O2 sensor question

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arbetrader

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My CEL came on, a friend checked it for free :) and it turns out it's the P0135 code. But here's the funny thing... the code reader says "O2 Sensor heater circuit, bank 1, sensor 1." NOT just 02 sensor...

Because it specifically says heater circuit, do I have to change out the O2 sensor, or is there a way to fix the heater circuit (I know this sounds like a lame question; but to qualify, I'm in NO way a mechanic).

I'm assuming for the $70, just replace it; but it's just a question if this is possible.

I'm leaning toward buying a new O2 sensor, specifically because I have a 99 LX with 164k miles on it now. My question also assumes the fact that the heater circuit is built in to the O2 sensor itself. This is correct, right?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
arbetrader said:
My CEL came on, a friend checked it for free :) and it turns out it's the P0135 code. But here's the funny thing... the code reader says "O2 Sensor heater circuit, bank 1, sensor 1." NOT just 02 sensor...

Because it specifically says heater circuit, do I have to change out the O2 sensor, or is there a way to fix the heater circuit (I know this sounds like a lame question; but to qualify, I'm in NO way a mechanic).

I'm assuming for the $70, just replace it; but it's just a question if this is possible.

I'm leaning toward buying a new O2 sensor, specifically because I have a 99 LX with 164k miles on it now. My question also assumes the fact that the heater circuit is built in to the O2 sensor itself. This is correct, right?

Thanks in advance for any help!
Click to expand...

Replacing the O2 sensor will fix it. Some descriptions refer to them as 'heated' O2 sensors. IIRC, it's because they use electrical current to more quickly get up to initial operating temp on cold start (or something like that). It could be a bad electrical connection, but at 164k it's a safe bet to just replace the sensor.

Search MUD and there should be sufficient threads to help, but I'd do it from inside the fender well. A 22mm box/open wrench and you'll be golden. Use some pbblaster ahead of time if it's frozen.
 
Thanks so much for the heads up! Does anyone have a picture of where exactly this is underhood, or a diagram or even better photos? Thanks again,
 
arbetrader said:
Thanks so much for the heads up! Does anyone have a picture of where exactly this is underhood, or a diagram or even better photos? Thanks again,
Click to expand...

This is the PS O2 sensor - right above the frame rail, partially obscured by the brake tubing. It points forward (to the right).

IMG_2122.jpg
 
Nice Wrench!!

So just a quick question... The O2 sensor in question here (bank 1, sensor 1) is located on the passenger side of the truck behind the plastic cover, and it's as shown here directly above the flange located on the exhaust manifold. This is bank 1, sensor 1 correct?

Thanks so much for your help!
 
Hey, Oregon, those don't look like dt headers to me.
 
Hi Arbetrader! I have an Oxygen Sensor Wrench if you need one. I did my two front sensors last summer and I believe it was much easier with this tool. Do you ever venture in to the city? PM me if interested.
 
FOPLawyer said:
Hey, Oregon, those don't look like dt headers to me.
Click to expand...

Ha! That was a pic when I was taking of the factory headers. Unlike Spresso, I didn't need air; my manly arms with a standard box/open were sufficient. ;)
 
arbetrader said:
Nice Wrench!!

So just a quick question... The O2 sensor in question here (bank 1, sensor 1) is located on the passenger side of the truck behind the plastic cover, and it's as shown here directly above the flange located on the exhaust manifold. This is bank 1, sensor 1 correct?

Thanks so much for your help!
Click to expand...

To be honest, I don't know which one is bank one. Search for the link to download the FSM and you should be able to identify it, left or right.

Yes, it's directly upstream of the exhaust flange pointing forward. You can get to it without pulling the wheel, just make sure to put it on stands or the tire could pinch your head off if it came down.
 
Thanks for all the help! Parnoren, I will keep that in mind, thanks for the offer!
 
Reviving a older thread:

The CEL came on las night. Pulled The o2 sensor code. No change in performance or mileage (I think) after about 50 miles. Already ordered the parts from amazon, should be here tomorrow afternoon.My question is: I have about 170-200 miles to travel tomorrow before I expect to see the new sensors. Should I expect the MPGs to flatline in that time? If I burn through a tank of premium, I will negate my savings. Might be better off to just pick it up at the dealer on the way home.

Any thoughts?
 
My mileage dropped from 12mpg(avg) to 8.5 or so while the CEL was on... Some of it had to do with city driving, but still... Big difference. Change it asap
 
The sensors need to be hot to function. Exhaust isn't hot enough at idle or when first started, so the internal heater brings it up to temp. It will work fine for highway driving, but the computer probably switches to fail-safe while the light is on.
 
Holy crap!! 163$ plus tax from the dealer vs. 57$ from amazon. Think I will take my chances until the UPS truck rolls through.
 
Amazon has denso listed. Pretty good reviews on the board. Thanks for the feedback.
 
Good stuff in those threads. So, would the concern with non OEM be that they won't perform as well, or that they won't last? Or both?
 
Yes, the denso is the factory replacement. Find out about shipping charges, they wanted to gouge me on that through denso online. Turned $60 to $90 real fast. I ended up buying from napa for the same price and picked it up right away for $89
 
Pork Soda said:
Good stuff in those threads. So, would the concern with non OEM be that they won't perform as well, or that they won't last? Or both?
Click to expand...

My O2 sensor went out around 100k iirc. I bought a pair of new sensors from CDan then (long time ago) and never got around to doing them. When I did the t-belt again at 200k I put them in. It never really made a significant difference in my range personally. Maybe ~10%ish. But anyhow, ran with it toasted for 100k and nothing worse to show for it. Engine's clean as a whistle and functions fine with the new O2 sensors in it.

I will also through this tidbit in. I've been told by my mechanic, who is also the service manager at the local Mr. T that they are seeing a pretty direct correlation to reduced longevity of O2 sensors with E10 gas. They actually have started taking gas samples with the sensors that went out really prematurely and all were actually closer to E15 blends... Hooray for corn! :bang:
 
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