[Thebandit1980]

Question1: so I was wondering your guys take on this, I as you seen I have a 99 V6 and my issue is with my window motors when I go to roll the window down it not only cuts the power to the motor and needs to re charge, but it also cuts the power to the radio, and sometimes even the controls on the steering wheel can cut off the radio, how would one go about fixing this?

Question 2: I have been having some o2 sensor problems, first it started with B1S3 and claimed to have no power after switching it out for a shorter sensor it decided to no longer throw that code, but now the other sensors want to try and throw a code, all of them have been replaced atleast 4 times total, it even tries to throw codes that don't even have a problem, such as the EGR valve and the MAF sensor, both after being cleared don't come back, what could be the real problem with these sensors? Somebody had suggested a ground wire issue but I thought I would get your guys take on this

 

[Injuneer]

Welcome to Firebird Nation ! ! !

#1 - the radio and the power windows are powered by a part of the body control module (BCM) called the retained accessory power (RAP) system. When you shut the engine down and turn the key to “off”, the RAP system continues to supply power for the windows and radio for about 10 minutes. The BCM can cause problems with RAP system, due to corrosion of the printed circuit board. I believe you can pull codes from the BCM to track down these problems.

Do the radio and the windows lose power at the same time? Does this happen when the engine is running, or shut off, or both)? What do you mean with the windows when you say “needs to re charge”?

#2 - the O2 sensor codes can be due to things other than the sensor itself. There are a number of codes for each sensor. What are the specific numerical codes you are getting for the Bank 1 and Bank 2 O2 sensors? What brand sensors are you replacing them with?

The position 3 after-cat sensor measures the effectiveness of the catalytic converter. Using a shorter spacer, or adding an extender to the sensor bung can mask those problems and eliminate the code. A problem with the cat could affect exhaust back-pressure and cause an EGR code. What are the codes you are getting for EGR and MAF? What was the code for the after-cat O2 sensor?

 

[Thebandit1980]

#1 Yes they lose power at the same time, the moment the window button is pressed specifically on the passenger window, the radio and it completely power down, when I cut my engine off power continues to run through but not enough to get the window fully up the car has to be started again, and then pulled while pressing the button to roll it up, what i mean by recharge is it rolls up so far then stops, you have to wait a couple minutes then try again

#2 - I replaced them with kax, they so far seem to be doing okay but I remember one being P0171 talking about the heated sensor couldn't switch back and forth fast enough I believe, I'm honestly not sure of the EGR or MAF codes but i know it stated for the MAF that there was too much air flow but after cleaning the circuit it no longer shows that code

 

[sea dog]

I recommend you downloading the 99 factory service manual at the following link. It will have a 3.8 engine section that will explains the codes you have. What makes them set, what tests to do, etc. www.mediafire.com/?40mfgeoe4ctti

Besides the BCM problem, it seems to me that you have a window motor problem also.

 

[Injuneer]

#1 -

The BCM can be scanned (without a scanner) for trouble codes. Go to the factory service manual referenced in the above post, and see page 8-491 for the procedure. The codes are covered in the following pages. That should address the problems with the radio and power windows losing power completely.

As Robert mentioned above, you may have a problem with the passenger side window motor. There is a problem with the length of the wiring that cause the passenger side to draw excessive amps, and results in low voltage. There are kits available to correct this problem. But before that step, try cleaning and lubricating the tracks the window moves in. Dirt and gunk can cause the window to take more power to move, and cause the thermal breaker in the window motor to trip, stopping the motor, until it cools down and the breaker resets. The 4th Gen window motors are also notorious for failing.

#2 - I'm having a problem understanding the current status of the O2 sensors.

all of them have been replaced atleast 4 times total, it even tries to throw codes that don't even have a problem, such as the EGR valve and the MAF sensor, both after being cleared don't come back, what could be the real problem with these sensors?

I replaced them with kax, they so far seem to be doing okay

The O2 sensors are NOT going to cause an EGR or MAF sensor code to set. On the other hand, if you had P0171 that is NOT an O2 sensor code. It is telling you that Bank 1 of the engine is running lean. That can be caused by a faulty MAF, a faulty fuel system, sticky injectors, a vacuum leak, OR a faulty O2 sensor.

You need to get the exact numerical codes, and review them in the factory service manual. You can't rely on the info you get from some hack at an auto parts shop if that's where you are getting input on what to replace.

I'm also puzzled by your replacing the O2 sensors 4 times. In all my years dealing with auto mechanics, I have never heard of KAX brand O2 sensors. I checked them out on Amazon, and from the language used in the tech description of the listing, and the manufacturers responses to customer questions in faulty English, these are CHEAP CHINESE CRAP.. Look at the reviews on Amazon. More than 20% of the buyers have rated them 2 or 1-star, mostly because they failed, or didn't work at all. They are JUNK.

Given the fact that the O2 sensor is probably the most important sensor on the engine, affecting fuel economy, emissions, and engine performance, I would strongly suggest you buy ONLY AC Delco replacements. Yes, they may cost a lot more than the Chinese KAX, but they are the original equipment in your car, and much more reliable.

 

[gbljohnson84]

I have the same issues with codes 0171, 0401, 0174, 0102. The windows are fine as is radio. But I have new plugs, wires, 3 o2 sensors Bosch brand, 3 new coils (oem have a parts car), new ignition controll module, new egr valve, have just broke down, cleaned, and replaced egr system. Now it's throwing these codes. I'm thinking throttle body. It dies when stopping sometimes. I feel it down shift while stopping very hard. Tyranny is 100 as far as I know. But when car is at operating temp it runs better, but randomly dies. When I pop into neutral at idol it goes up to 1500 then idols down. When I put foot in pedal and keep at 2500 the rpm flucuate up usually

 

[Injuneer]

PLEASE DO NOT POST THE SAME PROBLEM IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. POST ONLY ONCE.

I just responded to your duplicate post in this thread:

99 firebird 3.8

I have the issues with codes 0171, 0401, 0174, 0102. The windows are fine as is radio. But I have new plugs, wires, 3 o2 sensors Bosch brand, 3 new coils (oem have a parts car), new ignition controll module, new egr valve, have just broke down, cleaned, and replaced egr system. Now it's throwing...

www.firebirdnation.com

If someone reads the same problem in this thread, they may waste their time duplicating comments already posted elsewhere.

 

[gbljohnson84]

I have new m.a.f. sensor 2x over last 10 months, have lifetime, but don't seem to be problem. Mentioned other issues from older problems. I'm lost have large number of new parts. Asking for help

 

[gbljohnson84]

Have large number of new parts. Reason I'm searching 🔎

 

[Injuneer]

PLEASE REPLY IN YOUR OTHER THREAD. STOP POSTING IN THIS THREAD.

Also notice ”Thebandit1980” never followed up on this thread. Got help from 2 of us, but lacked the courtesy and decency to follow up. Another account to add the the “IGNORE” list.

Closing