Latest news with #catalyticConverter
Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Could a BMW garage remotely trigger a fault just after my warranty expired?
I bought my BMW X1 in April 2022 so the three-year warranty has just expired. I had decided not to extend it, given the car had only done 23,000 miles, had full BMW servicing and sailed through its first MOT. However, within two months, a catalytic converter warning light came on. My BMW garage performed a remote diagnostic check and suggested a sensor failure as the cause. However, the cynical side of me wonders whether, if my garage can conduct a remote check, it could also have brought about the failure? – MC Dear MC, I feel as though this question warrants a reference to Hanlon's razor, a rule which states that one should never attribute to malice that which is more easily explained by incompetence. Or more accurately, in this case, simply a broken-down part. It's easy to see conspiracy when you think you're being taken for a ride, but in this case I reckon your cynical side is getting the better of you. True, it's theoretically possible that a manufacturer may have developed a system that would allow them to remotely generate faults in order to force you to take your car to their garage. In reality, though, we can be pretty certain no such system exists. For one thing, how would the manufacturer guarantee it would benefit? You might just as easily take your car elsewhere for repair work. For another, any such system's discovery would be catastrophic for the brand's reputation – after dieselgate, I'm confident most manufacturers aren't willing to risk their very existence simply to bring in a bit of extra aftersales revenue for their dealers. The fact of the matter is that cars go wrong sometimes. And, sometimes, they go wrong just after the warranty has expired (the result of another rule: sod's law). Fortunately, your car has been serviced by a main dealer so you have a good chance of getting some of the cost of the repair covered by BMW. I suggest asking the dealer to contact BMW and request a gesture of goodwill – or take it up with BMW customer support yourself – given that the warranty has only just expired. The chances are you will get some money off the cost of the repair.
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Edmunds
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
P0139: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
What error code P0139 is trying to tell you The diagnostic trouble code P0139 stands for 'O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 2).' That means the downstream oxygen sensor, near the back of the car on the exhaust, is taking too long to respond to expected changes in the air-fuel mixture. The sensor measures the catalyst's efficiency by taking oxygen in the exhaust gas after it has passed through the catalytic converter. Why this issue matters If this oxygen sensor is slow, that means it might not be measuring levels correctly. As a result, the engine control module won't be able to properly assess if the catalytic converter is working correctly. This issue may result in increased emissions and poor fuel economy, and it could ultimately cause your car to fail an emissions test. Can I safely drive with this error code? In most cases, it is safe to drive short distances with code P0139. Drivability may not be immediately affected, but the problem should be diagnosed and corrected to prevent long-term damage to the emissions system. The issue also could result in a failed emissions test, which may prevent you from registering your car in certain states. Common symptoms Illuminated check engine light Reduced fuel efficiency Failed emissions test Occasional engine hesitation (in rare cases) How is the error code P0139 diagnosed? A technician will begin by scanning the car's onboard computer for trouble codes to confirm the issue. Next, the technician will inspect where the oxygen sensor wiring and connectors where they mount up to the exhaust system for damage or corrosion. Live data from the oxygen sensor will be checked to assess response time and confirm that it is, in fact, slow. In some cases, the technician may use a propane enrichment test or introduce a vacuum leak to verify sensor reaction. How do I fix it? If wiring issues or connector damage are found, these components can be repaired, but a replacement is the most common fix. The catalytic converter might also be faulty and need replacement, but this is a rare case. Once the issue is resolved, the code is cleared and the system is retested to make sure it's working properly. Related reading Follow the link below to reach our diagnostic check engine trouble codes catalog: On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) trouble code directory
