I got the car a week or two ago, on the drive home the light came on, showed as a 232. Engine running lean so I threw an O2 sensor in it seemed to run alittle better and the light went out. I cleared the codes, now the code is back and the light is off???? and the car is running like crap. power seems low, mileage around 20mpg on the highway, motor sounds cammed at idle and the motor is shaking alot. The car needs the front pipe replaced, I don't know if that could screw with anything. I checked around and this code seems to be like it could be alot of things, any places to check or test first. The car has 165k on

 

When you say that it needs the "front pipe" replaced, do you mean the pipe upstream of the cat? If so, any exhaust leaks upstream of the oxygen sensor will cause the ECU to think the engine is running lean and will try to enrich the fuel mixture and lead to poor mileage. I would fix this asap.

I'm doubt that this is causing issues like your engine shaking and poor idle. For this, start with the basic tune up. Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributer cap & rotor. Clean the throttle body with some carb cleaner and make sure the throttle closes entirely (you should hear a faint click from the throttle position sensor when the throttle is closed). Also, check the accordian hose leading to the throttle body for leaks.

Just your basics in getting the car to reliable running condition. If you still have codes after that, then chase from there.

Good luck

 

Most of the tune up things have been done, I do mean the pipe from the cat to the header, I just got that in and will be putting it in this weekend, I will check around for any intake leaks too
-thanks Gregg