Check Engine Light on 97 V6 Camry... and Pending Inspection

[TenaciousK]

Good morning. Proud owner of a 97 V6 Camry here, with 189,030 miles. My check engine light came on a couple months back. I had the codes read at AutoZone and came back with this: "BB air/fuel sensor/heater circuit response - BB1 open or short circuit condition or BB2 poor electrical connection." The guy seemed to think it meant my oxygen sensor was shot, and with a pending inspection, I was trying to find the cheapest way to resolve the problem. The car has been running fine with the light on; gas mileage hasn't been off more than I'd expect for a car with almost 200,000 miles. I've heard estimates of around $600 for a new oxygen sensor. I've also heard that there might be steps that can be taken to "fool" the inspection machine into passing the car if you can get the codes cleared. Money's tight these days, and dropping $600 on a car that's still running fine as I can tell could be a problem for me right now. Any suggestions? Thanks very much in advance.

[BoostedSchemes]

I'm in the same boat as you except my car is CA emissions standards =(
I am replacing the o2 sensor, my thread is only a day old you can read it. You can try an o2 sensor simulator?

[Albuynp Ryeno]

600 for a new o2 sensor? The only way you could possibly get that high is if the exhaust is horribly cracked/corroded from winter salt. A new dealership sensor is like 120 dollars or less if you have good connections. And installation is very easy.

[toydon]

If there are codes "Pending" and the CEL is off and the emmisions are ok will it pass smog check certification? (CA) Thanks

[JohnGD]

No way these will cost that much. About $120 or so mentioned is right. Check rockauto.com or your favorite local parts store.

Originally Posted by TenaciousK

Good morning. Proud owner of a 97 V6 Camry here, with 189,030 miles. My check engine light came on a couple months back. I had the codes read at AutoZone and came back with this: "BB air/fuel sensor/heater circuit response - BB1 open or short circuit condition or BB2 poor electrical connection." The guy seemed to think it meant my oxygen sensor was shot, and with a pending inspection, I was trying to find the cheapest way to resolve the problem. The car has been running fine with the light on; gas mileage hasn't been off more than I'd expect for a car with almost 200,000 miles. I've heard estimates of around $600 for a new oxygen sensor. I've also heard that there might be steps that can be taken to "fool" the inspection machine into passing the car if you can get the codes cleared. Money's tight these days, and dropping $600 on a car that's still running fine as I can tell could be a problem for me right now. Any suggestions? Thanks very much in advance.