I took the car in for a state inspection the other day and it failed
it -- the fault code was P0135: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction
(Bank 1 Sensor 1). I do remember my mechanic (Bearden Automotive)
mentioned a few months ago that one of my sensors was out and I should
get it replaced if I wanted the car to pass inspection -- at the time,
I (foolishly) ignored that.
I'd like to get this fixed but I'm trying to save as much money as I
can on it. I think I remember being quoted about $350-365 to fix the
problem by my mechanic. Is that within the ballpark of what others
have paid? How hard would it be to replace the sensor myself?
The price sounds about right. It should not be too difficult to replace the
senor yourself, especially since Austin (I assume Texas) is not in the rust
belt. Unplug the senor, unscrew the sensor, and reverse the process. If
you decide to go with an aftermarket sensor, be sure to get one that has the
correct connector already installed instead of getting one that requires
splicing wires.
If the old sensor doesn't come out easily, do not force it because you may
end up purchasing an exhaust manifold as well. Spray some penetrating fluid
like PB blaster, let it sit for a few hours, spray it some more, let it sit
some more, and then try removing the old sensor.
After you install the new sensor, you will have to drive the car for a
couple of days to get the computer's readiness monitor to be set for the
emissions test.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
Both upstream and downstream sensors (#15733) are as low as
$56.79+shipping on www.rockauto.com. This is a Bosch planar type
"universal" sensor which you have to cut and splice on the old
connector. Follow the instructions and you should be fine. The type
with the connector on there costs $20 more each, but looks like you'll
get a reboxed thimble from Denso (Bosch is both a supplier and a one-
source parts redistributor).
http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/OxygenSensors/PlanarO2
Personally I'd much prefer the the Bosch universal even though you
have to splice, because it's a new generation of planar sensors. The
design means they are more resistant to contamination and "light up"
faster than traditional thimble types.
You can borrow the sensor socket from Autozone using their free loaner
tool program. Or pick up one for $3.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97177
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95045
On Dec 15, 8:37 pm, johngd...@hotmail.com wrote:
> This is a 4.3L 3UZFE engine. Should cost as little as ~$60 to get it
> fixed if you're mechanically inclined.
>
> Both upstream and downstream sensors (#15733) are as low as
> $56.79+shipping onwww.rockauto.com. This is a Bosch planar type
> "universal" sensor which you have to cut and splice on the old
> connector. Follow the instructions and you should be fine. The type
> with the connector on there costs $20 more each, but looks like you'll
> get a reboxed thimble from Denso (Bosch is both a supplier and a one-
> source parts redistributor).
>
> http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/OxygenSensors/PlanarO2
>
> Personally I'd much prefer the the Bosch universal even though you
> have to splice, because it's a new generation of planar sensors. The
> design means they are more resistant to contamination and "light up"
> faster than traditional thimble types.
>
> You can borrow the sensor socket from Autozone using their free loaner
> tool program. Or pick up one for $3.99
>
*******************
Bank 1 is the cylinder bank that contains cylinder # 1. I believe that it
is on the passenger side (left side from the perspective of standing in
front of the vehicle). I've never looked for the sensor, but it will either
be in the exhaust manifold or in the exhaust pipe close to the manifold. If
you have to reach it from under the car, you will probably have to remove
the shield under the engine.
The flat rate time includes time to remove stuck O2 sensors that have rusted
in place.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
On Dec 17, 11:16 pm, "Ray O" <rokig...@NOSPAMtristarassociates.com>
wrote:
> "austinLS430" <sameer.vishwanat...@gmail.com> wrote in message
**********
Thanks for the update!
As mentioned, the OEM-connector from Bosch looks like a reboxed Denso,
because Bosch (like AC Delco, Fel-Pro, Moog, Timken and others) are
single-source distributors too. But if the cheaper Denso thimble works
for the mechanic then it's fine.