[Zebulon]

Hey I hope there is someone out there that can help me out I am in some real bad shape. I was in the process of installing a new O2 sensor in my 1991 Honda Prelude 2.0 SI. I had to cut the wires on the old one to get it removed. When I had the new one put in I was going to connect the wire connectors and found out that the place I bought the new O2 sensor had given me the wrong one cause the ends would not fit back together.
So I had to resplice the wires I cut off the old one, went totally for sure color for color and reinstalled the old one. I reset the computer and now my car won't even start. Normally when I turn the key on the check engine light comes on and goes back off and you hear a small relay click when the check engine light goes back off. Now mine stays on and the car won't start at all. It was running fine before I took out the old sensor. Should not be any computer problems but something is wrong. I have had the car since it was new and drive it everyday. I think it has to do something with why my check engine light does not go off once the key is turned on.
Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. I don't have the money to take it to a garage or the dealer. Does anyone know what I can check? Please let me know as soon as possible cause if I don't get my car back on the road I am going to loose my job. I have already missed today I can't miss tomorrow. Please Help.

Thanks Very Very Much!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Read sections A and B in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ics-46563.html

Also, read this section:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post223376

Oxygen sensors are extremely sensitive to everything. I'm concerned that splicing the wires could cause it to throw a code. We are dealing here with millivolts. Most Civics won't start, unless the CEL goes out. Apparently, your ECM thinks this is significant enough to not allow the CEL to go out. Jump your Service Check Connector and check your ECM for codes.

If you replaced your oxygen sensor with the proper one, I bet everything would be OK. You can buy an oxygen sensor socket for $10 at most auto part stores.

Keep me posted.

[Zebulon]

Ahh thanks Buddy! That did the trick I had a blown fuse. Not sure how that happened but Yep it was. I bought the correct O2 sensor and everything seems OK. After I replaced the fuse engine started right up and finally with no check engine light on. When I took it out for a test drive it started to hesitate like before but it was not near as bad. I am thinking maybe one of the spark plugs are fouled out. I am going to pull them out one by one and check later tonight. Least it will get me to work now. I can pull out at low speeds again. Do you think the spark plugs would be fouled out it was running pretty rich. Some black smoke sometimes when I would change gears and black exhaust looking stuff on the tail pipe.
Would you think this slight hesitation would be where I spliced the wires or just a spark plug issue?
For real thanks so very very much for pointing me in the right direction.

Take Care Buddy,
Rod

[Zebulon]

By the way, during the down time I was able to repair where the ends came out and was able to replace it with the new sensor. While I was waiting on a reply I was messing around and trying to see if I could fix the ends. There still is a splice and I had to use different wires same gauge though and about 7 inches longer. Would that affect the sensor in a bad way? I am leaning to more of a spark plug isssue but I am not sure.

Thanks Again Buddy,
Rod

[Zebulon]

Oh Yea sorry but I wanted to say I had the correct sensor all the time you just have to remove the plastic insert in the new one. I was so stressed out but once I calmed down found out what was going on. One good piece of advice I can give in this form is to simply remain calm and don't stress out. Freaking out does nothing but complicate things and it makes you make mistakes. Enhance your Calm and it will al work out. Stay objective and Keep your High Beems ON!!

Thanks friends!!
Rod AKA Zebulon :0)

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Your black smoke is probably caused by your old oxygen sensor. I bet the problem could correct itself, now that you have a new sensor installed.

If your have the time and money, I would replace the main relay, igniter, coil, spark plug wires, spark plugs (NGK only), rotor, and distributor cap. I know many people try to go further, but the first four items simply wear out after 10 years or 120,000 miles, in my experience. As a "worker bee," you need the reliability and performance that comes from knowing these key ignition parts are in great shape.

Super glad you got it fixed--I wanted you to keep your job. God bless.

[Zebulon]

After yesterdays ordeal I changed the spark plugs today when I got in from work and man let me say my car runs like a dream. I will definitely change the spark plug wires and other stuff later when I get things caught up. The old O2 sensor looked pretty worn and when I took the plugs out they looked fine not fouled or oil soaked but I had the new ones and replaced them and that took the rest of the hesitation out totally. The O2 sensor was the original and should had been changed long ago. The spark plugs were 10 years old and had about 130,000 miles on them they should had been replaced long ago. I am thinking that my whole problem was the old spark plugs but it did not hurt changing the O2 sensor either.
I am so glad to say with your help I made it to work and home fine. For real thanks so much for your help I love the form and am very thankful to have this as a resource. Definitely change your spark plugs and wires regularly. This does make a difference. I am so thankful to the forum and if there is any way I can ever help please let me know.

Thanks Friends!
Zebulon

[Zebulon]

Txgreasemonkey totally Rocks!! Saved my car and my job. Thanks again Buddy I apreciate Ya Much!!