Ok so my "Check Engine" light went on earlier this week. I went to Autozone to get a free OBDII reading and I got a P0130 error. Basically that error is the oxygen sensor malfunctioning.

Now what do I do? I'm really a poor guy who has no money to go to the dealer... so poor that I havent even gone for the 52k mile service check. So what is a poor guy like me supposed to do? Get a new oxygen sensor and have it somebody install it? I found out the sensor is $150. Or, should I have it checked by the dealer? Now, if I dont get this thing fixed right away, will it do long term damage to my car? What's the easiest and cheapest way to get this fixed? LIke I said, i'm poor Volvo enthusiast that knows nothing about cars. Your help, suggestions and advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance. By the way, my car is at 53k+ miles.

The sensor is actually $170.00, my cost from Volvo. The connector isn't the same on the Bosch one, requiring a simple modification, that each time has set a check engine light. I've replaced quite a few 02 sensors on 99's, but usually they are running really rich when I do so. I have noticed though, the connectors are rather icky. If your car is not running poorly, or kicking out black smoke on occasion (look at your bumper for tell-tale evidence), I'd probably try cleaning the connector before investing the money.

Chris

First of all, be SURE that it's your O2 sensor. Sometimes another bad component (for example, a cat. converter) can cause bad O2 sensor readings, and throw an O2 sensor code. Whether or not that's the case in your car, I dont know, you'd really need an OBD-2 scanner to see the output of the sensor to really determine what's going on. Then again, it could be as simple as your O2 sensor wiring coming undone or loose, and unplug/plug the connector could solve it. The problem with doing it yourself if that you can end up replacing things that dont need replacing, etc. Some shops work that way too, unfortunately. If you're really that poor, perhaps you should sell the (expensive car that you somehow were able to purchase) 1999 S70 and get something more economical though, things can get expensive fast. Good luck.