Engine light on -Code 13

[Kathryn]

Yesterday my Engine Management Light came on (minor panic - last time this happened was in my old Toyota Corolla and was followed seconds later by smoke (well actually turned out to be steam!) pouring from under the bonnet- in the middle of Dartmoor of all places!) anyway, Elan is running fine. Flashed on at first, then stayed on for a while, going out briefly every so often. Hoped the problem would go away overnight, but it's still there! Light comes on after a mile or so and now stays on.
I did the paperclip test this evening (Go me! Actually, putting the glovebox back was the hardest bit!) and got code 13. That'll be the O2 sensor then. I'm guessing I need a new one.
So, I've found out what it does, what it looks like and where it is. Tomorrow I'll have a look and see where best to get one from. Now fitting it is not something I'd be capable of, I'm guessing a local garage could do it and I wouldn't need to take it to a specialist?
Also, is it best to not drive the car until it is sorted? Will I cause any damage if I do?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Code 13 is indeed the O2 sensor "open circuit"

You might want to check the plug connector to make sure it isn't un-plugged or suddenly dirty.

If you drive before repair, you will not be in closed loop so performance and fuel economy will be degraded.

[rip]

Doesn't need a specialist for the O2 sensor.
To start with, I would buy some penetrating oil spray. The sensor is in a thermally hostile area so will be stuck in with rust. A quick squirt of spray every day for a week will help to soften this. If you then find that the sensor does not need removing, you will have not done any damage at all. If it does, this will have made a breakage much less likely during removal.

You have seen where the sensor is: Much more accessible than many cars so Lotuses are not always awkward!
The sensor itself needs a special tool to remove it. It is not that special though: it is like a spark plug socket but even deeper & with an open side to allow for the cable. If you change your mind & decide to tackle this yourself I can post mine if you want to borrow it (& if I can find it), but they are available cheaply.

[epipete]

If you look in the wiki under 'Oxygen Sensor' it suggests various types. I purchased mine from Amazon, cheapest I could find, and it arrived very quickly, so although I paid in US$ and it purported to being shipped from the States I suspect it came from within the UK.

Pete

[Kathryn]

Thanks for your replies!
I'll have a look and check it is plugged in ok!
I've bookmarked several pages on here that I've found useful in diagnosing the problem and the part I might need so hopefully I'll get it all fixed soon.

[Kathryn]

Well I bought a sensor on eBay for £43.99, I know it is a bit cheaper from the States but I was worried it would take a fortnight to arrive and I'd end up paying loads in customs, so I paid the extra to get it from the UK and in time for the weekend. As it happens my brother didn't come over to fit it (confusion on my part as to when "next weekend" is) so I took it round his this evening... and he couldn't remove the bloody thing! I've been squirting it daily with wd40 maybe not the right stuff.
Although on the drive home the CEL was intermittent rather than staying on, so I'll see that as a good sign!!

[HJ2]

That's a bugger...
Did he use the correct O2 socket? This socket has tight tolerances and can take the forces without shearing the edges of the bolt shaped section.
Don't use a ratch, but a fixed key and tap it with a big hammer...

[Kathryn]

I think the cheap socket I bought was too flimsy!
Just been for a little drive and the CEL only flashed on a few times, she seems to be running better too, although I'm sure there's still a problem. Shame as I wanted to drive her to Devon this weekend. My dad recommended a chap he took his car to, so on my day off I'll pop down there, I'm sure a professional can remove it!

[Kathryn]

All sorted! Knew all I needed was a strong man with a garage full of tools!
Been for a little drive to the furthest away Sainsburys and no warning lights! Hopefully problem solved.