Hello,

Im new to the community, and stumbled across this site by luck. I have 2 issues I would very much like to fix when I get back from deployment here in iraq.

VEHICLE INFO:
'03 OZ Rally.
Auto Tranny
30k Miles

MODS:
Kamikaze Headers
RRM Front Strut
RRM Rear Strut
Injen Cold Air Intake
Greddy Exhaust
Eibach Pro Kit Springs

PROBLEM 1:
I have a CEL problem, it's very annoying due to the fact I can't tell if I have a true problem or not. I believe it started when the headers were installed or the exhaust sytem. I've taken my car to the dealership for a diagnosis and was told the problem is a bad o2 sensor which they will fix for $350. A bit pricey if you ask me... Anyways I've done some research and found out that RRM sales a CEL ELIMINATOR for $19. This part seems like the solution to my problem. Now how would I know which o2 sensor is bad and How many o2 sensors does a 03 OZ have? Im assuming 2 would I need to purchase 2 of these to fix the issue? And if it is a bad o2 sensor where can I purchase the part instead of going through the dealer and paying outrages prices.

PROBLEM 2:
Heater is dead. No longer blows hot air out of the vents. A/C works fine. I havent noticed any leaks (last I checked before I deployed no leaks) Once again took the car to dealership for a diagnosis this time it will cost me $1200 to fix the problem. Mechanic says he needs to replace the "HEATER CONTROL BOX" never heard of it myself. Also says he must take out my dashboard to get to the problem and fix it. What can I do? need input on this one.

Thanks in advance.

 

Problem 1: I believe that the RRM Cel Elim would work, it would just get rid of the light.

Problem 2: You might have a water pump issue.

Im not a mechanic but I believe these are solutions... my 2 cents.

 

#1. Lusion's idea, or live with it.
#2. Go elsewhere and get a second and/or even a third opinion

 

Does your temperature knob work? That cable can pop out of its routing and then the temperature is stuck wherever it was.

 

Lusion is on the right track for #1. Get the CEL Eliminator from RRM. If that doesn't work, then you might have bad 02 sensors. Buy them and replace them youserlf. Our cars have 2. One on the header another on the Cat.

#2. Your A/C Works? strange. I'm having the same problem on mine, my heat only works when I turn the dial to 4. I took it to the dealership and they told me I have a bad Transistor, typical problem on our cars. So you should all expect it soon. That part costs about 140 and plus the labor and everything, they wanna charge me about 300 or so. Go figure...

 

Last time I drove my car I was able to turn the Knob Low to High, but still no hot air. So yes my knob works but the funny thing is when I got my car back that day I wasnt able to turn my knob at all anymore felt like it was stuck. But when I tried the heater, I felt hot air blowing only for a few seconds. Took it back to the dealer and told them the knob is now stuck and wasnt before when I took it in. I honestly dont remember what the mechanic told me but he did say something about why he did that. That was about 8-9 months ago before I got deployed to iraq.

 

1) if it happened after the header install its like 99 percent because the 2nd O2 sensor is reading numbers too close to the 1st o2 sensor since there is no cat and it throws a CEL light. Get 1 of the O2 simulators from RRM and put it in the second O2 sensor place with the sensor, DO NOT put it in the first. The first o2 sensor is designed to read the a/f ratio and adjust the ecu accordingly, the 2nd is just to tell the car that the Catalytic converter is doing its job.

2) 1200 is rediculous for any part on a car short of rebuilding the head. Bring it to a local shop, not the dealership and get a diagnostic and quote. Guaranteed it is probably something miniscule or easily fixable for a quarter of the price. Good luck!

 

Isn't there a recall for faulty HVAC controls in our Lancers??? Take it to a BETTER dealership if possible and have them do the free replacement to see if the problem will then be solved.

 

Is there really a recall? Is it for the Temp control knob sticking and being hard to turn? Cuz mine's been like that from day 1

 

^^^ Yes, exactly... Search the forum for posted details.

 

Learn somethin new everyday

 

Ahhh bringing to life dead threads...

I don't have a lancer... but my bro does. He called me today and told me that he had a code... and he took it to autozone to have them pull it... (yes he amazed me with that one, I thought he would have just gone to the dealer) anyway.. he told me that the dude said his 1st sensor is bad... I don't know what year his car is... the technician told him he had 3 sensors.. does this help to know what year the car is?? but can he just get this $19.00 part and replace sensor #1?? is it easy for him to change it himself..( special tools?? ) . another questions... what if he dosen't do anything? that shouldn't cause any problems, should it?... ( i don't know where the sensor is )...

Anyway thanks in advance for he help....

 

^Well, according to everything I've learned about our exhaust system it only has two O2 sensors. If the first one is bad, it should be an easy fix. Bad part is that the sensor itself (unless you get a used one) will be pricey. The only tool you should need is a good Cresent wrench. If you got a special socket for O2 sensors too, that'd definitely be the way to go...