My car has recently started losing a lot of power. Low end rpm's feel like 10 hp, i have to rev til 4k-5k rpm to get a normal pace going from 0mph. I ran a test @ autozone bc firestone wanted to charge $80. The autozone member said it was a bad primary o2 sensor. They have one for $80, so it's not bad, but should I get the part from a Honda dealership or just settle for autzone? my car is a 97 Civic w/ B16a2 motor. as well, I have no low line for the a/c. That is being sorted out, but would that affect the performance majorly? thanks guys

 

Just get the new o2 sensor from Autozone, should be okay

 

are you getting a check engine light? Usually when a sensor goes bad you'll pull a CEL.A sensor can put your car into limp mode nad you lose alot of power that way,so you've probably found the problem.Also, $80 is a pretty good deal for a new sensor, i say get the autozone one and then install it yourself. Its just unscrewing the sensor from the exhaust manifold, unclipping it from the harness, clipping the new one in and then screwing it back into the manifold. Real easy

 

thanks guys, i'll buy it today.... i don't get CEL at all, not even before ignition.... what are the possible reasons?

 

Well, I'm thinking that the sensor may be reading something but not the right thing. If it's reading anything the computer will think it's working? That's my guess. When I got headers I f*ed up my O2 sensor and had to get a new one. The ones from Autozone and Advanced Auto Parts work just fine. Make sure you connected it properly. You don't want to waste an 80 dollar sensor by frying it. It's easy to do, but equally easy to mess it up. Have fun!!

 

^ not true. My CEL i have right now is actually "catalytic efficiency" or something like that, meaning its getting a reading but the catalytic converter isn't up to par. But anyway, as long as you dont have a CEL i dont think you're in limp mode, so its kind of odd your losing that much power. Anyway, just replace the sensor and you should be good