Bad06SS

Hey guys. I just got a 2001 Formula. It's an A4 with 45,xxx miles. Bone stock, never been modded.Here's some of what I was going to do, what other stuff should I check?

Needs an O2 sensor (ses light)
Needs a driver's side power window motor
Sea Foam Treatment
New Fuel Filter
Oil Change
Check fluids (brake, power steering, tranny, etc)

Anything else that's a good idea?

2001NBMZ28

You sure it needs an 02 sensor? They can throw a SES indicating something else is going on - bad cat, running lean, etc.

Bad06SS

Well, previous owner said it as an O2 (bank 2). I'm going to get it scanned in the next couple of days to be sure. When I find out what the code is, I'll verify that that's what it is.

LS1nut377

iTrader: (16)

well lets see ummm lid,filter,wires,plugs,headers,exhaust the list go's on and on and on haha so much to do so little money.

Bad06SS

Lol, isn't that the truth. Maybe I can convince the wife that the stock exhaust is bad and that it needs LT's, Y-pipe, and Corsa, so that my gas mileage goes up.....

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

Check the PCV valve to make sure it isn't gummed up.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

I got my car @ 30,100 just short of 2 years ago.

I did headers at around 32,000.

I also did....

Plugs (NGK TR-55's gapped stock)
GM Z06 Wires, I do not care for MSDs
Brakes (Pads and Rotors)
SLP Lid w/ new filter
Installed Moser 12 bolt (so new rear end fluid)

Then a clutch @ 36k

Trans Fluid
Clutch master
Slave Cyl w/ fluid

Then a cam @ 38k

Coolant

She has about 40,200 and the only other thing I havent changed was Brake FLuid which will happen since I am painting the calipers and the bleeders are frozen.

Bad06SS

Thanks for the replies! I will keep all in mind. I seafoam'd the car last night-huge smokeshow . Also, the code it threw is a P0420 (Catalyst efficiency below threshold bank 1). I reset it last night so that it would pass state inspection and emissions. If/when it comes back on, I guess I'll try two new O2 sensors. If it still comes on, looks like I'll be getting headers sooner than I thought.

2001NBMZ28

P0420 is most likely a bad drivers side cat - GM extended the warranty for them on the 00-02 cars to 10 years/120K. If the code keeps coming back the dealer will replace it free.

Bad06SS

Thanks for the info! Should I still replace the O2's when the code comes back or just take it to the dealer?

2001NBMZ28

No I wouldn't replace them. If you want to verify it's the cat and not the rear 02 you can swap the rears side to side, clear all codes, and see if the code moves to the passenger side (P0430). 99% of the time it's the cat. If you search P0420 you'll find lots of info on it, lots of people have had them replaced free.

Bad06SS

Yea, after searching, it seems that the O2 is almost never the problem.

samson_420

iTrader: (1)

It is most likely the cat.

As far as other stuff, it just depends on the cash you want to spend. But, all maintainance would be good. Air lid, air filter, coolant flush, rear end gear oil change and so on.

wssix99

iTrader: (5)

(Don't forget.) If you swap the sensors, be sure to use anit-seize compound!

Bad06SS

Thanks!

Just changed the PCV valve yesterday, it was dirty, so thanks for the advice.

Going to do the oil change and fuel filter change the next couple of days. Next paycheck I'll change the rear end fluid, do a coolant flush, and suck out the power steering fluid and change it. Then all I'll need to do is a brake fluid flush and a tranny fluid flush, and all of the fluids will be changed. I'll get the P0420 issue fixed, and then I'll finally be ready to take it to the track and get some baselines before I start the mods. Thanks again for all of the replies and suggestions, feel free to add more.

Bad06SS

In case someone searches this thread for the same advice, here's the things I've done since getting the car:

Complete Seafoam Procedure
New PCV Valve
New Fuel Filter
Mobil One 0W40 Oil change and K&N oil filter
Rear Diff Fluid change (mobile one synthetic 75w90 w/gm limited slip additive)
Radiator flush with fresh distilled water, water wetter, and dex cool
Changed power steering fluid (used redline fluid)
Transmission flush (dealership did it with dexron VI)
Brake fluid flush (dealership did it and used DOT 4 fluid)
Cleaned mass air flow sensor

I haven't done the plugs and wires because I plan on putting headers on in the spring, and I'll do them then.My P0420 code hasn't come back on since I cleared it, so I won't worry about changing the cat untill it comes back on. The car seems to be running fine. Anywho, that should be a good list for anyone who's just getting their F-body.