Just wanted to know if a fairly handy man, but no automechanic, would be able to replace the 02 sensor (rear one). And, most importantly, how do you do it?

 

I would love to know also. My SES light recently came on for that. Also, how much could we expect to pay for the rear O2 sensor?

 

Well it's a pretty easy job the change it (with the special tool)!!

It just all that came with it!! Which one is the faulty one? Resseting the ECU? (At dealer they reprogram it, so you don't use your "own" setting (Learning ECU))

In fact it's a easy task with the tool that you can buy for 10$!

Haven't done mine myself but it look easy!!

 

You need an O2 sensor socket, available at autozone and the like for around $10. Then you simply unscrew it and plug the new one back in. I've seen it mentioned to unplug the negative terminal of the battery first. I doubt it matters, but that will reset your CEL anyway.

I did my rear one last year. It was really gummed in there and I had to get a very long wrench to undo it, so that I'd have enough torque. Then, getting at the electrical connector in the tiny hole under the car was abit of a hassel but with some patience you'll get it.

Sensors cost around $70 from a nissan dealer.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Roughly where is the sensor located?

 

On a 2000 it is right behind the main cat. Since you are in CA you probably have more O2 sensors than the federal cars have, but I believe the rear one is still right behind the main cat. It is really easy to get to, the only tough part may be breaking it loose. They have a tendency to seize up and be impossible to remove cleanly.

 

Thanks alot guys. Although I have one more Q, what do you mean when you say the "main cat" ?

 

The main catalytic converter... It is roughly right in between the driver and passenger seats. The rear O2 will have a wire coming off it that plugs in to the left (drivers side) of the exhaust pipe.

 

oh so you mean the rear 02 sensor is accessible only from underneath the body of the car, as opposed from underneath the hood ?

 

Yes, sorry, now I can see why you were confused. My opinion, this is the easiest one to change. It would really be a bear if it was under the hood. It is almost exactly in the middle of the car on the bottom.

 

I have the same problem, except my SES light came on when I was driving home from the dealership after I had just purchased it, I was pretty upset until I found out that it was just the O2 sensor. I replaced a couple on my previous vechicle and the hardest part it just getting the stupid thing to losen up. I busted my thumb pretty bad the last time I did it. I plan to tackle it this weekend. Good luck on yours. Hopefully my SES light will go off cause it is driving me crazy.