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Forum > General Smog Check > Question

1997 Honda Civic Check Engine Light ON

My check engine light came on on my 1997 Honda Civic. I check the trouble code and got P0135 (upper/top oxygen sensor). I replaced the oxygen sensor and light came back on. Different mechanics blamed different reasons including bad oxygen sensor, on board computer malfunction; bad wire (spent 2 hours checking wires).

I replaced the O2 sensor with a new oxygen sensor from a junk yard. It's an OEM oxygen sensor and check engine light has not come back on for a couple of days. Is there any way to be exempt or pay a fine to pass CA smog test? Is a car that can't pass smog test basically junk because it can't pass a smog test?


Answer:

Your Honda Civic does not necessarily have to be junked because it can't pass the smog check. California has a CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) which can help you get your Honda Civic to pass the smog check, or offer you a one time waiver.

CAP can offer you up to $500.00 in free smog check repairs, and after the $500.00, if you are unable to perform the additional repairs (if required) because of economic hardship, it can offer your Honda Civic a one time 2 year smog check waiver.

Learn more about the CAP Program and see if your vehicle will qualify.

As far as trouble code P0135. It means there is a problem with your Honda Civic oxygen sensor's heater circuit. This is almost always a fault directly with the oxygen sensor or its wiring; as opposed to a oxygen sensor fault where the O2 reading are not accurate, such as trouble code P0133. With inaccurate or slow O2 reading, the problem is harder to find due to the readings being dependent on air/fuel mixture. With P0135, the fault is cut and dried.

Hopefully since replacing the O2 with an OEM oxygen sensor and having checked the wiring for breaks and/or shorts, your Honda Civic's check engine light will not turn back on.


posted by SmogTips Support

 

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