Replacing O2 Sensor

[janko10]

Sorry if this has already been covered, I did do a search but I couldn't find a guide if there is one.

Anybody have a thread or guide on replacing an O2 sensor? 06 Si. Unfortunately I really have no idea. Stealership wants like $200. I'd really rather try and do it myself.

[rbsjnh]

front or rear? either way its not hard, but you do need a special socket...should be available at most good part stores

[BigT]

Originally Posted by rbsjnh

front or rear? either way its not hard, but you do need a special socket...should be available at most good part stores

For what it's worth, you only need a special socket if there isn't enough room to get a wrench on it. You can't get a regular socket on it because of the wire. But if there is room you can use a wrench.

I don't know if there is enough room on the Si for a wrench, but it might be worth trying before buying a socket.

[BigT]

Keep in mind that the sensors themselves aren't cheap. Depending on which one is bad (there are two) the price could be $65-$108 from College Hills Honda.

From College Hills Honda:
016 36531-RRA-003 SENSOR, AIR FUEL RATIO 1 2006 CIVIC 108.43

017 36532-RRA-004 SENSOR, MIDDLE OXYGEN 1 2006 CIVIC 65.72

Changing them isn't hard though. If you could save yourself half what the dealer charges it would be worth it.

Oh yeah, Welcome to the site!

[janko10]

Originally Posted by BigT

Keep in mind that the sensors themselves aren't cheap. Depending on which one is bad (there are two) the price could be $65-$108 from College Hills Honda.

From College Hills Honda:
016 36531-RRA-003 SENSOR, AIR FUEL RATIO 1 2006 CIVIC 108.43

017 36532-RRA-004 SENSOR, MIDDLE OXYGEN 1 2006 CIVIC 65.72

Changing them isn't hard though. If you could save yourself half what the dealer charges it would be worth it.

Oh yeah, Welcome to the site!

Thanks! Been lurking for a while, finally decided to post.

Yeah the dealer quoted me $220 to replace it. I'd much rather do it myself but I'm just not sure how. I'm trying to find out which one it is.

Here's the long story short for anyone that's interested. Got a CEL last weekend, took it in, dealer says the Cat and one of the O2 sensors is bad (the heater in the O2 sensor is not working???). The Cat is still under warranty (good thing cause he said that was $1200) but the O2 sensor is not. And then he says they won't replace the Cat (for free) if they don't also replace the O2 sensor (for $220). I'd much rather do it myself, I'm not real happy about that.

I called HoA and got a case number. Explained to them that the car has been fantastic to this point but I'm disappointed that all of sudden parts of the emissions system are failing at 45000. So I guess I'll see what they say, hope they can cover the O2 sensor as well...

[BigT]

Originally Posted by janko10

Thanks! Been lurking for a while, finally decided to post.

Yeah the dealer quoted me $220 to replace it. I'd much rather do it myself but I'm just not sure how. I'm trying to find out which one it is.

Here's the long story short for anyone that's interested. Got a CEL last weekend, took it in, dealer says the Cat and one of the O2 sensors is bad (the heater in the O2 sensor is not working???). The Cat is still under warranty (good thing cause he said that was $1200) but the O2 sensor is not. And then he says they won't replace the Cat (for free) if they don't also replace the O2 sensor (for $220). I'd much rather do it myself, I'm not real happy about that.

I called HoA and got a case number. Explained to them that the car has been fantastic to this point but I'm disappointed that all of sudden parts of the emissions system are failing at 45000. So I guess I'll see what they say, hope they can cover the O2 sensor as well...

If the O2 sensor is bad it can cause the car to run rich, which can cause the catalytic convertor to go bad. This is probably why they want you to replace the O2 sensor at the same time. If you can't get them to replace the O2 sensor for free tell them that you will replace the O2 sensor yourself.

You have the right to repair your own vehicle (or have it repaired at a place of your choice). They can't deny you warranty work because you won't pay them to replace something which isn't under warranty.

[BigT]

By the way. The actual replacement of the O2 sensor is fairly simple. The sensor simply threads into the exhaust.

It has a wire running to it. You have to disconnect the wire (there will be a connector in the wire near the sensor). Then all you have to do is use a wrench if there is enough room and unscrew the sensor from the exhaust. In some cases there isn't enough room for a regular wrench. They sell a special socket for use on O2 sensors at most auto parts stores. Just tell them you need an O2 sensor socket and they will most likely know what you need.

Once you get the old sensor out you just screw the new sensor in. Just be careful not to bang around the end of the new sensor. Plug the connector back in and you are ready to go.

Sometimes the wire for the sensor is zip-tied to something to keep it away from the exhaust. If you have to cut any of these to get the sensor off just make sure you strap it back up so it doesn't catch on anthing or fall against the exhaust.

The sensors can be pretty tight in the exhaust from rust etc. It is usually easier to get them out if the exhaust is hot from driving. Just be careful not to burn yourself if you are working around the hot exhaust.

[janko10]

Originally Posted by BigT

By the way. The actual replacement of the O2 sensor is fairly simple. The sensor simply threads into the exhaust.

It has a wire running to it. You have to disconnect the wire (there will be a connector in the wire near the sensor). Then all you have to do is use a wrench if there is enough room and unscrew the sensor from the exhaust. In some cases there isn't enough room for a regular wrench. They sell a special socket for use on O2 sensors at most auto parts stores. Just tell them you need an O2 sensor socket and they will most likely know what you need.

Once you get the old sensor out you just screw the new sensor in. Just be careful not to bang around the end of the new sensor. Plug the connector back in and you are ready to go.

Sometimes the wire for the sensor is zip-tied to something to keep it away from the exhaust. If you have to cut any of these to get the sensor off just make sure you strap it back up so it doesn't catch on anthing or fall against the exhaust.

The sensors can be pretty tight in the exhaust from rust etc. It is usually easier to get them out if the exhaust is hot from driving. Just be careful not to burn yourself if you are working around the hot exhaust.

Thanks. The HoA rep just called and left me a message and I called him back and left him a message so the phone tag is on.... I'll let everyone know what they say.

[sleeperone]

do yourself. its not that hard.

[janko10]

Well HoA finally got back to me. They said the dealer would go halves with me on the O2 sensor. Guess I can't complain. It's better than nothing.