Code 13

[topp]

ow did you splice the wires?

If you did not solder it, the wire itself will cause enough resistance that the O2 sensor won't read properly.

[VileZambonie]

Cutting the wire has nothing to do with getting the code, it was throwing code 13 with the oxygen sensor before the one with the longer wire that I made. The connection is fine anyway.

On the single wire O2 sensor (zirconia element) the O2 sensor becomes a voltage generator with a range of 0-1volt when it reaches approximately 600°F but it needs to be able to breathe. It reacts to the Oxygen it receives through the wire on the outside of the body. Depending on where and how you cut the sensor wire can greatly effect its performance. You should have cut the harness side not the sensor side.

Look at this pic -

[Unofficial]

Alright, I see what you mean. I cut it on the sensor side, but on the very end, not near the actual sensor.

So what are my options now? I'm going to buy a new sensor because when I was running the new wire the other day, it looks like something hit the sensor and bent that plastic housing a little bit.

Is that the only thing I can do? I'd like to buy a new harness for the sensor because I messed it up when I was running the new wire but I'm not sure I can even buy that...

[Irish_Alley]

You should be able to buy a universal sensor for your truck it comes with out the plug but with longer wires. Also a little cheaper
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bosch-Oxygen-Sensor/1987-Chevrolet-R10-1-2-ton-P-U-2WD/_/N-iigfvZ8gcvp?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=o2&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=4966_54956_5320_

[Unofficial]

You should be able to buy a universal sensor for your truck it comes with out the plug but with longer wires. Also a little cheaper
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Bosch-Oxygen-Sensor/1987-Chevrolet-R10-1-2-ton-P-U-2WD/_/N-iigfvZ8gcvp?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=o2&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=4966_54956_5320_

That's usually what I get, I've never gotten one that comes with the plug. Can I cut out the plug and just run a straight wire? I know it's a stupid question, but it would be even more stupid to do it without making sure first right? 

[VileZambonie]

Universal ones are junk. The OE style is cheap enough

[Unofficial]

Well I got a bunch of work done today after my classes.

I put in a new throttle cable, put on my winter wheels/tires, got an OE O2 sensor and put it in. An OE sensor is only $18.99 so whatever.  This time I lengthened the wire on the harness side, and kept the sensor wire like I bought it. I'm hoping for no engine code this time around. Thanks for the help guys, I'll post back if the light comes on again.

[Irish_Alley]

Universal ones are junk. The OE style is cheap enough

how they, they are made by the same company and if he needed a longer wire then I would think one splice would be better than 2 or 3 granted if it was a stock setup yes I would say go with oe but something has to be cut and no it doesn’t have to have the plug its more there for a almost guarantee connection

[VileZambonie]

There's a reason they're cheaper and it's not because the connector costs $150 + or more and of course unwanted voltage drops/resistance. I take it since you are familiar with them you know they can't be soldered and the connections they come with are about as cheesy as you can get.

[Unofficial]

Well after only a day of driving after putting in the new sensor, code 13 is back.

I'm about to take it to a shop, this is ridiculous.

[VileZambonie]

So far all you have done is verified your O2 sensor is good essentially. I'll assume you don't have a scan tool? Go directly to the ECM with your VOLT meter. DO NOT USE AN OHM METER. Backprobe cavity D7 of the ECM with the engine at operating temperature running at about 2000 RPM. The voltage should switch between .100V and .900V. If it does you know your signal is getting to the ECM. Next check the ground circuit which at this point if your signal is getting there you probably left the ground wire off at the back of the cylinder head. Cavity D6 of the ECM should have continuity to ground (at the engine block).

[topp]

Just a thought....
You are NOT putting any sealer or anything on the O2 sensors threads are you?

[Unofficial]

Just a thought....
You are NOT putting any sealer or anything on the O2 sensors threads are you?

Every O2 sensor I've ever bought has what I think is anti-seize already applied on the threads.

[VileZambonie]

That's fine. Check those things I posted above.

[Unofficial]

That's fine. Check those things I posted above.

Would you happen to have a diagram showing which cavity that is? I tried google but I can't seem to find a good picture. How should I probe it? Stab a paper clip in there?