I have a 2003 Mazada 6 with 65k miles on it. I got the car in May. Three weeks ago it started idling funny and shut off while I was at a stoplight. My last car did this numerous times and I had to replace the O2 sensor on it a few times before the transmission went out so I pretty much knew what was going on with my 6.

I took it to the dealer and $170 later I had a new O2 sensor. Next time, engine light is back on and car is doing the same thing. I take it to AutoZone to have it scanned and the guy tells me its coming up that my fuel is lean. He pops the hood and we both hear the sound of air escaping. He says its likely that a hose didn't get attached right and that it should be easily fixed. I make another appointment with the dealer.

Drop the car off at 8am, give them a call around noon. They tell me that my other O2 sensor is bad. I'm beyond livid. I tell the guy what I was told at AutoZone. He tells me he will have someone look into it. When I go to get the car they tell me that they think its a hose leak or a block that needs replaced. To find out it takes them 3 hours, at $50 an hour, to pull out the parts to find out what is wrong with it. He says he can probably get my warranty to cover $90 of the cost, as my deductible is $100.

Has anyone had this happen? I have no idea what to do. I can not afford a car payment AND paying hundreds of dollars to fix things on this car every month. Should I take it somewhere else? I'm beginning to think I got a lemon......

Please, any advice is apperciated!

 

Best advice I can give you, is don't go to the dealer. With 65k on the clock your warranty should be gone, unless you purchased an extended warranty, this means that you are better off taking the car to an independant mechanic who will be cheaper in labor costs and also actually know what they are doing. Hope things get fixed for you soon.

-Cameron Keffer

 

There is a PCV hose behind the intake that commonly cracks. You can get to it from under the car without removing the intake. The starter is in the way however.
For future reference only wide-band o2 sensors work at idle and i think Honda is the only manufacturer using them in production. O2 sensors switch at 2500-2700 rpm to switch from rich/lean as they work at high temps not obtainable at idleso it would be very unusual for an o2 sensor to cause an idle problem. The PCM is trying to maintain 14.7:1 air/fuel ratio so a lean code just means the o2 reads a lean condition. Either too much air or not enough fuel. At 2500 plus rpm the PCM uses the o2 to maintain 14.7:1 but at idle it uses other inputs and presets.