Oxygen Sensor Replacement
How are oxygen sensor issues diagnosed?
A faulty oxygen sensor is usually diagnosed by a technician using a diagnostic scan tool. The sensors are arranged in banks, usually on the right and left sides of the engine, and the scan tool alerts a technician to which sensor is not working properly.
How is a oxygen sensor replaced?
Once the bad sensor has been found, the vehicle typically must be lifted to provide access to the exhaust system. The bad sensor is disconnected from the wiring harness and replaced.
RepairPal recommendations for oxygen sensor issues
We recommend using only high-quality OEM oxygen sensors as opposed to cheaper replacements that may not be recognized by a vehicle's computer.
Can I replace the oxygen sensor myself?
This repair doesn't require a lot of tools, but it still can be tricky. You'll need a scan tool to determine which oxygen sensor needs to be replaced, the ability to safely lift and support the vehicle, and often an oxyacetylene or propane torch to aid in removal of the oxygen sensor.
If you're not comfortable with these aspects, it's best to take the car to a repair shop for a sensor replacement.