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2007 T&C P0032 Oxygen Sensor Heater Control

19K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  flamom  
#1 ·
Oxygen (A/F) Sensor Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

Hi

I had my car serviced at my local dealer on Friday. I drove it for about 100 miles afterwards and the engine light came on and stayed on. I did the key dance and found the above as the reason for the code. I know as much now as I did before. :)

Could the mechanic have done something to cause this to happen? I've not had any troubles with this car at all since purchasing it.

I've read that with some codes you can reset the code and they don't come back. Is this something I should try with this specific code?

My husband isn't in a position to do any repairs right now, so I would be taking it to the dealer. As the car is only as 30,000 miles and is less than three years old would this be covered under warranty.

How safe is it to drive with this type of code, or should I park it until I can get it in to be repaired.

Thank you for your help.
 
#2 ·
According the my 2006 Haynes manual, the code P0032 refers to the upstream oxygen sensor heater (cylinder bank no. 1) heater circuit high voltage. This sensor is located on the top of the rear exhaust manifold above the flange.
That helps you a lot, I am sure.
What service was done to the vehicle? I would call the dealer and explain what happened and that you are not happy that it was just serviced the the CEL is on now. Also, check in you owners manual under emission components and it should mention what is covered under warranty. Usually these items are covered. It might be just a bad sensor.
I would have no problem driving to the repair shop so long as it is running ok.

Good luck
 
#4 ·
Actually, from my experience, that is an easy thing for the mechanic to damage. I had a mechanic replace my spark plugs and wires and a new tensioner bearing on a 1990 3.3. First tune up in 40,000 mi. When I got it back, the mileage was cut in half, 10 mpg. The inside of the tailpipe was full of carbon. I checked the fuel pump and a number of other things, and narrowed it down to the O2 sensor. When I climbed under, I found the sensor had been bent. The mechanic, in an effort to get a long extension in from the back had bent the sensor and it was giving false readings. Went in for a tune up, came back with half the mileage! Replaced the O2 sensor, and that was that. If the mechanic hit it dropping a tool from the top, or from underneath, it could have damaged the unit. If you look at it, you may be able to tell. My light never came on, but if I had driven it much further, it may have come on. It is possible.
 
#5 ·
Silicone will eat O2 sensors and cat converters. If they opened the air intake and sprayed any type of cleaner or lubricant containing silicone in the throttle body area, they may have induced the problem. Are you going to prove that...no.

Sure, you can always try resetting it. Yes, your warranty will cover it.
 
#6 ·
Thanks everyone.

We did clear the code and unfortunately it did come back, so I'll be on my way to the dealer in the morning.

Service was regular oil change. No throttle body cleaner that I know of - my hubby does that.

So, who knows.

Now, the hopes are that they can do this quickly. I'll be back to let you know what they say/do.

This will be my first warranty issue since the new company took over. What experiences has anyone had with 'Chrysler' since the takeover.
 
#7 ·
The Chrysler dealership that I frequented lost its franchise but is still open as a repair shop and used car dealer. Luckily, all the service writers, mechanics and customer database was retained. So it seems business as usual.
 
#8 ·
Well, business is not as usual - at least at my dealership.

Yes, they confirmed that it's the sensor causing the code. Yes, it needs to be replaced and is covered under warranty ...

BUT they don't have any. Isn't that like the grocery store not having bread and milk? They can't even tell me when they expect to get it. They said it might be backordered.

I am not a happy camper today.
 
#12 ·
Sounds like you talked with the "DSTC" (doesn't seem to care) person at the Dealership. The "dozy" response "might be back ordered" is a "might be useful" response. :cry:
I would contact the Parts Department and ask them directly about the availability of the sensor. :thumb:
 
#9 ·
Flamom:

Not to worry as long as the engine is not running rough or missing. Our 05 had both 02 sensors replaced under warranty by 18k miles.

One was in stock, and they had to order the other. Our last two dealer visits to our "new" dealer (20 miles away) have been great. The dealer we had grown accustomed to that was 3 miles away had their Chrysler line taken away after 75 years of business.

Don
 
#10 ·
Well, at least it is warranty, great news!
 
#11 ·
On my 05, Dealer replaced the sensor and a few miles later the light came back on. They told me the computer had to be re-flashed to work with the new sensor. Sounded fishy but after the did this, no more light. They placed a tag near the right strut tower that lists what version they flashed to.
 
#14 ·
Back home after getting the sensor replaced. Took 36 minutes the 'first' time.

Well, Mr Fixit, you called it. They said my car was ready and I wasn't out of their driveway and the light was back on. Can you see the steam still coming out my ears.

I drove back up to the door and they took it right in. A wire was not connected - and to make matters worse they said that was probably what I came for in the first place. Sooooo if it was a wire, why did they tell me that the 'part' was backordered. Took 20 minutes for them to find the disconnected wire.

I don't have any tolerance today for this type of stuff. Obviously the mechanics there aren't mechanics at all, but computer technicans. I'm not meaning to insult any of the real mechanics that read this board.

I think the biggest problem of all is the total lack of empathy. No one cared that the car was given back to me with an engine light still on - or that I was inconvenienced by having to go back in.

I now have this dealer that I totally dislike and distrust, or I have another one to choose from 25 miles away. OH, well...I'll try to find my happy face and go on with the day.

Thanks all for your help and shoulders - it meant a lot.
 
#15 ·
Some days a diamond, some days a stone when it comes to auto repairs. Any chance varmits (squirrels) got at your wires. They don't always pick the easiest to find wires to chew the insulation off of or to pull on. :cry:

Could have been worse, be happy. :lol:
 
#16 ·
HI I would say no to squirrels or whatever getting to my car - but obviously you never know. There isn't any sign of nests, or other problems to any of our cars.

After they said about the loose wire today, I figure when I was in there for an oil change a week ago, somehow the wire got loose, prompting the repeat visit.

Yup - turning the day around to be a better day.

Thanks again!
 
#17 ·
Glad you are all fixed up. Did they tell you what the wire was for? Did they not hook up the o2 sensor? I know what you mean by lack of empathy with some of these dealers. Though most have now combined but are there still separate Chrysler or Dodge dealers around to give you more choices or is the 25 mile away one a combined dealer? Example, the Dodge dealer was closer for me so I went to dodge for my Chrysler Pacifica of which dodge had no model.
 
#18 ·
The dealer is a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealer and I think it's always sold & serviced these vehicles.

I don't know what the wire was because the way the service guy said it the wire was probably what should have been fixed initially and I probably didn't need the o2 sensor - because replacing the sensor didn't make the light go out. When they took the car back in the mechanic found the loose wire. My dander started to get up again so I figured I better leave before I made another scene.

Overall, I was angry at them for making me go three times, and angry at myself for letting them get to me. I'm usually very patient and can roll with the punches, but not with this for some reason.

I think that one service guy just gets me the wrong way.

Car is running great and just got detailed so I'm in love with it - at least for this week!

Thanks all.