Code P0139

I suspect you have an air leak causing the o2 sensor reading to be off which is setting the code.

I attached the testing that we need to go through in order to determine the cause. Unfortunately there is no easy way to figure this out other than to run through the testing. I would not replace the sensor again as I think it is clear there is another issue. If you take a look at the second attachment it lists the possible causes which includes an air leak.

Let's run through this and see what we get. I am not sure if you are going to do this or have someone else. Either way, just let me know the results and we can walk through it together. Let me know if you have questions. Thanks

I would definitely have it diagnosed. Normally that is only about $100.00 for them to tell you what the issue is. Then we will be able to better decide on what to do with it. In my experience these issues are not that expensive unless the part that is cracked or defective letting the air in (assuming that is the issue) is expensive.

So if it were me, I would take it to a reputable shop and have them provide an estimate on what it will take. Just make sure you tell them the sensor has been replaced so they don't jump to that conclusion.

It could be the cat but I would think we would have other codes with this because we have the ability to monitor the efficiency of the converter.

I would make sure he is going through this test and not trying to diagnose this by his own testing. I suspect that is why he put the sensor on it because if you follow the testing through, it doesn't direct you to replace the sensor unless it was damaged. Clearly if this code keeps coming back then he is not fixing it. This is where it can get costly is when someone is replacing parts that are not actually diagnosed.

I am not suggesting this mechanic is doing this because all I have is our short conversation but I would think about getting a second opinion before spending a lot of money on it.

I understand. There is no name for the testing. It is just the diagnostic test for the P0139 code. I would ask that they follow the steps laid out in the diagnostic test for this code and tell you what they find.

The $100.00 that I mentioned is just a general cost for diagnostics in most areas. This is different for each shop in each part of the country. Basically it is an hour of time based on their door rate. So if they charge $100.00 per hour, they would charge someone $100.00 (or one hour) to figure out what is wrong. Then you will have a choice to make the repair or not. If you chose not to, then you just owe them the diagnosis charge. If you do, they will put that towards the cost of the repair. Basically, they charge for their time to figure it out or people would let them figure it out and then take it home and repair it themselves and the shop just lost out on the time it took to figure it out.

Please let me know if you need more info. That is why we are here. I will answer as many questions about this as you have. Thanks

At this point it is a simple cost comparison analysis. Meaning we never put more money into a vehicle then it is worth. So in your case, this vehicle could be worth anywhere from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00 depending on model and how it is equipped. That means we don't put more than that amount into in a given year. If you want to look at it on a two year basis or a 6 month basis that is up to you and your financial situation. Basically whatever you can afford without it breaking the bank. This does not include cost of maintenance. That is just a given that you are going to spend on any vehicle you own so this is only repairs.

From what I am seeing, you would be fine putting a cat in it if that is what it needs to fix it and keep it on the road. However, if something else happens that puts you over this then you will want to look at cutting your losses.

The idea behind this is let's say your vehicle is worth $2,000.00 and you make a $600.00 repair. If you sold the vehicle after making the repair you would leave with $1,400.00 net or if you sell the vehicle without doing the repair, you would probably get around $1,400.00

If you kept it and 6 months later it needed another $2,000.00 worth of work, then you would not do this repair because you would not be able to sell it for more than $2,000.00 and you now have $2,600.00 into it. In other words, doing these repairs does not add to the value so at some point it is better to sell it as is then repair it.

I don't think you are there yet.

That is always a hard question. Reason is, they are in general more expensive but for the most part you are going to get it taken care of quicker because they are use to working on these vehicles.

In your situation, I would feel good about going to a dealer but if you can ask around your circle of friends for a good repair shop then I am sure they would be able to follow this test as well.

However, the biggest benefit a dealer has is familiarity with the product and its issues. There is a lot to be said about that.

Yes. Please keep me in the loop with what they find and I will be happy to weigh in on what they find. Thanks

Clearly I would not want to replace the sensor again and it not work. So going back to the other mechanic doesn't seem wise because they are just going to replace it again with the same one.

I would do one of two things. First, ask the dealer to refund your money if they replace it and it doesn't work. Second, go back to the other mechanic only if he is willing to use the Kia sensor and credit the one you just put into it towards this one.

I find it hard to believe that the sensor that you put in is not compatible. At best it is just a cheap part and you are getting defective ones which is possible with these aftermarket parts. Did they say how they tested the vehicle? Did they write up their diagnostic steps on the repair order? I am just wondering if they tested the wiring. I would assume they did but clearly this is something we need to make sure or we will just keep putting sensors in it.

The multi point inspection is just them looking over the vehicle to see if it needed any other work.

Knowing how dealers operate, I think they did the testing however I would be lying if I said I am 100% sure they are correct. I have seen too many times when they assume the wiring is ok. Due to having so many sensors in it, I would feel better if they had recorded all the testing.

If it were me this is what I would do. Call the dealer and talk to the service manager. Tell them that you have had X number of sensors installed and now you are saying that it needs a Kia sensor which is expensive and you are nervous what will happen if that doesn't fix it. I am sure the manager will understand and give you more info then "trust us, it needs the sensor."

They do not keep the part. I would be surprised if they didn't give you the money back for at least the part. They are just going to return it from where ever they bought it from.

Can't hurt in asking.