OK heres the scoop:
My daughter drives a 1999 Jetta we picked up for
cheap
it had issues
we fixed most of it
not all. Still had CEL, "catalyst efficiency low", so 2 new o2 sensors later and reset the light
Everybody's happy.
not really, CEL again 10 days later, same code. Goto my Exhaust guy, we get car on rack, find cat already replaced with aftermarket unit. Turns out to be same one he sells. Krap. He explains to me that the aftermarket one is a really good one, however, sometimes the ECU is too
sensitive and will pick up on the, now, fast moving exhaust as inefficiency. doublekrap.
a new one from VW is almost what we paid for the car
***** to some guys at work
found out about the o2 sensor mechanical simulator.(see previous post #26) Apparently you get the same code if you free up your exhaust flow with performance parts.
begin install this am.
Safety First!
Did not follow intelligent procedure and broke relatively new o2 sensor.
Expletives Deleted for our mixed audience
bought new stuff
Grind interior to fit, and test fit o2 sensor.
Get proper tools.
!!use antisieze!! I like the copper based, it gives you a good electrical contact as well as saving you from unnecessary cussing later on.
put it all back together the way it came apart.
Reset CEL and TaDa. It only took 4 hours to accomplish what should have been a 30 minute job.
Moral
If you haven't put one of these in before, test fit, test fit, test fit.
Now she's gotta drive it and see what happens.
Oh Yeah, stopped by VW and got new inserts for the lower bumper cover, Filled them with expanding foam,(what a great idea).(psst don't tell my wife i was using the kitchen counters, it was freezing outside, barely over 50deg f)
Now just gotta wait 24 hours to smooth and shape and paint and reinstall them
Stay tuned, more to come (next week that is)
S.