How to Replace Your Vehicle’s Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor (O.S) is a part of modern day electronic fuel injection systems and is essential in helping determine the precise amount of fuel needed for the engine to run efficiently. When this sensor fails, the vehicle will run in “open-loop” mode and will cause the vehicle to run much richer than necessary, which will waste more gasoline than is needed. It works by comparing ambient air with the amount of air inside the exhaust and then informs the engine control unit how rich or how lean the engine is running. The engine control unit can then command the fuel injectors to inject more or less fuel in the engine. It fails over time due to soot that coats the part and skews the reading. Another problem area in modern sensors is the (OS)heater. This component is essential for the O.S to operate properly when you cold start the vehicle. It allows the O.S to work for the first couple of minutes until the engine warms up. When the heater element fails, your vehicle will run in open loop mode for longer than it needs to.

Once you have determined that your O.S is bad, follow the steps below to replace it:

1. Disconnect the negative cable on the battery to prevent any damage to your electrical system.

2. Jack the vehicle if you are replacing the post-catalytic converter oxygen sensor and place vehicle on jack stands.

3. Disconnect the oxygen sensor connector.

4. Use an oxygen sensor socket attache to your ratchet to remove the sensor. It may take quite a bit of force to remove it but once it breaks loose and it becomes very easy to remove it.

5. Remove the sensor.

6. Install new oxygen sensor and tighten.

7. Connect the oxygen sensor connector.

8. Lower the vehicle.

9. Reconnect negative battery terminal.

Tips:

If the O.S is difficult to remove, spray it with a rust penetrant like PB Blaster or WD-40 and let it soak for at least 5 minutes. If that still does not work try using a propane torch to heat up the sensor and then attempt to remove it.

Warnings:

Always wear eye protection while working on your vehicle to prevent eye injury.

Max Rossi writes for AutoBlock http://www.autoblock.com/ – Free online high-definition automotive videos, high-quality car photography, user community, forums and galleries.

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