Replace front o2 sensor procedure - Very Easy or Easy? (1 Viewer)

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Sensor, tool is about $10
 
O2 Replacement Easy

I just completed changing both front o2 sensors and it is pretty straight forward even for a non mechanic. One failed at 138k miles on my 2000 so I replace both front ones for about $190 in parts total. Thanks for the great instructions to all.

Two things I learned:

1.) There is a tab you need to push on the far end of the connecting plug which releases the plug. The tab is next to the bare wires away from the sensor and has little lines running across it. Just push it down and the plug unsnaps easily.

2.) Go to the Autozone or equivalent and use the free loan a tool program. They will lend you a O2 Wrench at no charge

I mail ordered from sparkplugs.com the o2 sensors and it worked well.

you need the socket for the passenger side and the other crows foot adapter for the driver side. Both are in the O2 wrench kit.

Thanks for the advice.....Bert
 
FYI, I picked up a pair of DENSOs from ebay for $120 shipped. They worked fine. Replacement was veryb easy. Maybe a 45 minute job including R&R of skidplate.
 
FYI, I picked up a pair of DENSOs from ebay for $120 shipped. They worked fine. Replacement was veryb easy. Maybe a 45 minute job including R&R of skidplate.

I did mine in similar time. I used a large 22m offset box wrench. On the passenger's side, I slipped the connected through the closed end and pointed the levered end towards the wheelwell. I actually pushed to break the sensor loose from the hole / access port in the driver's wheel well. No need to remove the wheel at all.

The driver's side was easier. I again removed the connector and then slipped the connector through the closed end of the wrench. From there, the levered end pointed towards the ground. I broke things free and turned the sensor out by hand.

I had limited corrosion.

I purchased the two factory DENSO units through Amazon.com ~ $120 shipped with proper connectors, copper anti-sieze and no headaches. This was significantly cheaper than I'd found for any other source.

I'm hoping my mileage / economy will improve. Years ago, I could eak out 300+ miles on a tank. Lately it has been closer to 250.

We'll see.

Doug
 
I'm hoping my mileage / economy will improve. Years ago, I could eak out 300+ miles on a tank. Lately it has been closer to 250.

We'll see.

Doug

Doug,
I have the same "set-up" as you and you should fairly easily get 350+ miles on tank, sometimes even over 400 miles. Only 250 miles on un unmodded LC is just not "fair"...
(comment only to a relatively new member w/o any intention to start yet another thread about fuel economy/consumption).
 
Doug,
I have the same "set-up" as you and you should fairly easily get 350+ miles on tank, sometimes even over 400 miles. Only 250 miles on un unmodded LC is just not "fair"...
(comment only to a relatively new member w/o any intention to start yet another thread about fuel economy/consumption).
Well, I appreciate the info. I just did a major service: Timing belt, all seals, water pump, plugs, O2 sensors, fluids in diffs. I also cleaned the MAF and TB.

The engine runs perfectly and very clean according to the smog authority here in California. I did a test run last weekend, mostly highway miles and this resulted in 15 mpg @ about 70 to 75mph. There was stop and go and city driving mixed in. Sadly, this was an improvement, but not close to what you've experienced. I don't drive this car for the mileage, but that would be a bonus!

I also keep my michelin LTXs at about 40 psi to reduce rolling resistance.

But....don't want to turn this into a thread about MPG.

thanks again,

Doug
 
For those of you who have ordered the Denso O2 sensors from AMAZON.COM what are the appropriate part numbers that you used. I am specifically looking for the correct O2 Sensors that sit before and after the Cat, i.e front and rear sensors...

I just got the PO135 Error for Bank 1 Sensor 1, but want to go ahead and replace all 4 O2 Sensors and it seems that AMAZON.COM has the best pricing.

Thanks
 
I fished the actual box out of the trash as I just did my install last weekend.

The front O2 sensors are: 234-4169 as printed on the O2 sensor boxes themselves. If I remember, this did correspond to a part number on amazon.

In fact, googling "amazon denso oxygen sensor 234-4169" turned up the parts:

Amazon.com: Denso 234-4169 Oxygen Sensor: Automotive

$61.26 each, free shipping, no tax.

Hope that helps,

Doug
 
I fished the actual box out of the trash as I just did my install last weekend.

The front O2 sensors are: 234-4169 as printed on the O2 sensor boxes themselves. If I remember, this did correspond to a part number on amazon.

In fact, googling "amazon denso oxygen sensor 234-4169" turned up the parts:

Amazon.com: Denso 234-4169 Oxygen Sensor: Automotive

$61.26 each, free shipping, no tax.

Hope that helps,

Doug

Doug,
So was this a direct plug n play or did you have to splice wires? I want to make sure that I do not have to splice wires! :)
Zane
 
Doug,
So was this a direct plug n play or did you have to splice wires? I want to make sure that I do not have to splice wires! :)
Zane

Zane,
DIRECT PLUG N' PLAY! They look EXACTLY like the OEM versions down to the wire color, connectors, everything.

***************
Initial impressions are that my mileage still remains pretty poor.

We'll see after a few tanks full.

Doug
 
The rears are here:
Amazon.com: Bosch 13104 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment: Automotive

If the link doesn't work, search amazon for Bosch 13104 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment . You can interchange Bosch and DENSO parts as both are OE suppliers. These rears are the cheapest $63.

I might consider not going the rears as I understand they really only verify the CATs are working and do not increase efficiencies.

Years ago, when I worked in a shop, I used to look at the O2 sensor waveforms to determine their condition. The waveforms would dramatically slow down (fhz) when the sensors tire. So AFRs can suffer or spend too much time on the rich side, affecting economy. I do not know if the designs have changed for improved longevity. I doubt it, but who knows?

Good luck,

Doug
 
Replaced my Left Front sensor - went through wheel well to reach with 7/8" wrench after disconnecting the cable (fed the cable through the box end of the wrench). Unlike other writers, I had to undo a couple of bolts to loosen the pan underneith so I could slip a small screwdriver up the electrical connection to get the cable out. All told, took me about an hour - I guess I move slower than others - then again, I didn't break anything! (I have a bad history in that area, I'm afraid.) I cleared the code with my cheap ($40) Harbor Freight code reader - worked great. I bought the sensor through Amazon - what a strange world that a book seller has my O2 sensor in stock in their own wherehouse! Anyway, thanks again to this forum for the great information.
- Gil
Ventura
 
I need some help deciphering my CEL reader. My truck just threw the P0155 code which means the Bank 2/Sensor 1 O2 sensor needs replaced.

The CEL reader displays as follows:

Fault P0155
01/02

and

Pending Fault P0155
02/02

My question is what does the 01/02 and 02/02 mean and what is a pending fault? Thanks in advance...
 
OK, not great photo, but look under:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=148769&highlight=sensor
post 10. You'll see the O2 sensor.

Or, did find a slightly better picture...
You can see the anti-sway bar in the bottom of the picture. Taken from below, up "along" the firewall. top of photo is towards the rear of the vehicle.

BTW, I did buy my OEM Denso O2 sensor from www.sparkplugs.com. Was just about $100 including shipping. Short pigtail that plugged in like "new". Hence, no splicing of wires, even though that's an easy task as well.

And, the job is VERY easy, as long as your sensor is not stuck.

*************************************
Thanks Wellcraft for such good instructions, the change was easy because of the instructions. Had to struggle with the Sensor and then the plug, the space is too less to fit a wrench.
From Amazon the sensor was $54.57 after tax.
http://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-4169-Oxygen-Sensor/dp/B000C5SG54
 
Just did this. Very good guide! Bought a Bosch from Autozone for about 70. Seems to be running pretty well!

Pic is of the old oxygen sensor in case anyone is wondering what they look like out of the car.
20140707_164231.jpg
 
Last edited:
Oxygen sensor ;)
 

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