1994 Civic, check engine light!!!

I had the check engine light go on my civic this morning. After doing research
I was told that autozone can check the code.
Others have said it is most likely an O2 sensor problem. If that is true than a
replacement can be had at autozone. Said replacement can be installed by
myself.

My question is if the info I have gathered is true and whether I can do it
myself?

 

what was the problem code?

 

I went to autozone where they said computer was broken. I was told to check
myself with paperclip, but acess to check is difficult.

So I will have to check with non dealer mechanic to get problem code.

 

1. I am sure Autozone can check the code. You can also do it yourself.
There is a service check connector located under the dash, just about
where that carpet ends in front of the passenger door. It is taped to a
wire harness. There should be a two position service check connector and
a 3 position data link connector. You want the two position one. Short
the two positions together with a paper clip bent into a U shape and
turn on the ignition. The MIL (check engine light) in the instrument
panel will flash the code as a sequence of short and possibly long
flashes. Short flashes are the 1's and long flashes are the 10's. Code
"1" (single short flashes) is for oxygen sensor. Code 41 (4 long
flashes, then 1 short flash) is for the Oxygen sensor internal heater.
If you have multiple codes they will be read out in sequence. This will
repeat until you turn off the ignition and remove the paper clip.

2. There are 23 different trouble codes for that car. Oxygen sensors do
fail, mine (also a '94 Civic) failed in April of this year at about 94k
miles. Code 41.

3. I would be surprised if Autozone does not sell O2 sensors. You have
basically 3 alternatives. You can get the very expensive Honda OEM
sensor, you can get an after market sensor with the correct Honda
connector or you can get a generic sensor and splice on the connector
from your old O2 sensor. I got the generic kind and it came with
everything you need to splice the wires. The splice looks really awful
but it works. The wires are stainless steel, not copper, so soldering
them is next to impossible. Using the splice kit is pretty much your
only option.

4. Yes, you can replace it yourself. You can get a little better access
by removing the heat shield on the exhaust manifold before you start (3
or 4 bolts, can't remember). The O2 sensors can be hard to remove. I was
able to get it loose by using a box wrench, the special O2 sensor socket
I bought did not cut it (slightly too large). After you are done, reset
the ECU by removing the fuse marked "BACK UP" from the under-hood fuse
box for 10 seconds and then putting it back in.