I was driving my 97 SE when the check engine light went on. I was slightly ( 1,000miles) overdue for the 75k service, so I had them check it out when it was in. They said it was the right front oxygen sensor, and that they needed $250...I said no thanks...two days later, I washed the car ( had been in lots of snow/salt), and the check engine light was no longer on...anyone have any thoughts on that? Is it ok? Do I still need the o2 sensor changed?

 

Definitely change it. While your at it, get a y-pipe and do oth at once. I suggest you change both oxygen sensors while you are down there. Both are on the y-pipe. I think the sensors go for $120 each ($240) and the y-pipe is $160. That is $400 altogether. Do it yourself.

JR

 

--if the light is out ( the check engine), though, does that mean its still bad?

Also, would this explain some not too strong milage (24)?

Also, whats a y-pipe?

 

What is a Y-Pipe? That is a good question. That is the pipe from the exhaust manafold to the cat converter. It really looks like a "F". You can purchase some really nice y-pipes from Budget Exhaust for $160+/- (depending on the canada exchange) and the mod alone will increase you wheel horsepower by 18+

 

o2 sensors are cheaper @ autozone.

 

The same thing happened to me 2 days ago. My CEL came on and i ran a diagnostic check on my ECU. I got codes 03 03 & 05 03. These codes stood for front l/r heated oxygen sensor. I did a search on oxygen sensors and the codes on this forum and found out that i was not alone. Pretty much everyone did a visual check (connection) of the sensors and then just reset the CEL light. So thats basically all i did. BTW i have a 96 GXE w/88k miles. I figure if the CEL light comes on again and gives me the same codes, then i will look into replacing the oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensors can be a little pricey for my budget right now, so i will have to keep a close check. Good luck!

 

Oh and i forgot to mention to watch your fuel consumption rate (miles per gallon). Oxygen sensors can effect this.

 

is it neccessary to change the y pipe when u change the o2 SENSORS?
is there any point in a maxs life that u have to change the y pipe like a tune up rate?

 

OK, So how do I find the O2 sensors?

--newbie

 

No. The only time you NEED to replace it is if it's corroded or otherwise damaged.

 

oxygensensors.com
thepartsbin.com
expressautoparts.com

$60 each for Bosch (which is OEM)

replacing the front right is easy (radiator side), the front left is harder, but still doable in under half an hour for both. Heated oxygen sensors, such as these can last a long time...but if you are up to 100K, probably just as good to do both fronts.

 

so from my understanding is that no matter what y-pipe you get, your going to end up replacing your O2 sensors soon after installation? From what I have seen almost everyone has had a problem with o2 sensors and ypipe together. I'm

 

There are 2 reasons to buy a Y-pipe;
1 you want more power. the y-pipe has pre cats on it, all they basically do is make the car pass emissions when its cold. Getting an aftermarket y-pipe which has no precat doesn't mean you car won't pass emissions,it'll pass with flying colors once it warms up.
2 you live in an area where rust is a problem and yours is now rusted through

 

No. You don't need to replace the O2 sensors when you change your Y-pipe. You only change the sensors if you need to change them. I just used my old sensors when I changed my pipe. (stock pipe was broken) Haven't had a problem in 4 months.

If you need a picture, go to www.courtesyparts.com and look at the O2 sensor section for Maximas.

You change the stock Y-pipe to an aftermarket Y for two reasons:
1. The stock Y-pipe is broken (New Nissan pipe will cost $650 US / Aftermarket pipe will cost $160 - 350, depending where you get it.)

2. The aftermarket Y gets rid of the Precats which are part of the stock pipe. This allows exhaust to flow more freely out of the engine and increase your power. 10-15hp

 

Can anyone tell me what is the average life of the O2 sensor?

My '97 has ~55k miles right now and my mileage is crappy (~20mpg). Should I change that?

Thanks!

 

Hmm at 55k, I'd be more inclined to think you need a tune-up. You're getting close to that 60k tune-up mark. Also, I've heard the gas mixture they sell at the pumps in the winter gives less mileage. Also depends on your drivign style. If it's mostly stop and go city driving then it'll be about 20mpg.

 

what does the 60k mile tune up include , i bought my car with 104k and dont know if it has gone threw either the 60k or 100k tune up service
cars at 116k now , so i know i need to do something

does anyone know what the 60k mile tune up involves
or the 100k tune up

thanks

 

Thanks! I will definitely look into that.

BTW, can you tell me what is the average life of the O2 sensor?

 

95seMax: Normal Tune-up includes (from what I can remember..)
1. Change Sparkplugs & Check ignition coils
2. Change Fuel Filter
3. Clean Throttle body / IAC valve
4. Clean Fuel injectors
5. Check/Change PCV valve
6. Check/Change air filter
7. Check/Replace belts if needed
8. Flush/Change Coolant
9. Flush/Change Transmission fluid
10. Flush/Change Brake fluid(optional-depends how hard you drive)

I'm probably forgetting a few things..but thats the normal stuff.

I do 1-5 myself. #6 I don't do cause I use fuel injector cleaner every 3 months. I have a local mechanic do 7-10. Fluids can get messy plus a good place will have a machine that forces all the fluid out.

SunMax:
As far as I know, there's no real average. The normal rule of thumb seems to be..
1. If CEL light comes on and you get an O2 code, reset the ECU.
2. Drive for a bit..
3. If the CEL light comes back with the same code, replace the sensor.

Have fun guys..

 

Thanks!