Facelift questions from a newbie

[Callyuk]

I'm positive these have been answered before but I can't seem to find the answeres.
1. Does the facelift suffer pre cat failure?

2. Would a lambda senors fault be a possible warning to a pre cat fauilure

Thanks for any info

[Call the midlife!]

I'm positive these have been answered before but I can't seem to find the answeres.
1. Does the facelift suffer pre cat failure?

2. Would a lambda senors fault be a possible warning to a pre cat fauilure

Thanks for any info

FL CAN suffer precat failures in just the same way as PFL if not looked after properly but in the same way there are many PFL running around on high mileage still with precats intact. Clean oil is the key.
If you're talking O2 sensor faults then no, not necessarily, they're a delicate little thing and prone to just saying they've had enough and want to end it all.
Also depends on what fault code you're getting, they have a heater circuit for cold starting and that can fail also, many folk run with failed heater without too much trouble it just screws up cold fuelling until the exhaust gases heat up the sensor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shnazzle]

Pre-cat failure is widely over exaggerated anyway.
Its one of the bigger issues of the car but no more so than the subframe, which affects almost all MR2s.

Pre-cat one is just scarier because of the potential for cat/engine failure.

Cat is 120 off ebay with all gaskets included. So that's no biggy. And if it's not burning oil when you buy it, whip the pre-cats out and you have peace of mind.

[Callyuk]

I'm positive these have been answered before but I can't seem to find the answeres.
1. Does the facelift suffer pre cat failure?

2. Would a lambda senors fault be a possible warning to a pre cat fauilure

Thanks for any info

FL CAN suffer precat failures in just the same way as PFL if not looked after properly but in the same way there are many PFL running around on high mileage still with precats intact. Clean oil is the key.
If you're talking O2 sensor faults then no, not necessarily, they're a delicate little thing and prone to just saying they've had enough and want to end it all.
Also depends on what fault code you're getting, they have a heater circuit for cold starting and that can fail also, many folk run with failed heater without too much trouble it just screws up cold fuelling until the exhaust gases heat up the sensor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks that's great info. I ask because one of the cars I'm considering buying has an o2 sensor fault showing and want to know what I'm getting myself into before hand

[Call the midlife!]

I'm positive these have been answered before but I can't seem to find the answeres.
1. Does the facelift suffer pre cat failure?

2. Would a lambda senors fault be a possible warning to a pre cat fauilure

Thanks for any info

FL CAN suffer precat failures in just the same way as PFL if not looked after properly but in the same way there are many PFL running around on high mileage still with precats intact. Clean oil is the key.
If you're talking O2 sensor faults then no, not necessarily, they're a delicate little thing and prone to just saying they've had enough and want to end it all.
Also depends on what fault code you're getting, they have a heater circuit for cold starting and that can fail also, many folk run with failed heater without too much trouble it just screws up cold fuelling until the exhaust gases heat up the sensor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks that's great info. I ask because one of the cars I'm considering buying has an o2 sensor fault showing and want to know what I'm getting myself into before hand

If it's the heater you can bypass it with a resistor for a few quid, it clears the EML but not the fault. A new Denso (top of my head) sensor is around £80 I think but someone always knows who's doing them the cheapest at any given time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Call the midlife!]

Before I forget. Forums-workshop-maintainence is your path to O2 glory.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Carolyn]

Have to agree with the advice given.

Plus. other stuff to check when buying:

If the oil is black or dirty, walk away.  Ask 'how much oil does it use?' rather than 'does it use oil?'.  If the answer is 'not much' it's an oil burner.  Walk away. Facelift cars are not immune to this issue, (though there is a myth that they are).

Schnazzle's advice on the rear subframe is very good.  Take a flashlight with you an examine the subframe on the under side, where the suspension mounts are.  It's not easy to see with the plastic under-tray on there, but it can be done.  If it's got a hole or is very rusty, the total cost to replace is about £500 (parts and labour).  Not a deal breaker- but definitely £500 off the asking price!

New Denso sensors can be had for about £50.  Not a deal breaker.

Slipping clutch is.  Drive it hard when you test it.

Look for good matching tyres (a sign that the owner cares) and a good condition soft-top. (£300 and a trip to Swansea).

Good luck.

[Call the midlife!]

Have to agree with the advice given.

Plus. other stuff to check when buying:

If the oil is black or dirty, walk away.  Ask 'how much oil does it use?' rather than 'does it use oil?'.  If the answer is 'not much' it's an oil burner.  Walk away. Facelift cars are not immune to this issue, (though there is a myth that they are).

Schnazzle's advice on the rear subframe is very good.  Take a flashlight with you an examine the subframe on the under side, where the suspension mounts are.  It's not easy to see with the plastic under-tray on there, but it can be done.  If it's got a hole or is very rusty, the total cost to replace is about £500 (parts and labour).  Not a deal breaker- but definitely £500 off the asking price!

New Denso sensors can be had for about £50.  Not a deal breaker.

Slipping clutch is.  Drive it hard when you test it.

Look for good matching tyres (a sign that the owner cares) and a good condition soft-top. (£300 and a trip to Swansea).

Good luck.

+1 on the above.
If you ask your 2 questions again on any of the Facebook groups be prepared for some different answers, there are quite a few who subscribe to an Orwellian mantra of "FL good,PFL bad" as if suddenly they started leaving showrooms cured of the problem overnight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1979scotte]

All the advice above is good.
I bought a low mileage 06 that had terrible handbrake and a FUBAR subframe amongst other things.
So age and miles is no indication of a sound vehicle.

[Callyuk]

Thanks for all the advice all helps. Just for so everyone knows it's Jodie's car in the forsale section that I'm enquiring for

[The Other Stu]

FWIW, if you go to Opie (for instance) they sell the genuine denso O2 sensors without the plug for £40 if you're capable of using a soldering iron or use connectors.

I don't quite understand why the plug doubles the cost.

[Ardent]

perhaps because of the time it saves.