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P0138 and deep puddles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by jgurley, Apr 1, 2017.

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  1. jgurley

    jgurley Junior Member

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    I read in an older post a side comment about "did you hit a big puddle?". That's exactly what I think happened to my O2 sensor. Does that mean I just need to clean and waterproof the connector or is the sensor possibly damaged, or will it dry out on it's own? I'm in the process of selling the car and having the CEL turn on during the test drive was not helpful.
     
    #1 jgurley, Apr 1, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You would have to replace a bad 02 sensor.

    How old is the car? Mileage?
     
    #2 JC91006, Apr 1, 2017
  3. jgurley

    jgurley Junior Member

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    2005 with 215K miles. First check light in it's history.

    So you're saying water will permanently damage sensor?
     
    #3 jgurley, Apr 1, 2017
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I normally read problems with catalytic converter, more so than the 02 sensor.

    That part can be ordered on Amazon for about $35, oem denso part
     
    #4 JC91006, Apr 1, 2017
  5. jgurley

    jgurley Junior Member

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    So you're saying the P0138 could mean the converter is the actual problem? The car does burn oil (about 1 qt per 2000mi), if that would contribute. Our community driveway does have some deep puddles (8-10") this year, due to all the snow and rain, so I'm hoping it's not the converter.
     
    #5 jgurley, Apr 1, 2017
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I'm not saying it's the catalytic, just that I read more of that problem than 02 problems.

    Just buy the 02 sensor from Amazon and bring it to a muffler shop/Mechanic to install it. Or if you have the tool, you can take it off yourself. You can get that 02 sensor tool for about $10 on Amazon as well.

    If you were keeping this car, I would probably replace the spark plugs, if you have not replaced it in the last 100,000 miles. But since you are selling the car, I guess you just want to make sure it's running ok and no warning lights come on
     
    #6 JC91006, Apr 1, 2017
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