O2 Sensors

[woodardmm]

My check engine light came on yesterday. I took it to autozone so they could hook it up to their diagnostic machine. BTW,, I just got my emissions test done, and it passed. The diagnostic reading said "Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 1." The guy said it is most likely my O2 sensors, and that I need two of them. In looking at parts online, there are ones that are relatively inexpensive, $20, but there are also one that are around $135. He said I need to change out both, if that is indeed the problem, otherwise, he said the car has 2 catalytic converters, and it could be one that is the problem. Any ideas, advice, etc on 1. what O2 sensors do I need to get, and 2. Well, I work part time, so, the possibility of me being able to afford a new catalytic converter is slim to none, so, no #2. Thanks folks for any help!! Melissa

[fhb5032]

If it just passed emissions testing, you don't have to do anything immediately.

Did Autozone give you the actual codes? If not, go back and get them. Then google the codes, and post them here. There may be pending codes, too. Have him clear the codes and see if they come back and if they're the same each time.

I don't have a book that's specific for a '97, but the codes are the same for all OBDII. That should provide some additional information to get a better idea what's going on rather than just "probably".