Repair And Fix it

The Volkswagen Passat oxygen sensor controls the amount of fuel burned by the engine. If the oxygen sensor is failing, the car will run rich, burning extra fuel and decreasing your fuel mileage. Volkswagen secures the wiring for the oxygen sensor using cable ties to prevent damage to the electrical wires from the exhaust pipe. When an oxygen sensor fails, it must be replaced. Find a new sensor at an auto parts store or Volkswagen dealer.

Instructions

1

Raise the front end of your Volkswagen Passat and secure it on a set of jack stands. Remove the jack when the jack stands are secure to provide room to work.

2

Locate the oxygen sensor between the manifold and the catalytic converter. The sensor will be protruding from the exhaust pipe with an electrical connection at the top. Pull the wiring harness free of the electrical connection.

3

Remove the cable ties on the harness, making note of where they go. You will need to replace the cable ties in the same locations to protect the wiring from exhaust damage.

4

Remove the oxygen sensor from the exhaust pipe using an oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet. Replace the sensor with a new one. Thread the new sensor in by hand to start so you do not cross thread the sensor. Tighten it with an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet.

5

Torque the oxygen sensor to 41 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

6

Replace the cable ties on the wiring and reconnect the wiring harness to the electrical connection on the sensor.

7

Raise the car and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground.

If the check engine light on the dash of your Jeep is on, stop into an auto parts store and ask them to scan your Jeep for codes. Nearly all major auto parts store offer this service for free. Failure of the oxygen sensor is a common problem, but the part can be changed at home, saving you a major repair bill. The oxygen sensors are in the exhaust pipe between the engine and the catalytic converter on the Jeep Wrangler. You will need a special socket to remove the oxygen sensor, available at most auto parts stores and tool supply stores.

Instructions

1

Lift the Jeep with a jack and support it on all four corners with a set of jack stands. The oxygen or O2 sensors are in the exhaust under the middle of the Jeep, so you will have to lift the entire Jeep to access them effectively.

2

Locate the two O2 sensors in the exhaust system. The first one is near the center of the transmission, and the second is between the resonator and the catalytic converter. Unplug the wiring harness connectors from both sensors by lifting the locking tab with a small flat screwdriver and pulling them from the harness.

3

Remove the O2 sensors, one at a time, using a oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet. Turn the sensor counter-clockwise to remove it from the exhaust. Discard the old sensor.

4

Install the two new sensors into the threaded sections of the exhaust where you removed the old ones from. The two sensors used by Jeep are identical, so either one is fine in each hole.

5

Tighten the sensors with an oxygen sensor socket and a torque wrench to 22 foot-pounds. Do not use thread locker, anti-seize or any other compound on the threads of the sensor.

6

Insert the wiring harness connectors on both sensors into the plugs on the wiring harness. Verify that they lock into the connector by checking the tab to see that it is engaged.

7

Remove the jack stands and lower the Jeep to the ground. Test run the engine and check your CEL or check engine light to ensure it has gone off.

When an oxygen sensor fails in your 1999 Ford Explorer, it is like pouring money into your gas tank. Your gas mileage will decrease substantially, and your Check Engine light may illuminate. If you have a bad oxygen sensor, you should replace it right away. One sensor is located on each side of the exhaust manifold. You can buy new sensors at an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Lift the truck with a jack and secure it on jack stands. Move the jack out of the way once the truck is stable on the jack stands.

2

Pull the wiring harness connection apart at the top of the oxygen sensor. The connector will simply pull apart.

3

Remove the oxygen sensor with an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor as you will no longer need it.

4

Insert the new sensor, threading it by hand to start it. Torque it to 30 pound-feet with your torque wrench.

5

Press the wiring harness connection into place on the new sensor. The connector should click when it engages fully.

6

Repeat the steps on the remaining oxygen sensor if necessary. Raise the truck with the jack enough to remove the jack stands. Return the truck to the ground.

You can save money by replacing the oxygen sensor in your Honda CRV and avoiding a trip to the repair shop. The key is to use the correct tools for the job and to gain the know-how. Although it sounds complicated, swapping out the sensor is a step-by-step process that can be done in your driveway or garage. The purpose of the oxygen sensor is to measure the emission levels and ensure that your CRV is operating within normal limits. If your oxygen sensor is not operating properly, the "Check Engine" indicator will light up on your dashboard.

Instructions

1

Confirm that your oxygen sensor has to be replaced by taking your Honda CRV to an auto parts store that has a code machine. Technicians can hook up your CRV to their machine to get a code to confirm that your oxygen sensor is faulty. There usually is no fee for this service.

2

Purchase your oxygen sensor. The model number will depend on the year of your CRV. An auto parts store can assist you in obtaining the correct part.

3

Acquire an oxygen sensor wrench. You can rent one from a tools rental store or an auto parts store, if you dont have one or dont want to purchase one.

4

Drive your car onto auto ramps and set the parking brake, or jack it up so that you can get underneath the car to work.

5

Locate the two oxygen sensors. One is at the front and one at the back of the catalytic converter. The code that you had detected earlier indicates the faulty sensor. Or you could replace both.

6

Disconnect your negative battery cable.

7

Unscrew the bracket holding the sensors in place. This will allow access to the sensors.

8

Remove the sensor by using the oxygen sensor wrench. If the sensor is difficult to remove, you can warm up the engine by running it for a few minutes or you can spray the sensor with a lubricant.

9

Put the new sensor in place and tighten the bracket holding the sensors.

10

Reattach the negative battery cable.

11

Drive your car five to 10 miles after completing the job. This will cause the Hondas "Check Engine" light to reset.

Making its debut in 1998, the Toyota Sienna has always featured at least three oxygen sensors, due to the employment of its V-engine. A V-engine is shaped like a V and has an exhaust manifold on each side. Two upstream oxygen sensors monitor the fuel to air ratio before the exhaust hits the catalytic converter. Another sensor is installed in or to the rear of the converter to monitor its efficiency. If the Sienna features two converters, there will be four sensors installed on the minivan. One for each manifold and one for each converter.

Finding the Right Sensor

When an oxygen sensor fails, it will trigger the malfunction indicator light (commonly known as the check engine light) on the instrument panel. Either read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) with a scan tool or have it read at a local auto parts store. Most all scanners will reveal a DTC(s) with a letter and a number. This specific trouble code number can either be revealed with a brief description by the scanner or may have to be looked up in a on-board diagnostic trouble code list.

Any code that reveals a "sensor 1" problem will indicate it is one of the upstream sensors near the manifold. "Sensor 2" codes will reveal the problem is in the downstream sensor near the converter.

Bank locations are trickier, but not overly complicated. To locate "Bank 1, Sensor 1" simply find where the number one, three and five cylinders are on your Sienna. "Bank 2, Sensor 2" would indicate a problem with the downstream sensor on the number two, four and six cylinder side of the engine.

Replacing the Sensor(s)

While its not a bad idea to replace all the sensors when one fails, sometimes its financially burdening. This is where finding the right sensor comes into play. The front and rear sensors are not the same part numbers and are not interchangeable.

To replace the front sensor(s), lift the front end or the entire vehicle to gain access to the undercarriage of the exhaust system. Locate the sensor and disconnect the wire harness. Use a small screwdriver to depress the locking plug connection if necessary.

Next, use a 22mm wrench or an oxygen sensor socket and suitable ratchet. Sometimes on the front sensors, its difficult to get one tool or another onto them, so use what works best for you. Spray the threads of the sensor with a copious amount of lubricant spray, such as WD-40 or PB Blaster and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Use the wrench or ratchet to loosen the sensor by turning it counterclockwise. A box-end wrench would work best because an open-end wrench could mar the hex-head shape of the sensor. Simply insert the detached wire through the box-end of the wrench before applying it to the hex-head. The oxygen sensor socket uses a slit down the side of the socket that accommodates the wire. Once the sensor is loose enough, finish removing it by hand.

The rear sensors are easier to access than the actual sensor, but Toyota places the plug connection under the carpet beneath the front seats. This requires opening the door and then removing the bottom door trim panel with a screwdriver. Set aside and reach underneath the carpet and towards the floorboard and then under the seat to obtain the plug. Once disconnected there, return to the undercarriage and simply pull the rubber gasket plug out from the floor board of the Sienna. The gasket holds the wire in place and prevents water from getting into the floor of the cab.

Once the wire is released, remove the oxygen sensor as you would have or already did the front ones.

Universal or Direct-Fit

There are two types of replacement sensors. Many companies try to promote the fact that youll save you money by purchasing universal sensors. These sensors require eliminating the plug connection on both sides of the wire harness. Next, match the wire colors up (which do not always match to the OEM wire harness) and butt connect. Since the rear sensors of the Sienna plug underneath the front seat and carpet, remove the seat to get enough room to perform this.

Compare the prices of the direct-fit sensors before deciding to save money with the universal. You might even find the direct-fit ones cheaper or a couple bucks more.

The oxygen sensors in your car perform several duties. Their primary function is to monitor and adjust your vehicles fuel mixture so that it gets the best possible fuel mileage while emitting the least amount of toxic emissions. Most vehicles have several oxygen sensors installed throughout the fuel system and engine, so the term "bank one" or "bank two" is used to identify the location of the sensor.

Age

No car part is built to last forever, and that is true for oxygen sensors as well. Over time, normal wear and tear can cause your oxygen sensor to fail. Common causes include the gases from engine emissions and buildup of naturally occurring engine deposits.

Chemicals

Oxygen sensors can be damaged by bad gas, leaded gas, internal coolant leaks, burnt oil and even products that have been applied to other parts of the engine to fix problems, such as gasket sealers. Oxygen sensors are really only meant to be exposed to good quality fuel, so other additives or chemicals can cause them to stop functioning properly.

Heating Circuit

Most modern O2 sensors have an electrical heating circuit built into the sensor. If the electrical heating circuit malfunctions or fails, it is not uncommon for the entire oxygen sensor to fail.

The 2002 Hyundai Sonata has two oxygen sensors along the exhaust. There is one sensor beside the manifold and one sensor near the catalytic converter. These sensors regulate the cars fuel consumption based on the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If the car is inexplicably burning more fuel than usual or the "Check Engine" light is on, it may have a bad oxygen sensor. You can access and change the sensors easily at home. Buy replacement oxygen sensors from an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Raise the car with a jack and rest it on a stable set of jack stands. Remove the jack once the jack stands are secure.

2

Locate the oxygen sensor protruding from the manifold or exhaust pipe. Pull the electrical connection free by pressing down on the retaining clip and pulling the connector straight out.

3

Remove the oxygen sensor with an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

4

Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new sensor. Do not get any anti-seize compound on the tip of the sensor. Thread the new sensor in carefully by hand. Tighten it with an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Torque the sensor to 40 pound-feet with a torque wrench.

5

Plug the electrical connection into the connector on the oxygen sensor. Repeat the process on the second sensor if necessary.

6

Raise the car slightly with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground.

If the 1993 Honda Accord check engine light comes on and the car is using an abnormal amount of fuel, the car may have a bad oxygen sensor. The sensor in the 1993 Accord is threaded into the exhaust manifold, just beneath the engine compartment. Buy a replacement sensor from an auto parts store and change it at home to save on wasteful fuel expenses over time.

Instructions

1

Raise the Accord with a jack until it is high enough to place a set of jack stands underneath it to support it.

2

Disconnect the wiring connection on the oxygen sensor by pulling the plastic connectors apart. Unthread the sensor with a wrench.

3

Thread the replacement sensor by hand until it is just barely tight. Torque the sensor to 33 pound-feet with a torque wrench.

4

Connect the wiring connection by pressing it together. The connector will click when it locks. Lift the car with the jack enough to remove the jack stands. Return the car to the ground.

Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in your cars fuel system when considered in conjunction with other components. The sensors are in the exhaust system and allow electronic fuel injection and emission control technologies to exist. The sensor sends details about the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust emissions and the signal will trigger an adjustment for extra oxygen or extra fuel. Maintaining working oxygen sensors is important not only to your vehicles health but also the health of the environment.

Instructions

Upstream oxygen sensor

1

Turn on the car and run for one to two minutes to expand the exhaust pipes enough for easier removal of the sensor. Locate the upstream oxygen sensor on the front end of the exhaust pipe behind the manifold flange and near the catalyst. If the vehicle has a V8, the sensor will be located on the rear end of the manifold near the flange for the exhaust pipe.

2

Unplug the electrical connector from the sensor. Remove the sensor mounting nuts with an appropriately sized wrench or ratchet. Finally, remove the sensor and gasket. Discard the sensor, gasket and nut.

3

Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new sensor. Using the new gasket, replace the sensor being careful not to contaminate and damage the surface with dirt or grease. Tighten the sensor into place using the replacement nut.

Downstream oxygen sensor

4

Locate the downstream oxygen sensor behind the rear catalytic converter (for all 2001 and later model) or behind the single catalytic converter (for 2000 models) in the exhaust pipes. If the vehicle is equipped with a V8, the sensor will be upstream of the converter in each exhaust pipe.

5

Unplug the electrical connector from the sensor. Remove the sensor mounting nuts with an appropriately sized wrench or ratchet. If the vehicle has a heat shield, remove it as well. Finally, remove the sensor and gasket. Discard the sensor, gasket and nut.

6

Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new sensor. Using the new gasket, replace the sensor being careful not to contaminate and damage the surface with dirt or grease. Tighten the sensor into place using the replacement nut.

If the Check Engine light has come on in your 2001 Mitsubishi Galant, the oxygen sensor may be to blame. An oxygen sensor regulates the air-to-fuel mixture based on how much oxygen the sensor detects in the exhaust. If a sensor fails, your fuel consumption may increase noticeably, and youll want to replace it immediately. You can replace it yourself. The oxygen sensor is located on the exhaust manifold, accessed from beneath the truck. Buy a new sensor from an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of your 2001 Galant with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Remove the jack once the car is secure on the jack stands.

2

Be sure the engine is cool. Slide under the Galant. Disconnect the electrical connection from the oxygen sensor. The sensor protrudes from the exhaust manifold with the wiring harness connected to the top of the sensor. Press the retaining clip in while pulling the connector free.

3

Remove the oxygen sensor from the manifold using an oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

4

Insert the new oxygen sensor and thread it by hand until tight. Torque the sensor to 30 pound-feet with your torque wrench. Press the electrical connection into place until it clicks.

5

Raise the car slightly with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack.

The Mazda Miata contains two oxygen sensors. The sensors are located on each end of the catalytic converter; they help control the fuel consumption based on the amount of oxygen in the cars exhaust system. If the "check engine" light has come on, or if your cars gas mileage has decreased, change the sensors to ensure that your vehicles emissions ratings and fuel budget stay low.

Instructions

1

Start the Miatas engine and let it warm up. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition. Raise the Miata with a jack. Rest the car on a set of jack stands. Locate the oxygen sensors on either side of the catalytic converter.

2

Press in the locking tab to release the wiring harness connection. Pull the connectors apart. Remove the sensor with a ratchet and oxygen sensor socket.

3

Thread the new sensor in its place, by hand, until it is secure. Tighten it with a ratchet and oxygen sensor socket. Press the wiring harness connection into place.

4

Raise the car with the jack to remove the jack stands from beneath the car. Lower the Miata to the ground.

The Chevrolet Metro was manufactured from 1998 to 2001. The car is equipped with two oxygen sensors, which are upstream and downstream of the catalytic converter. A failed oxygen sensor increases the amount of fuel burned by the cars engine, decreasing your gas mileage and costing you substantially more at the pump. Save the needless expense by replacing the sensors as soon as you discover the problem.

Instructions

1

Start the engine of the Metro. Let the car idle until the engine reaches operating temperature. When the temperature gauge reaches the point where it commonly runs, turn the engine off.

2

Raise the car with a jack. Position jack stands under the car. Remove the jack when the car is supported on the stands. Locate the sensors on either side of the catalytic converter.

3

Disconnect the electrical connection by pulling it apart. Remove the sensor with a wrench. Install the new oxygen sensor by hand. Tighten it with a wrench. Push the wiring harness connection back together until it clicks.

4

Repeat the process on the second sensor if needed. Raise the car slightly to remove the jack stands. Lower it to the ground.