oxygen sensor 03 Celica

[eabostick]

My wife's check engine light came on in her Celica. Can the car be driven in untill it is fixed or will it harm it? AutoZone said it was an O2 sensor but they couldn't tell us which one. I guess there are four of them? Would it be better/cheaper to change them all or take it to a dealer? If changing them is the best option any help on locations, special tools needed, or tricks of the trade would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[Vip09]

There are two o2 sensors. One before the catalytic converter, and one after. Both of mine have been bad for about a year. It won't really harm the car.. you will see a decrease in gas mileage and it will foul your spark plugs faster from running rich.

[eabostick]

Thanks it's good to know that it will be all right for a while. Is this something that can be fixed at home or will I need special equipment? Thanks again for any and all help.

[Vip09]

Originally Posted by eabostick

Thanks it's good to know that it will be all right for a while. Is this something that can be fixed at home or will I need special equipment? Thanks again for any and all help.

If you go to the auto parts store, you can find sockets specifically for oxygen sensors. They are easy to replace. Just make sure you let the exhaust cool down before you work on it. Spray the sensors with some PB blaster, liquid wrench or equivalent to get them loosened up. Sometimes they are hard to get out.

You will also need to pull the carpet back on the passenger side floorpan to access the wiring where the o2 sensors plug in. The harnesses plug in by the fuse panel that would be by your left leg if you were sitting in the passenger seat.

Good Luck!