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Date: Mon, 05 Oct 1998 12:10:03 -0400
From: kwelsh <kwelsh@electron.radonc.sunysb.edu>
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Subject: Sensor light of nissan 200sx 1984
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The "sensor" light, that is all it says, is on in my 1984 nissan 200sx,
which has 150k miles on it.  I bought it used with the light on.  I had
read the service manual about it and it says that this light is set to
go on after a set number of miles as an indication to bring the car in
for service to replace the oxygen sensor.  After which the light should
be disconnected (this happens around 60k miles).  Some cars, I was
reading, have a reset button that will turn the "sensor" light off for
another set number of mile.  On these, after the second time the light
comes on the oxygen sensor should be replaced and the light
disconnected.

What is the reasoning behind this?  Is it that the oxygen sensor is no
longer interpreted correctly by the computer when the car gets old?
What happens to the emissions control after the car get older?  Wouldn't
the Catalytic converter get damaged when the oxygen sensor wares out and
is no longer helping to regulate the emissions?  My exhaust is starting
to smell bad, most likely because the Cat. is bad.  If I put a new one
in would it to be destined to go bad?  Would replacing the O2 sensor
help, or at this point is computer no longer using its information
correctly?

thank
keith

