O2 sensor out

[dhen]

Hi everyone,

Today the check engine light came on my 98 Avalon. I took it by a mechanic, and he hooked it up to his computer and told me that the O2 sensor behind the catalytic converter is bad and that it would be $350 to fix.

I decided to get a second opinion since the engine is running fine. I looked on eBay and there are several O2 sensors for about $60 each. Here's my question. How hard is it to replace this part? Is it hard to get to, or are these guys just trying to rip me off? I have some mechanical ability, but I know nothing about messing with fuel injection. If it's not too hard I may try to fix it myself.

Any ideas would be welcome.

Thanks,

Darian

[new echo owner]

What code do you have?

N.E.O.

[TMack409]

You'll be glad you spent the $$$ on the OEM O2 sensor....in the long haul, born out over many posts here and in the Camry forum.

If you are handy with a soldering iron and or crimping tool, then you can buy an OE sensor with just the bare wires hanging out - then splice your old connector to it. You can shave a few $$$ off going that route.

We need to know why it failed.....i.e., there's likely more going on than just a failed O2 sensor IMHO.

[dhen]

Hi everyone, thanks for getting back to me.

Sadly, I don't know the code because the shop didn't tell me. The only information I have is what I told you.

It's possible something else is going on. I think that the sensor was just old since the car has over 120,000 miles on it.

I didn't realize that the other sensors are so bad, so I'll order a good one. Anyway, I'm not afraid of a crimping tool, but is the sensor hard to get to? Is it absolutely necessary to go through the center console like in this picture:

Replaced my downstream o2 sensor with a simulator (many pics)

Thanks,

Darian

[new echo owner]

Have you read the invoice to see if the code was mentioned somewhere in there? Or just call the repair shop and ask for the code.

Depending on the code you have, there are other causes that would trigger a Post cat O2 code too.

N.E.O.

[dhen]

Hi everyone,

I replaced the O2 sensor downstream from the catalytic converter and all is well now. It actually wasn't very hard...

Thanks everyone,

Darian