i just had 3 replaced no more than about a month and half ago, possibly 2 months with the actual oem 02 sensors. today my car starts to feel weird again so i checked it out. and it happens to be that the 02 sensors (2 of them) are damaged again. why could this be? is there anything that it can cause the 02 sensors to damage???

 

you mean physically they are damaged??? like the wires?

 

no, not the wires. just got it replaced not long ago, they still look pretty new.
but im pulling out codes for 2 of them. wondering why they would just go bad already.

 

sounds like what happened to me.....I had just replaced my O2's sensors and a month later or so....I was pulling a code for all of them....it sounds like you blew the fuse...that's right, there is a fuse for the oxygen sensors!!! it's in the in-cabin fuse box....just change it out with one of the provided spares...my code went right away...(if I can remember right) but you might have to clear the light anyway...not sure...

 

Do you require an O2 sensor socket to take the sensor off or can you get by with regular socket?

 

you don't need a specific socket like they sell @ a automotive store....just use the open end of a standard spanner wrench....it's rather large...I forget the size....

 

19mm? Thats the largest spanner wrench I've got in my tool box.

 

You can also just borrow (i.e. for FREE) the O2 sensor sockets from Autozone... It was much easier for me with the socket (I tried with a box-wrench aka. spanner too).

 

in another thread this kid kept destroying them bc of his ks, could be related...

 

It's 22mm - http://www.automedicsupply.com/pictu...tructions1.jpg (in step 1)

 

yeah, it's 22mm or 7/8".

 

Didn't want to start a new thread so I was wondering how long can you ride on a o2 sensor problem before replacing it or something bad happening to your engine? I had resetted my ECU about a month ago and this past sunday the SES light popped up.

Thanks guys

 

Your probably not going to have anything bad happen other than really bad gas mileage... the most 02 sensors do is relay info back on how rich or lean the exhaust is so the ECU knows what air fuel ratio to go by.

 

Couldn't start a new thread so I'm requesting suggestions here...

Need to replace 97 Maxima Front left sensor. I have the special socket for the O2 sensor. Got my car up on jack stands. Applied "Liquid Wrench Penetrating" for half hour. I was able to fit the socket onto the sensor but could not find enough wiggle room to turn it. Do I need a smaller wrench. The one I have is about 8 inches.

I would really appreciate any input... thanks

I would welcome any suggestions to make this job easier.

 

If its a front O2 sensor You want to replace it right away. Mine was bone white with a fine powder residue when i changed it, indicating a very lean mix. If its a rear sensor you dont HAVE to replace it ever.


8" probably isn't even long enough. If there rust Ive seen them so stuck people torched them off and welded on a new bung.

 

Other then bad gas mileage. What will happen if you dummy plug O2's?

 

Performance changes?

 

it's hard to break it lose with 8". go to home depot to get a pipe to extend your racket or get a breaker bar. if you don't space down there, go get a set of hard plastic ramp. it's like $30 +/- $10. O2 socket is a long socket so it can easily break lose the rusted O2 sensor. it's less than $10. remember to run your car to heat up the y-pipe after spreading with the yellow can blaster. after the O2 sensor is replaced, you don't have to reset the ECU. it will take 3 drive cycles for the O2 to clear. that is a bit over 100 miles. and yes you will feel the difference in performance.

 

The only O2 you can "dummy plug" is your is your after cat sensor. Your pre-cat sensors are responsible for controlling your A/F ratio, and you'll run like chit without them.

 

Is it worth it to try to clean the O2 sensors or should they just be replaced?

 

You running bad fuel or some fuel additives? That could be causing your O2 sensors to get fouled.....

 

O2 sensors get grimy/worn out and should be replaced every 100k miles or so.

However, I'm curious if it's possible/practical to try to clean them.

 

I heard sum1 mention doing this and it didn't make sence to me. Thank's, i will let them know they are stupid over and over again.

 

Got a code for MAF and bank 1 O2 sensor. I was wondering if I should replace both upstreams when I replace one?

I am new to working on these cars and want to do it right.
Thanks
S

 

Replace the bad one. Don't spend money on the other if its still good.

 

Thanks Asand1!!! On a note to the OP, use the proper tool if you can get it as the right tool makes the job easier
S

 

I would replace the maf then I would reset the computer and see if the o2 code comes back. A bad maf can cause an 02 to throw a code because the air fuel ratio gets messed up with a bad maf.

 

Thanks for the MAF tip. Midas said the same thing about the MAF. Now I just need to find one. I would try cleaning it, but the rubber ORing is jacked up so I would feel better (As I read an air leak could make the MAF read bad).

I read the how to reset the PCM. I am guessing that disconnecting the battery wont reset the pcm and I have to do the screw on the PCM/ECU under the dash?

Clockwise to stop wait 2 seconds and then counter clockwise to stop and then repeat.
Thanks
S

 

how about going to AZ? it's free.

 

you are correct.That is how you reset the computer.