Yes to the rock auto question. It's rockauto.com

 

Code 13 = 02 sensor issue
Code 14 equals coolant temp out of range high
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Code 14: replace ECTS and connector with quality replacement
Please explain short circuit in one wire ECTS.
Solder and shrink wrap new ECTS pigtail connector wires.

Code 13:

Check fuse for oxygen sensor.
Really need a voltmeter to observe the output of the oxygen sensor. It may be a wiring issue where there is a break and the sensor is not responding at all. The sensor itself may be poisoned and not responding properly.

An improperly operating front O2 sensor takes away an important feedback parameter that the PCM uses to keep the air fuel ratio close to ideal. Without this feedback, the PCM has no idea whether the right amount of fuel is being added to the air when it goes in for combustion

These cars in general tend to run rich, so when you take the O2 sensor feedback away, the vehicle will use even more gas.

The ECTS is the other main source of feedback that helps the PCM control the air fuel mix. The code is for out of range high, but you have had both out of range high and out of range low events. Out of range high temperature is equivalent to the ECTS indicating an impossibly high temperature which corresponds to the ECTS resistance reading being too low, which leads to having the fan running all the time.

So without an ECTS signal to properly infer the temperature of the coolant, the PCM will likely use a default value for the coolant temperature that does not change and therefore the feedback for the air temperature mixture from the ECTS doesn't change either.

So your drop in MPG makes perfect sense. The two most important feedback signals to the PCM are not correct and the car is running crazy rich.

While you are at it, replace the plugs with stock NGK OEM spark plugs. They are dirt cheap and the engine loves them.

I believe harbor freight and or Amazon has a voltmeter/resistance meter for less than $10 that is sufficient for diagnosing both of these issues.

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​​​​​​It is also possible that the exhaust leak is disturbing the operation of an otherwise okay 02 sensor, because it is changing the volume of exhaust gases flowing by the sensor per unit time.
With no leak, there is an amount of back pressure in the exhaust system which restricts slightly the flow of exhaust. A hole in the flex pipe right after the O2 sensor decreases the back pressure, allowing more exhaust to flow through the exhaust system/out the exhaust and through the hole than would otherwise occur if there were no hole.
All depends on how bad the leak is as to whether it affects the O2 sensor reading.
I explained this separately because it's obviously a mouthful and could indicate there is nothing functionally wrong with the O2 sensor or the wiring, and I didn't want it to get confused when juxtaposed with the opposite situation.
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Thank you for providing all of the issues that plague the vehicle. You posted because of your transmission concerns, but it appears the other operational issues are the root cause of your drivability issues. since we can't see touch or hear the vehicle, this is critical for us to be able to assist you.

So tackle the plugs and the ECTS and pigtail replacement first and we'll see where things stand.

You got this.

 

the wire is exposed and maybe was chewed on by rodents. Im unsure of how exactly it got that way.

Intermittently the gauge in my dash will flicker.

I was checking my oil last night and noticed something else. Above the brake fluid there is a bundle of wires coming from inside the dash. One of those wires is completely disconnected. It is purple. Not sure what it goes to.

 

 

also, thanks for all your advice. Nobody has been able to help me. I dumped maybe 5-600$ for all the different “repairs” that were needed.

 

My pleasure.

I can't tell from that picture. I'll have to pop my hood tomorrow and see which wire you are referencing.

Your one wire ECTS for the dash is not shorted, the correct terminology would be that there is an intermittent connection. Probably best to solder in a replacement piece of wire after cutting out the bad part. Shouldn't affect the gauge reading too much. I doubt they are still available but I guess you could replace the sensor if you really wanted to but that seems low on the priority list.

Progress on plugs and ECTS plus pigtail replacement?

 

Directly above that big bunch of wires that are taped up coming through the firewall is a hole with a grommet with something going back through the firewall. Mine is still covered in tape so I can't tell what color it is but I don't see any wires coming off that are purple. However my wiring harness is still in good condition so I may just not be able to see the wire. Can you post a more close-up picture with you laying over the engine so that I can figure out where the wire is going? Thanks

My first guess is that single wire bunch is going to the wipers but I don't know for sure. Can't see that being disconnected on your car either. Here is my picture. I have schematics in which I can locate it but I need to know where to look.

 

 

After reviewing charm.il manuals I would say that the purple wire in question is between the wiper switch and the wiper control module which is part of the wiper motor. Connect the purple wire back together.

 

It is because i had a failing battery.