OK. First let me say I am new, but have owned this car since brand new (Sorry I have been really paying more attention to the Z and Armada forums since I alsow own one each of those too). The Maxima has always been very reliable and has not caused any problems for us. This year, the "Check Engine Light" has come on 3 times. The first was something covered under the drive train warranty. The second was a downpipe problem ($800). Now this time around, they are telling me all 4 O2 sensors are gone and the dealer wants $940 to replace them. I am not to keen on spending that money so I decided to do a little shopping. O2 Sensors appear to be cheaper outside the dealer. That said I have a few questions. 1st- Can this be down by a weekender mechanic like myself. 2nd - parts suppliers are telling me that there are only 2 sensors and the dealer tells me all 4 need to be replaced. 3rd - if I do this myself, how can I reset the computer. And 4th - can any one recommend the best place to buy O2 sensors for the Maxima. I already see that Bosch makes the OEM ones, so I would replace it with them.

Please someone help me, this is rediculous that I have to keep going back to the dealer at only 75k miles young!


David Montgomery
1981 280ZX Turbo
2000 Maxima SE
2004 Armada SE

 

OEM O2 sensors usually last 50-60K. The aftermarket Bosch seem to last a lot longer than that. If I remember correctly I think I saw the word Bosch written on my Maxima's front O2 sensor.

The aftermarket is definately cheaper. Best bet is the local auto store.

Sometimes they can be hard to get off. Depend on how tight they were put on at the factory. They make a special socket to remove the O2 sensor. It has a cut out for the wires. In my opinion they do not work good since they spread open easily and slide off the sensor. Use a 3/4(this should be the correct size) wrench or if you feel lucky cut off the wire on the O2 sensor and use a regular 3/4 sicket.

 

I did this myself on my 2000 SE. I replaced my front two O2 sensors within a hour and a half. My understanding is that the 2000 model year has three sensors. Two before the cat and one after. I bought my 02 sensors from Dave B at Southpoint Nissan in Texas for about $110 a piece. I also had to buy various tools including: 02 sensor socket, torque wrench, anti-seize lubricant. I put my car up on ramps, and I was able slide under and really get at the sensors. They were on pretty tight, and they are not the easiest to get at. I did enjoy the fact that I saved myself a lot of money by doing it myself.