I just replaced all 3 of my O2 sensors (yes, they ALL tripped the CEL) and I'd sware I picked some power and even drivability back. I seem to have more throttle response, more torque and less bad shifts.

Is this possible? I thought the O2 sensors tripping just made the car run richer? Scientific explaination please ...

 

I had the same experience. Bad O2 sensors can make your car run too rich, but can also make it run to lean. I lost some power (especially on the highway) just before my CEL came on. Replaced the sensors and car felt like new again. More power, and more responsive.
-Chad

 

Richer doesn't mean more power. If it's too rich, you will lose power. Thus w/ the new sensors, you a/f ratios are now more optimum. You didn't really pick up power, just got back the power you were supposed to have.

Nice to get it back never the less though.

Odd that ALL of the sensors went bad.

 

I have a feeling that at least one of my sensors is not good. I have 62K miles on them and both my mileage and performance varies from time to time. I had a CONSULT hooked up to my Maxima for 2 miles and the indicator for my o2 sensor came on and off sporatically. No CEL light...tried to pull engine codes, but I get the all clear code. I think I'm just gonna go ahead and replace all 3 sensors. I was also told by an exhaust system expert that 75% of o2 sensors just don't go bad, but they can cleaned and reused.

 

Exactly what the dealer said when they pulled the codes. I'm sure it was probably only one or two (and I could have gotten away with cleaning the remaining one(s)), but they're not all THAT expensive if you get them from the right place. It was like $200 for all three and I feel better knowing they are all replaced.

I figured something was up - I just figured that running richer wouldn't affect performance, but it makes sense that the more optimum a/f ratio would perform better.

 

where did you get all three for $200??

Peace.

 

how can you find out other than the CEL.

Can you hook up a multimeter to see if they are bad.????

 

www.foreignpartsplace.com

They are Bosch O2 sensors and the two front ones are ~$60 and the rear one is ~$50. I was pretty happy with the price myself.

 

Thanks.