O2 sensor replacement

[RikRok]

Just a few naive questions about replacing a O2 sensor. My check engine light went on and I had Auto Zone plug in a OBD scanner into it. It indicated that I bad a bad O2 sensor on bank #1. I am gonna guess it is the upstream one. After changing it, do I need to clear the code or will it do it itself? Also, is this sensor easy to change?
Thanks...basic, but I will take the help.

 

[V10SpeedLuvr]

It'll take you longer to crawl under the car than to change the sensor. The code should clear itself after a few drive cycles. Be sure the car is cold when you change it. I tried to change mine with the car hot and it seemed the heat had made the exhaust pipe contract a little and made it more difficult to get the old O2 sensor out. I had done it before with the car cold and its a sub 2 min. repair

 

[AviP]

...it seemed the heat had made the exhaust pipe contract a little ...

A paradox!

I changed mine and reset the code manually.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

While you are at Auto Zone, rent the special socket to remove the O2 sensor. You essentially buy it and later get a full refund, but if you decide to keep it, you can.

 

[dave6666]

While you are at Auto Zone, rent the special socket to remove the O2 sensor. You essentially buy it and later get a full refund, but if you decide to keep it, you can.

Tom... C'mon... How do you make a home-made O2 sensor removal socket?!? I've been so impressed with your other tool posts! Really! What's the catch to this one?

 

[SNKEBIT]

What's the catch to this one?

7/8 wrench

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Don't do what I did. I needed an O2 sensor for my Dakota. An open end wrench rounded the edges. A socket won't fit because of the height and the wire. Cut the wire off to use a box end wrench. Then find out there are two types of plugs for the Dakota, and of course, I had the wrong one.

The rental unit is actually three offset, slotted sockets so you can get to sensors in tight spots. It was pretty cheap, too, I think $9 for all three.

 

[RikRok]

Got the rental set while I was there. When resetting the code, do I disconnect the battery or do I need the scanner to do it?

 

[RikRok]

Damn, you guys are right,,easy to change. I had but didn't need to tool to remove it. Couln't use it to rplace it as the new one is longer and you can't slip the wrench around it. I just put it back in with a 7/8" open end. Nowwww, how did you deterime if it was the front or rear one. The only thing the scanner said was bank 1, which I hope is the drivers side. I went with the front as the salesperson said he sell twice as many front as rears on most cars.

 

[AviP]

If I remember correctly, the code should say Bank 1/2 Sensor 1/2.

Bank 1 Sensor 1 = Driver side upstream
Bank 1 Sensor 2 = Driver side downstream
Bank 2 Sensor 1 = Passenger side upstream
Bank 2 Sensor 2 = Passenger side downstream

Someone chime in and confirm this please.

Get the OBD code# and then call Chuck with it to confirm what I said.