o2 sensors replacement

[daitka]

hello. I have a 1996 corrola and recently the CEL came on. I took it to the mechanic for a diagnostic ($80 fee) and he said I need to replace both o2 sensor. First question, is it something easy to do?. I dont have too much experience working on my own car, nor much tools. Second question, is both of the sensor the same or would the front be different from the back?

I would imagine replacing it comprise of finding out where it is, unplug the connector and then plug in the new one? So where are these two sensors located at in the car? Any recommendation of place I can go online to buy this o2 sensor (2) for cheap. I found this website, does this price sound reasonable? http://www..com/basket.php $59 per sensor! I got an estimate from mechanic for 350 to replace both sensors, but i thought it was a little much.

Thank you for your help.

[kevmac]

I took it to the mechanic for a diagnostic ($80 fee)

should have just bought an obdII scanner or went to autozone for free and then came here. The guy stole your money IMO So go ahead and fork over the $350 and bend over (kidding)

Here's what you need to do: get a scanner or go to autozone and ask for a free scan. If you don't have autozone, I think there is an alternative somewhere. Right down the code. When they scan tell the employee to let the scanner run until the code flashes three times and resets the cel. Report back here with the code and monitor if and when the cel returns.

BTW the front o2 is childs play, just look down in front of the engine. The back one requires a little work. They both don't normally go out at the same time, and my guess is that the guy was just trying to sell you an easy fix requiring him to do minimal troubleshooting. The cat could be causing the rear o2 or it may be only the front one that is bad. If you get an o2, don't by the one that says universal unless you like to cut and crimp wires. $59 is about right.

[trife96]

^ yea! damn $80!!!! Dude you did get kind of raped on that one. ECM scan should take no more than 30 min OBD 2. He basically charged you an hour labor that only took really 10 minutes. At least get him to tell you the code, and go buy the correct sensor....front or back. I also suggest you do the install, it's really not too bad.

[speedy25]

Install of the sensor is easy IF the old one comes out easily. I dont understand why they sell the special socket in 3/8 drive when you normally need the extra oomph of the 1/2 drive!

I've never heard anyone say anything good or bad about any brands. It may be the only good product that Bosch makes these days.

-SP

[MightyMax]

I am getting ready to do my post cat O2 Sensor....
I have the part, just have to find the time.

Looking at the repair manual I have, you have to remove the passenger seat to get to the power connector.

So I will see how it goes.

The cheapest place I found the Sensor was AutoPartsWarehouse.com
And shipping was quick and free for ground.

[Turboman412]

use brake fluid on the old sensor before pulling it out. i have been doing that for years and never have had one stuck on me

[speedy25]

Originally Posted by MightyMax

The cheapest place I found the Sensor was AutoPartsWarehouse.com
And shipping was quick and free for ground.

I've bought from them before. The free shipping is a great deal when the parts are heavy, but a pain if they are wrong and you have to send them back! (Anyone need NEW rotors for a 1 ton Dodge Van??)

-SP

[MightyMax]

Ok, did my post cat o2 sensor last night.
Pretty much straight forward.

Lift the right side of the car...
Take out passenger seat ('97 Corolla), unplug the wire connector.
Unscrew the o2 sensor (mine was in good, so took some umph),
pull out wire harness and its rubber boot.
put in new o2 sensor and feed wires and rubber boot up into the hole.
Plug the bad boy back in, and re-install seat.

All done.

Can be a 30 min job if you don't have issues getting the old one unscrewed.

[kwackbars]

I have replaced my rear oxygen sensor.

When my check engine light came on, the obd II scanner said it was the rear, or sensor bank 2. If the code says sensor or bank 1 it would be the front one.

I was nervous about doing my own because I had never done work on my car, but I had my friend guide me and it was easy.

I have the haynes auto guide for my 97 corolla and it said to warm the engine to operating temperature before removing the o2 sensor so that it would be easier, just be careful not to burn yourself.

With the right size wrench you just have to apply pressure and it should come loose, I have also removed and reinstalled both o2 sensors when I put in my new exhaust both came out easy.

Now for the wiring plug under the carpet near the center console. You don't NEED to remove the seat. I did remove mine and after getting the carpet out from the center console I realized I probably could have done this without taking the seat out.

I didn't fix my rear o2 sensor when the light came on, I drove with the check engine light on for maybe a year because I didn't mind the lower gas mileage. Two years after I changed the o2 sensor (about 6 months ago) my catalytic converter started messing up and I replaced all of my exhaust, not sure if that is related or not.

Go ahead and fix it! I work at an oil change shop and I was able to pull my car in and do the bottom side from the pit below the car so it was pretty easy.