Exhaust issue!

[Stasharino]

My check engine light has been on since winter began and my mechanic who is familiar with foreign cars said he's almost sure its my rear 02 sensor which is located in the cat. Anyways my exhasut is shooting out so much exhaust smoke due to the cold winter an I was wondering if its because of the bad 02 sensor or if theres another issue.

[Poohbear]

Whats the code that your car is throwing at you? Did your mechanic read the ecu? or did he just guess it was the o2 censor?

if he didnt you can go to just about any auto parts stor and they will read your ECU for free... They will tell you the code and you can see what the issue is... If it is the 02 censor the ecu will let you know

[pdrpowerofWRX]

Are you totally stock?

[T0rque]

You gotta post the code so we can help.

[Stasharino]

P0031
HO2S Bank 1 Sen 1
Heater Circouit Low

Thats what it read....

[Poohbear]

That would be your o2 sensor... The o2 sensor in FRONT of you catalytic converter.

[Stasharino]

Thats what i thought now you probably know that the part is $175 but i was going to get a universal sensor an sotter it in.

[Poohbear]

It may be faulty wiring.. You can check the resistance in the heater element of the sensor and see if its with in factory specs ( i dont know what that is but the dealer or someone on here should be able to tell you) ...

Im not a huge fan of universals that solder in and do not use em... Im sure people have had great luck with em though...

[EvoEatr]

Thats what i thought now you probably know that the part is $175 but i was going to get a universal sensor an sotter it in.

I would definately not get a universal sensor...For some odd reason Subarus are extremely touchy when it comes to certain aftermarket parts such as axles, thermostats, o2 sensors...just to name a few...I have seen brand new aftermarket o2 sensors throw a code on Subarus...I would highly recommend you go OEM for this part....