I was about half way back from my vacation this weekend when I got a check engine light. It still ran fine and I have aftermarket gauges that said the critical stuff was cool. I drove it about 300 more miles home. The codes I got when I checked were: two oxygen sensor codes and one that said "bank 1, sensor 2" does anyone know what that code means? Its a 98 4.2 2wd auto

 

hmmmm.. sounds to me like either bad o2 sensor(s)or bad cats.. any exaust mods?

 

No, I am running the 3rd motor but factory exhaust still. The exhaust has 220k miles the motor has 95k.

 

You gotta post the code numbers for a accurate probable cause. The O2 sensors could just be doing their jobs.

 

No, I am running the 3rd motor but factory exhaust still. The exhaust has 220k miles, the motor has 95k. I could believe bad cats or something because I bet it would only dyno about 100 hp to the wheels. I was really wringing her neck when the lights came on. It's a very slow truck; 4x4 quad in the back makes for tough going, won't pull a 17' aluminum starcraft past 55mph, forget about pulling a small enclosed trailer-it can't handle the windage.

 

I was getting them codes and read up that it was a mass air flow sensor problem, or a hickup with a cold air intake, meaning running to rich or lean with your air fuel mix ratio! Try just resetting the error code and see if it comes back!

 

I have already reset them. I hardly ever get a code. I live in Indiana and commute to NC a lot. Strangely, if I get a code, it is usually in the middle of KY on 275. This time was in Corbin Kentucky. I imagine it is just a small hickup too. The O2 sensor codes don't really bother me. I was mainly just wondering what the "bank1, sensor2" code was

 

(Running Rich is your answer) go to autozone or oreilly's autopart store and have them check the codes on their auto cpu tester and that my friend will tell you exactly what it is!

 

I got them checked at advanced auto parts, I didn't pay attention to the code number though, just the verbal descriptions listed above. I guess I'll have to see what the numbers are next time.

 

When posting to inquire what codes mean, it is helpful to actually have the codes.
A obd code reader along with a good multi-meter tester is essential to help diagnose problems under the hood. The reader will tell you the cause of the code(s)...multi-meter can be used to verify most sensors/parts etc, but you already know that.