A/F Sensors Replacement

[rohlal]

I had an accident that smashed the front right corner of my 1999 Toyota Camry. After repairs were done, the malfunction indicator lamp appeared on the dashboard. Here is Toyota’s dealer diagnostic result:

FOUND 3 CODES P1135/P1155/P0125
BOTH FRONT A/F SENSORS LAZY RESPONSE
REC A/F SENSORS CUST. DECLINED
RECOMMEND LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT REAR A/F SENSORS
PART AND LABOR $830.OO FOR REPAIR

Sensors cost is $530, labor $275, and $95 for diagnostic.

Their assessment was that this is not a result of the accident, which I questioned since the light appeared right after it. Could sensors fail as a result of the impact? Also, why would they suggest to replace left front and right rear sensors when the sensors with lazy response are both front ones?


I would really appreciate your advice. $830 is a lot.

[ShawnM]

That seems a little high. But thats why its a dealership. Anything can happen after an accident. Seems odd that both front upstream sensors would go bad at the same time. How many miles are on it?

[rohlal]

Shawn, thank you very much for the response.



I have approximately 83,000 miles on it. The question if this can be a result of the accident is an important one, since if the answer is yes, I will try to get my insurance to pay for it. Otherwise, I will not, which means that this is becoming a matter of elementary honesty.



Did you notice that both front A/F sensors had lazy response? Why then it was not recommended to change both? I read that with lazy sensors the gas mileage may get lower, and did have a feeling that after the accident the mileage went down. I do not understand enough about the working of sensors to know if they can be broken on an impact. Can they?



Alla

[ShawnM]

Any electronic device can be damaged when it takes a hit. A car is no different. Its possible the sensors could have been damaged from the shock of the accident or the wiring may have been damaged, but its hard to say. If you doubt any shops diagnosis get a second opinion, and be sure to mention that this problem started after the accident. If both upstream sensors are reacting slow it will have a negative effect on your fuel economy. I think what they ment was to replace both upstream sensors.

[rohlal]

Thanks! This makes sense.