Oxygen Sensor 1997 Saturn SL 1 Question

I have a 97 SL 1 with the 1.9L engine and I have a question.
Got 96k on it and the check engine light it on. I know I am overdue
changing the Oxygen Sensor. Does this car have one sensor or two?
I see the one on the manifold, is there one by the catalytic converter?
Also, would I do better buying one of the 02 sensors made by Bosch or
should I go to the dealer and get a stock one(ouch).
Any info appreciated.

Thanks.

G.

 

Get the code read at a local Autozone for free before you buy an O2 sensor.
In our case ('96 SL1 same engine as yours with 114K miles), I also had
suspected the sensor, but it turned out to be the EGR valve. I removed and
cleaned the valve and then reinstalled with a new gasket. That was almost a
year ago and no problems since then.

If you do find it is the O2 sensor, I've heard that Bosch can wear out/fail
prematurely.

Bob

 

I would definately get the code checked first. I had mine in for an oil
change and new tires and the garage I was at said there was something wrong
with my exhaust but they weren't sure what. They advised me to take it to
Saturn as my 98 SL1 was still covered by the emissions warranty at the time.
The service guy at Saturn said they've had a lot of bad sensors ($160 job
not covered by the emission warranty) but they would check it out for me.
Turned out that my cat converter was bad so they replaced it and didn't even
charge me for the code check. Been a year and a half since that and I
haven't had any trouble since.

 

Thank you both for all the info. Something told me to check the gas cap.
I took it off, then put it back on. Guess what, did not have it on
tight enough I guess. After a few minutes of driving the light went
off. Light has been off for several days now. I am still going to get
the codes pulled from Auto Zone.

Thanks again,

G.