Codes P0134,P0135-Engine Dificult to start

[Azuriah]

Hello,

I am currently working on my 1999 Grand Am GT.

The car is reading the following codes.
P0134
Bank 1 sensor 1
o2 sensor
CKT no Activity

P0134
O2 sensor heater circuit malfunctioning

P0135
Heater circuit

The car is having issues starting. I have to give it gas to get the vehicle to start however after that it will idle. Sometimes it has a rough idle and other times it will idle fine around 6k rpm. The vehicle seems to drive fine once it is running. It is a bit intermitent with the starting problem. The issue has occured at cold start as well as after it has warmed up. Sometimes after its been running I can turn it off and then right back on again and there is no need to gas it.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Azuriah

[rixGAphx]

'99 V6; 9-yrs old, about 110k miles?
Your engine was due for a major service between 90-100k miles: Plugs and plug wires, filters, coolant system service, tranny service, PCV valve, etc.
Was this done?

Your front O2 sensor (one the top of the rear exhaust manifold) is shot.
It was only meant to last 80k miles, so you got full service out of it.
Replace it.
About $80, and 1/2 hour using the special 'universal O2 sensor socket' (about $8 from anywhere).

The PCM (Powertrain Control Module, the engine-tranny computer) depends on this sensor 100% for setting the fuel injection.
When the PCM knows the O2 sensor isn't working, it must revert to internal default settings.

Your internal default settings aren't working worth a damn, either, which is why you're having to press the throttle pedal.
When you press it, you are NOT 'giving the engine gas.'
Rather, you are opening the throttle plate and giving the engine AIR, which apparently then overcomes a richness problem.

I would suspect the Fuel Pressure Regulator, so do a 'search' on this forum for that device and do the DIY testing involved.

It won't hurt to run a bottle of name-brand off-the-shelf Fuel Injection cleaner thru the tank, and that *might* clear up the problem.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[Azuriah]

Thanks for the response. I will check back after doing what you have suggested.

Azuriah