Bought a 2001 beautiful V40 from a used car dealer two weeks ago. During the emission test (in Virginia, that happens after the purchase instead of before the sale) the check engine light came on, P0133, O2 sensor. Dealer offered to replace it so I can pass emission. After replacement, the light never went away after multiple reset, and did not pass the re-test. Dealer again replaced the 4-day old O2 sensors (Bosch), thinking maybe it was defective. Again, check engine light did not go away, and OBD II scanner still says O2 sensor. We are out of ideas, and no mechanic (tried three shops) can figure out WHY it keeps giving a P0133 code after replacing the O2 sensor. Unfortunately, this little light would not let me pass emission, so the dealer is offering a FULL REFUND. He will probably just auction this beautiful car (one owner, california) off due to this STUPID light.



Should I just take the money and walk, giving up on this car?

I would definately take the money and look elsewhere. it cant be said that you didnt give it a fair go. Atleast you can be happy that you broke even :beer:

+1. take the money and find another one. who knows what else might go wrong if you were to keep the car.

Let's watch the language. You never know who might be reading.

wha, what did i say?

I'am not sure I'd be real hasty in getting rid of the vehicle., You state its a beautiful California Car., so I gather your pleased with the exception of the sensor (or whatever) fault.....
I'd offer the dealer whom you bought it from a substantial reduced price from what you paid for the vehicle but only after you take it to a certified Volvo Dealer and have them tell you whats wrong....If it runs good and your pleased with the performance it could be a minor fault., You just never know...
I'am sure the agency whom you bought it from would be willing to negotiate..It costs then lots of money to keep a car on the lot that they know little about..
This is of course is only a suggestion and only if you really like the car otherwise..
Good Luck...

good call from damotu. that also hinges on if the dealer will negotiate to terms like that.

Not you Greek. The original poster used GD in his post. I don't think that type of language is warranted so I deleted that portion of the post.

aaaaaahhhhhhh, was starting to get paranoid there. whew, well GD! :grin:

The check light is on because the 02 sensor is reading that the gas in the exhaust is wrong (maybe drawing air, leaky exhaust, bad cat, leaking injector, wrong fuel pressure,), if you find out why the gas in the exhaust is wrong then you will fix/stop the light coming on. Diagnostic computers only give a indication of where the fault is (somewhere to start) but it is not always as simple as the computer says 02 sensor so that must be the fault.

Sounds like you missing out on a good little car but the dealer reluctant to send the car out to a competant repair shop in fear of cost and thus no profit margin on the sale.

A good diagnostic technician would fix this. Unfortunatly they are rare.