Rep Power: 0

I just picked up a 2004 Civic LX from a coworker to use as a beater car for around town. He gave me a great price for it, and I love Civics so I'm pretty happy.

With 170k miles on it, it obviously has a few things that need to be taken care of. Most of them are small, and I'd like to see what you guys think about my options.

First is the ELD needs to be replaced. I've read up on it and it seems common. no problem at all, it's a cheap part and a simple swap. I'm ordering one today.

The second is a likely exhaust leak. It's got the "chugging" noise going on. The noise only happens at idle and during the first second or so of acceleration. Idle is not rough, and the noise is consistently timed making me think that it is not a misfire going on. I had a couple of friends with mechanic experience take a look and they both said due to smelling exhaust at the hood and the noise, that it's probably a leak.

How quickly should I get this handled? I've never had this problem before, so I don't know if I should be worried or not.

The third problem is a bit of a problem. I've got a CEL on, giving me the code P0135 for the Primary HO2S (Sensor 1) Heater Circuit. (I've also got P1298 on for the ELD). I did a proper ECU reset this weekend. Both lights left, then the O2 sensor light came back pretty soon. The only real reason I'm concerned (that I know of) is simply that I won't be able to pass inspection next year with that light on.

After doing some research, it certainly seems like a simple fix. Only thing I don't like is how much the sensor is. Now, I'm assuming this is what I should be looking for: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/121551621417?lpid=82&chn=ps
I've got a bit more troubleshooting to do with it. I'll go through the steps described in AllData for making sure the plug and wires are fine. I'll also check to see if there is any build up on the sensor itself.

So basically, is the link above what I would need to buy to replace it? And other than not passing inspection, is this a problem that I should fix immediately, or just do it when I can? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 150

Do a search for O2 sensor. I bought an NTK (correct OEM PN) from Amazon for $23.
Here is the Denso:
The NTK:
I took it to my local autoparts store and they let me borrow the socket. I just swapped it right there in front of the store.

 
Rep Power: 518

You will probably find the heater circuit resistance is waay out of spec in the primary sensor.

Ohm test on the two like-colored wires of the sensor, it will probably read open circuit.
After you find that, you can go ahead and order another one.




A 2004 uses an A/F sensor as the primary sensor, it's not the same as an O2 sensor. Even though it looks and smells about the same and does the same job, the A/F sensor is far more accurate than a plain O2 sensor.

36531-PLM-306 is the Honda part number I found for an LX, same as you found.

Locate the brand name on your original sensor and use the exact same brand (NTK or DENSO). Go to that manufacturers website and verify the part number in their lookup matches a number bsmiley posted..

 
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Thanks for the input guys.

So, if I'm understanding this right, the cheaper ones will work fine? I was really hoping for that. I also suppose that if I buy the cheaper one and it doesn't do the job, I'm only out $20 or so.

I'll take a look at it on my lunch break and see if I can tell which brand it is.

 
Rep Power: 150

Ideally you'd want to identify which MFG your current sensor is, NTK or Denso and buy the OE part.
From what I have read, you want to use the Honda part, which will be NTK or Denso, but do not use a Bosch, the ECU may have issues with it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks, I'll make sure which brand I need and let you know what happens!

 
Rep Power: 518

The CORRECT one will work fine.

It doesn't have to come from Honda or have Hondas part number, but it still needs to be the correct brand and part number for your application as per the manufacturers lookup.