Help me! Stealership and O2 sensor issues.

[Akedos]

04 Jeep Liberty 3.7

Keep in mind this is a second hand account from my wife, I wasn't there to hear it. Her Jeep keeps throwing O2 sensor code readings. Currently says both sensor 2's need replaced. Dealership wants to replace the downstream sensors and flash the PCM. But they say the sensors are seized or cross threaded and they will need to heat them up to take them out. Fine I get that. Torch them and take em out, go for it. They have to order the parts so they didn't bother trying to take them out at this point. They say that when they do try to take them out that they may break one or completely fudge up the threads taking the sensor out and then they will have to replace the converter, a $1300 part. Okay... wtf is this converter. The catalytic converter? Is that where the sensors are located on these? And cats do NOT cost 1300 by themselves for any car. That was part price, not install price, btw.

I know for a fact that I cannot get the O2 sensors off by myself as I have already tried PB Blaster and anti seize. I don't have a torch unfortunately. Oh, and why flash the PCM? Program updates?

Any ideas fella?

 

[BjBnet]

Go to Walmart and get a propane torch and try it again(they are dirt cheap). I couldn't take mine out either without a torch. Worse case....run you Jeep for a few minutes till the exhaust gets nice and hot, that might work.
Not sure about the flash, sounds like BS to me, they just need to clear the code which takes a whole 20 seconds.

 

[tjkj2002]

Well since both of the cats are on the same pipe they will have to replace the entire Y-pipe section with both cats,and yes that is $1300,OEM cats are pricey and no they will not put a aftermarket one on.

How many miles do you have on the KJ? There is a 8 year/80,000 mile federal warranty on the OEM cats that your dealership must honor.

 

[Akedos]

I am at 78000 miles, just under. But if THEY damage the cat removing the sensor does the warranty cover it? Or as they would say, if whoever installed the rear O2 sensors damaged it by incorrectly installing them, would it still be under the warranty? I have a feeling it would not be.

I may just have to get a torch a Wal*Mart and try that first.

Anyone else have a clue on the PCM flash? I could clear the code with my neighbors code reader is I wanted to do that. They were telling my wife like .8 hours labor for it.

 

[tjkj2002]

Have the O2 sensors ever been changed before? If no then yes you would still fall under that warranty.

 

[flair1111]

I am at 78000 miles, just under. But if THEY damage the cat removing the sensor does the warranty cover it? Or as they would say, if whoever installed the rear O2 sensors damaged it by incorrectly installing them, would it still be under the warranty? I have a feeling it would not be.

I may just have to get a torch a Wal*Mart and try that first.

Anyone else have a clue on the PCM flash? I could clear the code with my neighbors code reader is I wanted to do that. They were telling my wife like .8 hours labor for it.

good question. i would think so.

 

[Akedos]

Have the O2 sensors ever been changed before? If no then yes you would still fall under that warranty.

The upstreams have been changed. I changed them myself when it first threw codes. The downstreams, the one on and near the cat, have not to my knowledge (she bought it used). HOWEVER... I tried to remove them myself and was unable to, which is why she went to the dealership. When the Jeep was at the dealership they told my wife that it looked like they had been wrenched on before and might have been cross threaded in there, or maybe just seized up, they weren't sure.

So if they had a say in it they would say someone changed them and the warranty was voided. Or is it voided by me even attempting to remove them? I have no way to prove one way or the other, and I'm sure their word would be gold.

From http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/warr95fs.txt
which is the EPA emissions write up...

"Do the Emissions Warranties Apply to Used Vehicles?

Yes. It does not matter if you bought your vehicle new or used
from a dealer or anyone else. As long as the vehicle has not exceeded
the warranty time or mileage limitations, these warranties apply.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before buying a used vehicle, be sure that all of
the emission control components as originally installed by the
manufacturer are present and functioning properly. If emission
control components are missing or have been tampered with, or the
configuration of the exhaust system has been changed, the emissions
warranties on this vehicle may be void. In addition, if you live in
an area with an I/M program, the vehicle will probably not pass
inspection and you will incur the expense of parts or repairs
necessary for the vehicle to pass."

So... may be not.