Hey what's up guys, today my check engine light, VSC TRAC, VSC off light all came on I took my car to Auto Zone and it came up with a code of P0031 which is oxygen sensor heater control circuit low-bank 1 sensor 1 after that I went to an auto shop and they quoted me $528 to replace both of the front oxygen sensors (parts was $323 for NGK oxygen sensors and labor was $210) they said they don't want to replace just the 1 that is bad because they cannot guarantee that the other one won't do the same. I have a 04 4runner SR5 V8, does $528 sound about right? I've never ran into this problem before and am not familiar with oxygen sensors any input would be greatly appreciated.
The mech does have a point. If one is failing then it might be a good idea to change both. As for me if it is not broken don't fix it. You can get a sensor (denso ) for under $150. I would only change the one. It is a bit more expensive to have someone else do the work. But these are not that big of a deal to change yourself if so inclined. With the money that he wants to charge, you can buy both and do it yourself and still have money left over. That is the beauty of diy maint.
Here is a little bit if info on the lights. When ever you get a check engine light on 4th Gen's it will disable the VSC and the TRAC system untill the check engine light issue is taken care of. Once the problem is fixed then the other lights will go out.
Thanks for the info. it's good to know that when the check engine light comes so does the other lights, by the way how hard was it to install the oxygen sensors yourself?I have a friend that works for Toyota in the parts dept. and he said he will use his discount to get me the parts i need.
The hardest part is crawling under there. It will be the most forward sensor on the left hand bank of the exhaust system (closest to the engine exhaust header/manifold left hand side). Use some penetrant on the nuts/bolts to aid in removing them. Hope this helps.
For those members who don't have a friend in the Parts Department, now you do. I do offer 30% off MSRP for Gernuine Toyota OEM parts. I am an authorized Toyota DEaler and a Supporting Vendor here on ToyotaNation.
...I went to an auto shop and they quoted me $528 to replace both of the front oxygen sensors (parts was $323 for NGK oxygen sensors and labor was $210) they said they don't want to replace just the 1 that is bad because they cannot guarantee that the other one won't do the same. I have a 04 4runner SR5 V8, does $528 sound about right? .
You can get OEM replacement O2 sensors, either NGK or Denso, for $60-70 each.
Had the same P00031 code last Thursday. Picked up a Bosch and O2 Sensor tool kit (loan) for my 04 4R limited w/v8 (143k miles).
The best access is through the wheel well pulling off the front part of the rubber shield. I took the tire off so I could get in closer. The hardest part was there is really only space for one hand. The plug has a little latch. I used a little flat head screwdriver to open the catch and then pull the connector apart.
Use a scan tool to reset the dash lights. I've put about 200 miles since Sat AM and everything is running fine.
Total time: 45 minutes, less if you just jack that side up so the tire hangs down enough so you can get in there.
I had the same codes get thrown today. The scanner at Advance said bad 02 sensor bank 2 upstream. Is it particularly difficult to replace this myself, or would the codes have to be cleared by a dealer scanner?
Also, what exactly happens to the car when the vsc trac is disabled by the check engine code being thrown?
Not hard to change yourself. The code will go away if the problem is fixed. You can also disconnect the negative battery cable for about 1 minute and then reconnect. The VSC and Trac systems are disabled and your rig will not handle as well especially in adverse weather conditions.......... snow, ice that sort of thing.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
SEARCH before asking
Linear Mode
