In this video I look at a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse that came in with some O2 sensor problems. The customer and a friend of his have been struggling to get this thing fixed. Ends up ultimately it needs a PCM but with an addition of a substitute ground and replacing the front O2 he was able to get his drive cycle done so he could take it in and get a sticker. -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “Chevy traverse: o2 sensor problems”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug Kelley says:

    Possible welding so close to sensor cause damage

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Guy Williams says:

    and sometimes i would keep driving and get gas and light go out and i changed gas cap

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Guy Williams says:

    hi i have 09 traverse i put new cat and 02 sensors on it and still getting po420 and po430 code any ideals

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Bowe says:

    Gm junk car made in china parts

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr McD says:

    Great Video, I have followed many of yours as I appreciate your approach to finding problems. I have an Acadia, same car as in this video, just like yours I have the Bank 2 after cat O2 sensor reading very lean, I can loosen a vacuum line and watch all 4 O2 sensors respond very well but within 20 seconds of closing my vac leak the B2 sensor 2 goes lean, 75-150 mv constant read. I removed the entire Cat and Exhaust manifold, cleaned, inspected and re installed with new gaskets and the problem is exactly the same. I sprayed brake clean all over the cat and its connections and can't find a leak? The exhaust smells clean as if the cats are working well. The only odd condition is the idle is slightly rough and the B2 LTFT is running 14% + while the B1 LTFT is running 10% +. Swapped the O2 sensors with no change.
    FYI: Other mechanics have been in this car before me, every test I have done I see someone has been there before me. I am starting to wonder if I have a slightly plugged injector on Bank 2 but I did not detect it in a power balance test. Thanks again for your Videos, I have been a wrench a long time and still learn a lot from your work.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Dave Miller says:

    I like to watch you trouble shoot

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Meredith says:

    I don't like the idea of a solid piece of pipe put into that exhaust system when it had a flexible join to begin with and then it was that way for a reason Eric you need to take out that solid piece of pipe and put in a flexible joint .

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terence Hawkes says:

    First-rate diagnosis Mr. O!

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paublus Americanus AMERICANUS says:

    The moral of the story is to at least disconnect your battery before welding and to be safe pull out the connectors on the engine computer.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars claymore cluepile says:

    all things considered, you probably have the best youtube channel on the internet …..you could have made it big in hollywood but you would have had a miserable life there …. a man of many natural talents ….not very common any more

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Beardy Face says:

    My gut says if they'd had the horse sense to remove or at least unplug (after all O2 sensors shouldn't mind getting hot within reason) that expensive O2 sensor from the vicinity of their welding, then no frying of expensive computer attached to it.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars STEVEN KOCH says:

    Whoever is hitting that thumbs down button is clearly a dick. This guy knows his stuff. Probably some of them 2000's babys that somehow got there feelings hurt by him saying thanks for stopping by the channel. Keep these videos coming. I appreciate the knowledge as I'm an upcoming auto technician trying to learn how to diagnose problems. I'm just a parts replacer at the moment but these videos help me get better everyday and I appreciate you taking the time to make them.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Ridley says:

    Probably a good idea to disconnect the PCM if you must weld directly on a car

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars EL ROBO says:

    I recently found your channel and I love it, It reinforces my joy in not having a shop anymore. Now I only work on classic cars, points, plugs and condensers. no computers except in my head. And not for anyone else other than myself. Good job of educating people in what not to try to fix on their vehicles.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matthew Decker says:

    Cooling fan running all the time is a sign of bad pcm on newer GM cars no?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charlie's Corner says:

    I had a customer with a 2010 traverse had to put a purge valve in it and change the timing chains, did all 3 converters because bank 2 dumped and destroyed the others and the Y pipe.. did over $4000 worth of work and the customer drove it a week and wrecked it..

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Angel-of-Mercy117 says:

    I had to change my transmission/engine and PCM on my Chevy 2010 traverse, bought it used but still, the engine didn't even last to see 150k, how sad is that. How our government allowed such a bad design of a car to be but on the road. I guessed democracy comes with a price and that price is, โ€œour government is the most corrupt in the worldโ€.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William T. Musil says:

    Hiya Eric

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Relay TeK says:

    Replacement PCM do an autopsy on the failed one would be a great video Mr. O !

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Terrill says:

    Worth waiting for your videos..

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tee Walker says:

    i have 2011 Traverse, not sure what the problem is, when started up the truck wont stay idled, it will stay started for a minute or so then shut off, but if i hold the accelerator at 2000 rpms steady, the rpms will drop to 1500 then back up to 2000, and so on until i release the gas pedal, then it will try to idle again then shut off, i have NO idea what the problem could be, i did get a code for a bad 02 sensor, bank 2 sensor 2, any help would be greatly appreciated!!

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars S. J. says:

    How did they weld all the way around the pipe without taking the pipe out of the car? There does not appear to be a lot of clearance there to weld that pipe in four (?) sections. Why didn't they just install a new pipe? Hook a welder up to a ground that has multiple circuits tied into it?!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Robbins says:

    Well, we all have times when things get hectic and crazy whether itโ€™s at work, at home or because of some other outside force….

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JohnBoyWalton Beard says:

    Eric Oโ€™โ€ฆRight or Wrongโ€ฆthe schematic shows like a Pull-Down Resistor to ground for the signal input. I would measure on the PCM, with an Ohm meter, the input for O2 (1,2) to ground (PCM unplugged). Say it reads 10k ohms. That means there is a pull-down resistor to ground of 10k. Then Install, external, a resistor of 10k between the O2 (2, 2) signal input and Ground. Your Ground connection was pulling it down Too Far. Worth a try before replacing a PCM!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lee Fisher says:

    Yes if we got the gadgets and gizmos that you got then yes I can do it also but I'm more old school

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alexey says:

    The other brand brake clean was giving me anxiety. Glad this one comes quiet ๐Ÿคซ

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Padilla says:

    Hello how you doing my name is Willie I have a GMC Acadia that's giving me problems where are you located at

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ray's project's says:

    Stupid question. Couldnโ€™t take a failed o2 sensor and cut it off frome the pigtail and use the pigtal for easier testing of the harness?

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blazer 123 says:

    thanks eric

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don Schneider says:

    "If I can do it You can do it" Maybe not! I couldn't tell a PCM from an EGR so it is doubtful that I could do it with out a whole lot of HELP! {;- }

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keith howells says:

    I was shouting plug it in, you forgot to plug it in. I'm a ding dong for thinking you could hear me.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael says:

    Send the ECM to Big Clive for analysis.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jake legg says:

    The muffler shop i frequent brazes joints. Maybe this is a reason he chooses that method.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars coaterman says:

    I used to be a mechanic on a banger (stock car) team, engines needed battery and coil and away they went. Now you need a licence to fly that computer stuff. I'm glad I'm out of it now. great content keep it up

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Fenwick says:

    You are an electrical genius! Well but your really good at finding cause without the old test parts that a lot of people will try before they give up, like the owner of this car.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Crawford says:

    As a certified NYstate inspection station are you allowed to inspect your own personal vehicles?

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gary hall says:

    DO enjoy your vids.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eugenio Negron says:

    Why do people waste their time, they should send it to you and bada bing bada boom it's done (crazy owners !) Eric you're the best God bless you and the Family.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JR Schultz says:

    That is methed up. Classic..

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Levi Strauss says:

    I am offended that you did not wear a diaper on your face. Your are a super spreader. Thanks.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bnelson313 Braveheart says:

    Great video, but please get the brake cleaner that plays the tune! Thank you. Lol

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars สŽษpsษฏoop uoแด‰ส‡ษษนวdO says:

    Customer: Something is wrong with my SUV.

    Mechanic: Yea it's a chevrolet.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Marcos Hernandez says:

    I see someone is shopping at Auto Plus ๐Ÿ‘€

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars James Kelley says:

    Angry pixies like to reek havoc on circuit boards when they have an alternative path to take

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Slingbart says:

    $140 +shipping for a new Y-Pipe from Rockauto and this customer welds in a pipe to save money?? Guaranty this testing cost more than that

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    I'd think bad/wrongly wired sensor first, then go from there. **lol at never even plugged it in! well no wonder I though sensor bad/wrong wired DOH!
    the new O2 sensors make me wonder more than seeing the exhaust welded so close, the o2 sensors/heater/ecm grounds should be pretty well isolated from the metal case. So maybe the old one had wires shorted together and touching exhaust(when they welded) or larger fuses put in until the ECM let the smoke out. I'd look at all the fuses and see what's been fiddled with previously!

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sting says:

    I love the chevrolet intro. No emphasis intended.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cary FitzGerald says:

    If the weld job toasted the ECM, there would have been enough energy to burn through other insulators. All it would take is a sensor appearing to go bad with a crossed ground. If a sensor wire in the same sheath as the o2 sensor, it could have been compromised as part of the weld ground path. Not a mechanic, enjoy your videos! Thanks!

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Labrador McGraw says:

    What a heap of crap.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars South Main Auto Repair LLC says:

    Sorry so long between posts folks. Kind of a really crazy week at the shop that set me way behind! Trying to play catch up this week and get things back to "normal." What ever that is ๐Ÿฅด

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