Can I just keep replacing O2 and fuel ratio sensors, or should I rebuild the engine? OR new engine?
2009 Matrix 2AZFE 2.4L engine AWD, automatic
- only 120,000 km, always had regular maintenance
- codes B0137 and B1
- needs new Rear Oxygen sensor
Should I assume Front O2 sensor and Air/Fuel ratio Sensor also need replacing? Can I just replace these three parts every few years and keep driving the oil burning engine? How many miles before I’d need to replace those parts again?
Alternatively, how much does an engine rebuild cost? Is it possible to get a new engine for similar cost?
I hope to drive the car until 200,000 miles or more because I simply can’t afford a new car.
Many Thanks
Should I assume Front O2 sensor and Air/Fuel ratio Sensor also need replacing?
Why not test them and find out instead of making assumptions? Also, if your engine is burning a lot of oil it will eventually clog up your catalytic converter.
codes B0137 and B1
Toyota B0137 appears to be concerned with seat belt pretensioners:
https://www.autocodes.com/b0137_toyota.html
Did you mean P0137? That code is associated with O2 sensors:
https://eeuroparts.com/blog/p0137-code-explained-causes-fixes-and-more/
https://www.obd-codes.com/p0137
how much does an engine rebuild cost?
Likely more than a 15-year-old Matrix is worth but given your mileage specification it sounds like you're in a different market than the U.S. You'd need to get some quotes from shops in your area and compare the cost to what the car is worth.
Note that modern engines are very complex and not something that can be successfully rebuilt by most shops. It would be best to have a factory-rebuilt engine with a written warranty installed.
Is it possible to get a new engine for similar cost?
It's doubtful that Toyota is making new ones available, and even if they did it would be more expensive than a rebuilt engine.
@chucktobias
Thank you Chuck for your answers.
1. Yes I agree I'd like the oxygen sensors and fuel mix sensor tested, and when I asked the dealership, they said they couldn't tell me if the others are damaged: "replace the one and wait until engine lights come on again". So this is frustrating!
2. I have to do research, because I don't know where to find a reliable mechanic who can give me quotes. Basically the Scotty Kilmer video on this topic says an oil burning engine will wreck those sensors and the catalytic converter, but I just don't know if these parts will need replacing annually (say) or if they'll last several years, in which case I wouldn't do the engine rebuild. But I came to this forum to try and find that stuff out!!!
3. Maybe I heard the guy wrong re. those codes and it was P not B. Thanks
Can I just keep replacing O2 and fuel ratio sensors, or should I rebuild the engine? OR new engine?
Accept the nuisance of having to add oil and drive it as long as you can.
Should I assume Front O2 sensor and Air/Fuel ratio Sensor also need replacing?
No.
How many miles before I’d need to replace those parts again?
Only replace parts when they go bad and you won't waste your time & money.
Alternatively, how much does an engine rebuild cost? Is it possible to get a new engine for similar cost?
Before considering rebuilding or replacing the engine one should do a cost-benefit analysis.
Is it really worth sinking at least several thousand into a 15 year old car?
I hope to drive the car until 200,000 miles or more because I simply can’t afford a new car.
Many of those oil burning 2AZFE engines have exceeded twice the mileage that you currently have while burning oil.
@hixster
Thanks Hixter for your comments.
Yeah a cost analysis is hard for me to do without understanding how often this oil burning engine will require new oxygen sensors, possibly fuel mix sensor and catalytic converter.
Ideally, I would like some knowledgeable person to advise whether these parts would need replacing annually, or if they'd last several years, like maybe 5 years, and then for sure, I wouldn't do the engine rebuild. Scotty Kilmer, in his video on this topic, says the engine needs new pistons and piston rings to prevent the oil burn.
So I have to do research to find out how much that costs, versus how many years those oxygen sensors will last. I literally just found out about this issue (saw Scotty Kilmers video a month ago) and now lo and behold, the dealership says I need new oxygen sensor!!!
@hixster
Also, yeah, I'll probably do as you say, add oil frequently and only change parts as required. The Scotty video kind of suggests you should rebuild the engine. So I assumed it wasn't viable to change those sensors etc. (especially if they will only last a short amount of time each).
understanding how often this oil burning engine will require new oxygen sensors, possibly fuel mix sensor and catalytic converter.
It's impossible for anyone to accurately predict just how long the O2 sensors and catalytic converter might last.
Even if this car is otherwise mechanically sound and say you can get a rebuilt engine installed for around 3-4K.. The retail value of a '09 Camry LE according to KBB is $6300 - $7600. Just saying.. I wouldn't do it.. and my daily is a '11 Camry and my truck is a '96 Tacoma, both in good cond. If either one requires an expenditure of $3000 they're gone!
BTW if anyone's interested in that video (Scotty Kilmer) about this oil burning engine, here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdvjVnwE4Ec