How to Replace an Oxygen (O2) Sensor

Is a mystery Check Engine light driving you nuts? It could be a funky Oxygen (O2) sensor. Associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla puts his trusty F-150 on the lift at Pop Mech's Detroit garage to show you how to:

* Remove a rusted sensor
* Refresh the threads
* Install new part with anti-seize compound

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Who says you can't work on your own car anymore? Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting tips. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the show.

[flavioanguiano]

Firestone charged me like 370 to do this (4 years ago) and i had seen a video similar to this AFTER. Ever since then i have been able to do all my repairs on my vehicle thanks to youtubers like you! U guys are the real heroes out here, an o2 sensor for my car brand new is only 40 bucks. I could have saved 330 dollars had i been smarter at that age.

[erich]

Okay for whoever reads my comment, this is important when replacing an O2 sensor. You HAVE to make sure the wires are as straight as possible and not twisted like this guy left them, the 02 sensor will probably still be "bad" if they are. And after hand tightening it then turn it a couple times with a socket to make sure it's tight but don't over tighten and make sure not to bend the 02 sensor or dent it or anything because they are very delicate and won't work properly if you do.

[noureddineelaroussi]

Good instruction and good lighting, God bless you my friend...

[broadcastyoselffool]

I used a thread chaser on my bunghole, and now it hurts really bad.  Should I put some penetrating oil in there?

[dorothysfriend]

One of the best instruction video's I've seen. Very clear. Thanks, I now know what to expect with labour costs.

[mymoneychannel]

Good video! You are so right about the hardest part of this job being getting the sensor out...In 2011 on a 2000 Toyota Tundra I needed to replace the exhaust manifold on the passenger side because neither myself nor  a couple different muffler shops could get the o2 sensor out! It was a real pain!  I'm doing the other side in the tomorrow.

[station]

Best Tutorial Video Intro Award! - This is the best, most concise and accurate tutorial video INTRO I have EVER seen on youtube. And in 2012 - you were so far ahead of the curve. Damn!

[mymjctube]

thanks! this was the easiest one to understand, plus you explained the anti-seise & penetrating oil. MUCH appreciated!

[lynchknot]

I believe 99% of auto repair shops will rip you off. One time I checked a few shops and they wanted a couple hundred dollars to replace an O2 sensor. I did it myself in just a few minutes. After driving around for a while the check engine light reset. This is how much a repair estimate is for my 2010 4runner: $493.63 or repair pal estimate: $372 to $673 with parts included. For labor only: $127 per hour X 2.2 hours. What? two hours to unbolt one sensor and bolt on a new one? RIPOFF!!

[DLMR]

An O2 sensor is also most reasons why "Your favorite mechanic" would have you replace an innocent Catalyst, then have you buy O2 Sensors (Up and Downstream). Why, well according to him, if a Catalyst is bad most likely an O2 Sensor is bad too, even though the Catalyst was never the problem; the O2 sensor/s were. So you're down, 3, 4, 5 hundred dollars with a smile.
OBD2 Code P0420 is where the money is. Catalysts don't die easily but lots of crooks would have you believe it so, most of the time a downstream O2 sensor behind the Catalyst is what creates this OBD2 code, along with bad gas, bad air filter, leaking gases, and many other things. So be aware, always have a second opinion.
Thanks for the video.

[andrewrovello]

I've been looking at O2 sensor videos and yours is the most helpful by far! Thanks so much!

[tucoramirez]

Thanks for your contribution Ben. I would only add this: Since the "O2 Sensor is one of the most misdiagnosed problems in a car;" and "there are lots of (other) parts that can go bad and cause..." the scan tool to throw an "O2 Sensor" problem Code, it sure would have helped the average "Do It Yourselfer" to know what those other problems could be. That way the DIY-fer watching your video can first test for those other problems to try and eliminate them, before going out and buying an O2 sensor which can be very expensive if you want to stick to OEM parts. For example: My gangster VW Dealership in Bethesda, Maryland, gave me a written price quote of $268.95 just for the O2 Sensor for my 2008 VW Jetta! Their "Labor" cost for the installation will probably be about another $300. Highway robbery! Some of the possible problems should include: a Vacuum hose check. An old, brittle, porous or cracked Vacuum hose (line) will cause extra O2 to be pulled into the exhaust manifold, thereby causing the Sensor to throw out a correct reading of "O2 Sensor problem." But, the problem in this example IS NOT the sensor! The problem is the high oxygen to Fuel ratio. The sensor is just doing it's job telling you there's too much O2 coming into the system causing it to run "lean." But, unfortunately reported as "O2 Sensor problem, " when in fact the actual problem IS the Vacuum hose/line which needs to be changed. Other problems which will cause an "O2 Sensor problem reading include a defective heater wire (Check the resistance on the heater wire with an Ohm Tester (a.k.a. Digital Volto-meter). A low resistance reading on the heater wire means it's defective). Also, a loose or missing gas cap can also allow extra oxygen into the gas tank which will mix with the gas and will throw off the sensor which is also pulling in oxygen from the ambient air at the neck of the sensor. That ambient air intake, combined with the extra oxygen already mixed in with the gas, will cause a much higher O2 reading by the sensor and will trigger the check engine light. Upon scanning, a good scan tool will throw an O2 sensor problem code. But, the true problem is the loose or missing gas cap.

[henryreyes]

You splain that, so clear.Im so happy with you way to show us to do this job.God bless you, my friend.Thanks so much.

[antguy-superheroextraordin]

If I keep having problems with my car, eventually I'm going to be a master mechanic. Thank you Chevy for the opportunity to get to constantly fix shit and thank you YouTube for allowing random people to show me how to fix it.

[drehsanshinwari]

Hi Boss I like this video
I would like to know the location of Bank1 and Bank2 O2 Sensor
for my Ford Taurus 2006.
waiting for your answer
thanks.

[opticsrus]

TY. The vidoe was 100% spot on. The disconnect was the hardest part because we are blind to the upper part of te the trans. Thank you so much for making this youtube vid. I t eased my frustration a little. lol ^-^

[Saberdud]

Worked great for my 2004 Ford Explorer. Thanks for the help!

[jokson]

thank you, for your supporting. actually it work for me, I have kia Sedona 2005. the check light engine is one. and I just do it myself. and now it perfect, everything is good.

[pedrocisneros]

replacing an o2 requires basic knowledge as far as proper removal. if an o2 is commonly misdiagnosed, then a video showing what you guys did to determine a faulty o2 would make more sense

[tommydtomdecrescenzo]

Thanks Ben! That was super helpful. Mine is just hanging off. Because of all the potholes in my county, the underside of my car is taking a beating. Like you said, O2 sensors live in a horrible environment. I wonder if I can just clip it back on so it's not hanging? Anyway, thanks again.