How to Repair an Oxygen Sensor

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March 10, 2016

For many vehicles, that little Check Engine light always seems to be on and often drivers simply ignore this warning as an insignificant matter that requires little attention. However, this light is typically on due to a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensors of any vehicle showcases the effectiveness of catalytic converter while determining how much fuel needs injecting, and therefore a damaged oxygen sensor could be showing that the vehicle is improperly injecting fuel and wasting gas. Fortunately, do-it-yourselfers can easily replace their oxygen sensor using a little know how and a few tools from around the garage. By collecting the proper materials and then removing and reinstalling a working oxygen sensor, users can get their car working like new without that annoying Check Engine light.

Removing Oxygen Sensor

Before it is possible to remove the oxygen sensor, users need to know which oxygen sensor they have to remove. There are often several sensors in any given vehicle, and the easiest method of locating the broken oxygen sensor is to take the vehicle to an auto parts store for a free diagnostic test. However, there are methods of finding and removing it without professional help.

Locate Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor

When searching for the malfunction oxygen sensor, also pay attention to which type of sensor the vehicle has. There are two types of sensors, including a screw-in type and a welded type. If the vehicle has a welded type, users without welding experience should stop the do-it-yourself process and head to a repair shop. To locate which sensor is malfunctioning, users can use a CarMD or another health system and diagnostic code reader . Simply plug this device into the vehicle's computer and read the error code. Using a code guide for the vehicle, users can locate which bank the malfunctioning oxygen sensor is located.

Disconnect Oxygen Sensor from Electronical Components

Once users have found the appropriate oxygen sensors, they can commence its removal. Using a quality penetration lubricant, spray the entire area around the sensor to loosen it up a little bit. Next, unplug the sensor from all of the connections in the wiring harness and pay close attention for future reference. At this moment, users need to take their special oxygen sensor wrench to ensure easy removal from the exhaust ring. If the sensor does not budge, try warming up the engine a little bit but be careful of accidental burns. Additionally, users can try using a breaker bar and some extra leverage to pop the sensor out.

Replacing and Reinstalling Oxygen Sensor

With the sensor cleaned, users need to take the proper steps to reinstall their sensor into the wiring harness, which is a surprisingly easy process. However, if they choose to replace their oxygen sensor, then they need to know how to choose the right one for their vehicle.

Steps for Reinstalling Oxygen Sensor

Fortunately, reinstalling the new oxygen sensor to the wiring harness and returning the vehicle to normal is quite easy. However, these oxygen sensors need delicate handling, and it is vital to keep tips from coming in contact with high heat sources.

Steps	Instructions	Materials Needed
Preparing the sensor	Use anti-seize lubricant Liberally spray material onto sensor threads	Heavy duty gloves Anti-seize lubricant
Reinstalling the sensor	Properly fit sensor into exhaust bung Hand tighten	Nothing
Secure the sensor	Use oxygen sensor wrench to tighten three-quarters of a turn past finger-tight	Oxygen sensor wrench
Replace electrical harness	Strip a little insulation off the ends of wires Slide heat shrink wrap tubing over sensor wires Reroute wires attach directly to sensor	Heavy duty gloves Wire stripper Heat-shrink wrap tubing

After the repair and reinstallation, users should check to see if their Check Engine light is still on. If so, simply disconnect the battery overnight for a reset or take the vehicle to a shop to manually reset this light.

How to Buy Materials to Repair an Oxygen Sensor on eBay

The oxygen sensors are often a mystery for many drivers, and although a malfunctioning oxygen sensor is typically the culprit of a Check Engine light, repairing this simple problem is a fun and easy endeavor. Additionally, with the help of eBay, you can gather all of the materials needed for this repair without having to leave your workspace. From eBay, utilize the search bar by entering keywords related to the products that you need. The search terms you use determines which listings eBay showcases; however, you can filter your results based on price, location of the seller, and condition with eBay's Advanced Search Features. Once you have found the materials you need, always closely read the product descriptions and examine the seller's reviews and ratings.