O2 sensor and TCS Light

[captngaryr]

OK, I give up. What does an O2 sensor have to do with a TCS light? While at VIR last week, I got a CEL and a TCS light on the back straight. I pulled the codes and it was a front primary O2 sensor heater failure. I was amazed that the TCS light seemed to come on at the same time as the CEL. What the heck does a TSC light have to do with the O2 sensor? Indeed, when I replaced the O2 sensor, the TCS light went away. I've had a secondary O2 sensor failure in the past, and it did not cause a TCS light. I don't get it. My problem is solved, but the mystery remains.

Gary

 

[Miner]

My 02 TL does the same thing due to a faulty knock sensor; triggers the VSA warning and out of service light. I suspect somewhere the engineering team determined that engine sensor fault could jeopardize TCS /VSA function and it disbles them.
Miner

 

[captngaryr]

My 02 TL does the same thing due to a faulty knock sensor; triggers the VSA warning and out of service light. I suspect somewhere the engineering team determined that engine sensor fault could jeopardize TCS /VSA function and it disbles them.
Miner

My guess is a software error in the ECU. Even Honda engineers make mistakes
Gary

 

[Larry Bastanza]

It is not unusual for the TCS light to come on when any CEL is generated for 1995+ NSX's. No worries, just fix the 02 sensor and all will be well. I see this all the time.

Regards,
LarryB

 

[06_typeS]

Should both sensors be replaced at the same time? I too have this problem, and upon start up driving (at times) the engine goes into limp mode and I cant rev past a certain rpm. about 15 seconds later the car goes out of limp mode and I am good to go, but Light remains on.

Sorry for the thread jacking.

 

[illwillem]

which light remains on? the TCS or the CEL. Id replace both at the same

 

[captngaryr]

which light remains on? the TCS or the CEL. Id replace both at the same

Both lights go out when you fix the cause of the CEL (O2 sensor).

- - - Updated - - -

It is not unusual for the TCS light to come on when any CEL is generated for 1995+ NSX's. No worries, just fix the 02 sensor and all will be well. I see this all the time.

Regards,
LarryB

Hi Larry,
Yup, I understand that fixing the cause of the CEL fixes the TCS, I just don't understand why.

It was great to see you again at NSXPO and appreciate you advice on my whistle. I loved your new doo!
Gary

 

[06_typeS]

which light remains on? the TCS or the CEL. Id replace both at the same

Tcs remains on constantly.

 

[ftuhy]

Gary,
I've had both primary O2 sensors fail - both for the heater element, not the sensing part. In both cases, the TCS light also came on. I found I could turn the car off, restart it, and the CEL light would come on immediately, but the TCS light would take a minute or two to come back on. Just a Honda quirk.

There were shortcomings that resulted in the government forcing Honda to extend the emissions warranty to 14 years on the '95, '96 and '97 model years - so evidently there were more serious quirks than just this strange occurrence of the TCS light. Both my primary sensors were replaced under that warranty. The OEM sensors definitely were not up to par with those of other manufacturers.

 

[NSX9]

I had the same fault after a day at the track, during the last run of the day, 2nd gear tight corner and was hard on the throttle on exit when the car just spun, like it had hit oil. Both lights on and code showed front O2 sensor heater. Fixed with a new sensor. As the car spun so quickly I quess the sensor failed under hard hot running then turned off the TCS half way around the corner, I wasnt quick enough to catch it! Must be a fail safe mode for keepng the engine stable, or someone at Hondas idea of a joke.......

 

[Single Samurai]

I'm going through the same deal now with my 2002 / 26K Miles on it...
Started coming on (TCS & CEL) a couple weeks back!

Code P0135 / Main Bank Sensor 1, Lookin forward to these lights turning off! LOL!

 

[hofffam]

The TCS light went on for me some time ago for a single cylinder misfire. The code told me which cylinder. And I had not properly seated one of the coils. Fixed it - and the TCS light turned off.