Front oxygen sensor

Joined
26 March 2003
Messages
341
Location
Tampa, FL
I'm currently getting a code 41 on my check engine light, indicating a problem with the front oxygen sensor heater circuit.

Looks like the sensor is kinda hard to get to. Anyone have any tips on replacing it. I'm trying to avoid having to take it to the dealer. Also, should I go with an OEM replacement or are aftermarket sensors just as good?
 
NSXROX said:
Looks like the sensor is kinda hard to get to. Anyone have any tips on replacing it.

In my experience, oxygen sensors can be exceedingly difficult to remove. Unless you have mechanical masochistic disorder (which some of us do), you may want to consider taking this one to the dealer.

.02

DanO
 
Could not agree more DanO!! MMD, I guess I have it!!!!!!!!!!LOL

Anyway, to do the front sensor on a 1996 you will have to remove the "Front Beam", the large gray colored brace that is the full width of the car. This means a whole bunch of stuff has to come off, then you will need a 02 sensor wrench to get it off. They are pretty cheap ($10).

YOU CANNOT USE ANY WD40, PBBlaster, etc. TO LOOSEN IT. You will most likely leave some residue there and the new 02 sensor may get damaged. (That is why you need the 02 wrench :))

With all that said, are you sure it is the 02 sensor that is bad? Have you run the service manual tests to insure it is really bad? Certian connectors have also caused this code. Sometimes after a valve adjustment, a connector may not seat properly when reinstalled.

Make sure you run the tests first.

HTH,
LarryB
 
NSXROX said:
I'm currently getting a code 41 on my check engine light, indicating a problem with the front oxygen sensor heater circuit.

Looks like the sensor is kinda hard to get to. Anyone have any tips on replacing it. I'm trying to avoid having to take it to the dealer. Also, should I go with an OEM replacement or are aftermarket sensors just as good?

Take it to the dealer it is under warranty. They will replace it for free. Do a search here for oxgen sensors. There is a thread recently that tells all about it.
 
Thanks for the advice. I'm taking it to the dealer on Thursday for the warranty repair. I found out the sensor itself costs $325 from the dealer! Yes, free is good.
 
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