You may spend $40.00 to $80.00 on average, if you live in the United States, to get just one oxygen sensor. Depending on the model of the vehicle, you may also have to replace more than one to change components as part of a major tune-up. However, you’ll save by offsetting the expense by a large margin. These sensors monitor the oxygen content through the exhaust system and help your car’s computer constantly adjust the air/fuel mixture towards the immediate driving conditions, which has an impact on engine performance.
Park your car in a safe, level spot and open the hood.
Disconnect the black negative battery cable with a wrench, put the transmission in neutral (manual) or automatic, and press the emergency brakes.
Locate the oxygen sensor. Depending on your vehicle model, the exhaust system may be equipped with one, two or more of these sensors, if your engine has one or more exhaust pipes. Follow the exhaust pipe connected to the manifold, and just before the first one connects to the catalytic converter, you’ll see a small cylinder, about the size of a spark plug, attached to an electrical connector. That’s your front oxygen sensor. The other sensor is located near the back of the catalytic converter.
Lift the vehicle with a jack and place it securely on adjustable supports in case you need to get under the car to locate and remove the oxygen sensors.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor, taking care not to break the plastic fixing tabs.
Pull the component out with a sensor socket and ratchet.
Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new oxygen sensor to prevent exhaust heat from taking hold of the unit and to prevent damage to the thread.
Thread the thread of the new unit into place by hand first, then use the sensor connector and ratchet to tighten it. Be sure not to overtighten to avoid damaging the components.
Plug the sensor’s electrical connector under the vehicle and connect the black negative battery cable.
Tips
If necessary, refer to the vehicle service manual to locate and identify components. You can purchase the manual at most auto parts stores or check one for free at your local public library.
Warnings
The exhaust system in the car can reach operating temperatures of 1500 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the system components are cool enough to the touch before you start working around them. Whenever you need to raise your vehicle to reach the components underneath, be sure to support the car on jack stands. Also keep in mind that jacks are not designed to be used for continuous periods of time. Their hydraulics could fail and collapse under the weight of the car.