Well, the Title of this thread makes the topic rather obvious, but, here we go:
Today I finally got My O2 sensor in, (OEM replacement, 65 bucks shipped!) and I need to install it (MY GAS MILAGE SUCKS! 16mpg.) I was getting the 0303 code, aka, Front Left Heated O2 sensor, so I ordered a new one.
My questions are as follows:
1) Should I do this myself? (I have a pretty basic knowledge of cars, and am an ok mechanic)
2) Where the hell IS this thing
3) Any special tips?
4) How long should this take?

I think that's about it~! Any help is appreciated, thanks guys!

 

I jsut paid someone to replace mine...Bummer, cause I could have done it myself. The sensor is visible from under the car. It is toward the front (left side of engine) of the car. You will see something that looks kinda like a cigarette lighter with 3 wires coming out the back. Prop the car up and check it out. You will need:
-O2-sensor socket (a few bucks at Autozone). This socket has a slit cut into it so you can get around the wires.
-Patience
The space is kinda tight, but not too bad. Get under there and loosen the bolt with your O2 socket. Take it out and follow the wiring to the 3-prong harness at the top by the radiator. Disconnect the harness from the O2 carriage. You will need to unclip or cut the fasteners that hold the wiring to other parts of the car. Make note of where they are and attach new clips with the new sensor after you screw in the new sensor and attach any clips, then plug in the end into the harness coming from the car.
Good luck!

 

You have 3 of them, you need to figure out which one is bad first (by pulling the codes from your ecu)

 

Yup. easy.
and you can use a 22mm open end wrench if you don't have an o2 socket. it's just a little more tedious. careful tightening the new one. they're sturdy but not that sturdy.

 

psssst I already said it was the front left, there captain obvious

 

Don't forget to coat the new O2 threads with anti-seize compound, else it goes out again and you never can loosen it. The whole procedure took my mechanic about 30 minutes.

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/A32_O2-sensors.html

 

Don't use Anti-seize compound on the sensor, it can damage the platinum electrode.

 

I feel terribly sorry for ne one who cannot do this!
it only took me 20 mins, and two burns to get this done!
(SIZE=1]Pssssst! DON'T try to do this while the engine is HOT![/SIZE])

 

Where did you find the O2 sensor for $65 shipped??? The cheapest I have found was $85. Also, do you know how important this sensor is? Does it need to be done right away or can I wait 2 weeks until my brother gets back in town. -wouldn't you know it that the mechanic in the family left for vacation the day mine went out??!!!

-MS

 

www.oxygensensors.com
and the sensor will be fine for 2 weeks, u'll just get **** gas milage

 

 

Please let us know the results of the O2 sensor install. I have been getting about 17 miles to the gallon. Just got my O2 sensor today for 99 bucks Canadian. I'll install it over the weekend.

 

Good thinking, don't use anti-seize on the SENSOR, cause that would mean you are installing it backwards...
Use it on the threads, my friend, and just a bit--cause if you don't, you may never get it out again...

 

How is your milage now ?? Im considering buying my o2 sensors here but how are they compaired to OEM

-matt

 

whats up? im getting 20 mpg, doing a lot of WOT runs down the berlin turnpike...this is my first fill up since my new o2 sensor...i WAS getting 15mpg if i was lucky! i expect, under NORMAL driving, to get about 24 mpgs with the new sensor...if ne 1 needs install help, im me on AIM, i'd be more than happy to help!