My car is throwing a code that the O2 sensor is bad, is it possible for me to buy one and replace it myself, thereby saving some money over the $300+ leith quoted me when I had my timing belt changed yesterday? If so where is the best place to start looking for one. Thanks.

8/31/2006 8:54:29 AM

advanced auto. make sure you get a bosch

8/31/2006 8:59:11 AM

usually you can buy a generic version or the exact fit, the generic one where you put your old pigtail on will usually save you texa$, but as long as it isnt super rusty you should be able to get it out with a decent o2 socket

8/31/2006 8:59:13 AM

aight cool, yeah I was just looking through the Haynes manual at the o2 sensor section and it seem relatively easy, Ive never messed with them before but it doesnt seem like a $300 job. Seems like it will be alot easier than changing the damn cv-axle I had to do. Heading to AA now. thanks.

8/31/2006 9:05:08 AM

I'm just curious...is it an OBD-II car?

8/31/2006 9:15:33 AM

sparkplugs.com has good deals on O2 sensors. It's also possible that the O2 sensor if fine and you have a problem upstream. You might want to save your old one just in case.

8/31/2006 9:17:14 AM

98 civic, so, yes I think? why?

^ If I install the new one and it is still throwing a code will they take it back?

[Edited on August 31, 2006 at 9:17 AM. Reason : asdf]

[Edited on August 31, 2006 at 9:18 AM. Reason : again asdf]

8/31/2006 9:17:17 AM

Wow, that was the easiest shit I have ever done. Went to auto zone, they doubled checked the code, I got a new sensor, they gave me the tools to do it right there in the parking lot, 5 minutes I was done. How the hell is that $300+ at a dealership Oh well, stickin it to the man

8/31/2006 10:56:55 AM

yeah, changing an O2 sensor is about as easy as it gets.

no, they won't take it back once you install it (unless you get lucky with some dumbass behind the counter, which is quite possible).

generic ones are fine

if it's just a heater circuit, particularly on the downstream sensor, I wouldn't even replace the entire sensor (for future reference)

8/31/2006 11:21:24 AM

they're easy if they're out in the open, but they can be a real pain if they're tucked in behind stuff, like behind the block against the firewall

8/31/2006 12:47:39 PM

you might try cleaning the sensor. i havent tried it, but i've heard of soaking them in carb cleaner and then cleaning off w/ electronics contact cleaner can help

8/31/2006 1:08:45 PM

if it's your rear 02 sensor you can just get a similator and never have to worry about it again.

8/31/2006 10:13:30 PM