My check engine light came on with code 45. I'm running lean. I do know that I had an exhaust leak last earlier this year and one of the wire was melted. I replaced the O2 wire, but I do know that for a few months the O2 sensor wasn't working correctly. So I'm thinking the O2 sensor is damaged.

What would you guys suggest? Is it bad to run lean? My mech did replace the fuel filter cause it was clogged, the fuel pump is fine.

 

yes its bad to run lean,..alot of AIR + not enough fuel = boom ,...i suggest you replace the o2

 

Running lean is bad, it can lead to detonation or overheating. I'd change the o2 sensor.

 

I'm reading my Haynes manual and it says I should change the oxygen sensor heater. Which seems like the one that is at the collector of the exhaust manifold. But I'll probably replace both.

Now the question is what brand is good? Walker $100 each, Denso $150 each, or aftermarket $80 each (not sure on brand)?

 

Code 45 doesn't necessarily mean that you are running lean. The code is thrown when the car runs either too lean or too rich.

 

But either way its the O2 sensor right? The car sounds and runs fine.

I know I need to replace the O2 sensors cause I ran a few months with burnt wiring, and I failed smog test before I knew there was a problem. I got new wiring and pass the smog test, but I'm sure the O2 sensor was not reading right/running rich/lean and now the sensor is damaged.

In my Haynes manual there is no code 45. There is a code 41 which is O2 sensor and code 43 which is fuel system stuff.

 

94-97 accord right?

the O2 sensor failed on my bros 94 and my dad's friends 94 too. thats probably it.

 

96 Accord LX.

Did you replace the front or the rear sensor?

 

Check your spark plugs to see whether or not you were running rich or lean. If rich, you'd see lots of black carbon deposits on it. If lean, you'd see white ash or maybe blistering.

 

methinks it was the one near the cat :thinking: