i dont have a cam sensor. i have no idea where to start on my car. sometimes my car doesnt want to start and i have to wait 10 min to a couple hours before it will start again and other times it will start right away. if anyone has any suggestions it will be greatly appreciated.

 

Well, obviously I'm not where you are, but if it were my car, here's what I'd do, and the order in which I'd do 'em:


1) Replace the forward (upper) O2 sensor

2) Replace the Crankshaft Postion Sensor (CPS)

At this point in time, I'd reset the computer on the car, and drive it for a couple of days to see if the diagnostic trouble codes come back. If not, then I drive it another couple of days, and then take it back for your emissions test.

If you are still having problems getting your car to start, I'd look into replacing the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECTS) and it's associated electrical connector. This sensor controls the air/fuel mixture on the engine, and can make it a real "bear" to start sometimes.

As far as the catalytic converter, I'd hold off until this other work was accomplished. True, catalytics can go bad, but I've seen a bunch of good units replaced, and unless I was dead sure the converter had failed, I'd take a "wait and see" position. Good luck ...

 

Good sound advice, ...... and all things that are common to go bad ........ sometime down the road.

 

Thanks for the advice....I am going to see what happens and I will be back.

 

hey...was wondering what you did to fix your problem??? ect or cps did u change either one?

i have 70k 98 sl2 and havin ur same problems......dont know which one to change??

let us know thanks guys

 

definitely replace the front 02 sensor mounted in exhaust manifold.
replace the ects as indicated above

cam codes are usually an indication that something is amiss in the ignition system.
I'd start simple with wires and plugs