Starts idling rough and smelling bad?

Tiny
CDBER
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
My suburban shows a check engine light. The code indicated 02 sensor needed replacement. I replaced it, but had trouble getting it out. The threads stripped but I used a thread chaser in order to get the new one in. The engine light went out and stayed out for about 100 miles. I put about 10 gallons of fuel in the tank and started experiencing idling problems less than a mile from the gas station. The engine light came back on and the codes show a multiple set of possible problems. They include possible vacuum leak, spark plugs and/or wires, lean or rich fuel mix, etx. I changed the fuel filter, plugs and wires, the air cleaner, and sprayed electronic cleaner through the Mass Air Flow Sensor. The suburban starts fine and idles fine upon start up. When I pull out on the street and go about two blocks, it starts idling rough and smelling bad. I put injector cleaner in the tank and it seems to line out for a short time. But the next day it does the same thing. It seems to be getting worse with the engine light flashing and burning solid alternately. Can the new 02 sensor be bad? I have suspected some bad fuel or water in fuel since the problem with rough idle began after refueling. Is there a way to check the 02 sensor by itself?
Thursday, January 29th, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

The oxygen sensor might not be connected with the drivability issue that you are experiencing. As it does sound like you got bad gas. If there is excessive amount of water in the tank the best course of action is to drain the tank and put in good fuel. Also change out the fuel filter.
Run some fuel stabilizer/injector cleaners thru it and fill it up. That typically takes care of the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

As for the oxygen sensor, are you still getting the code for the oxygen sensor?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Here is a helpful guide of how to test oxygen sensor:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-oxygen-sensor-02-sensor

I have attached the fuel filter replacement as well a fuel tank drain instructions.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Monday, September 20th, 2021 AT 7:55 AM

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