how bad is the stealership screwing me

[blackout881]

Well my explorer is throwing a code, looks like i need the bank 2 sensor 2 02 sensor changed. Didnt think it would be a big deal! Ive had my truck to my shop 3 times, and they cannot remove it. They say its just rusted to the exhaust too badly. So, looks like im going to have to give the dealership a try. I called them up for a rough estimate quote, and they said with parts and labor around $210. !!!. How much above normal prices is that?? i wasnt expecting to pay much more than 100... but i dont really know anything about the cost of these sensors.

thanks

 

[briwayjones]

First ask them if there are any computer updates for your Explorer. I know with the '96s they had several computer updates for this very problem because the O2 sensors were set too sensitive and would throw codes. Is that price for just replacing the O2 sensors or replacing the part of the exhaust where the O2 sensors are housed? I know a lot of times they try to tell you they can't replace the sensor without replacing that whole section of exhaust. I doubt that they are so badly rusted in there that they can't get them out though. That price is probably about right, I think the sensors are about $80, probably about $80/hr labor. Are you handy with tools at all yourself? I would suggest replacing it yourself. It's not that difficult and probably a good project to get your feet wet on.

Also how many miles are on the spark plugs/wires that you have in it? It might not be the sensor at all.

 

[bisjoe]

Keep in mind that their estimate is for the time given in their book times their hourly rate, probably $80-90 plus parts. If the book says 2 hours and it takes 1 hour you will be charged for two hours. If due to rust it takes 4 hours you will be charged for 4 regardless of the estimate. They might also be including time for testing to make sure that is the problem. Last time I replaced 02 sensors they were about $60 each and that was 4 years ago.

I'd say $210 is about what I'd expect for that job.

 

[Cobraguy]

Price sounds very fair to me. But before you go that far, see if a muffler shop will weld in a new bung for you. That way you can install a new sensor without removing the old one. It must be located the same distance from the converter. But you may find a muffler shop unwilling to do that as legally, it's a gray area. I contend since it's the same distance from the converter, you're legal. You should be able to get a new sensor, bung, welding for $100.

 

[blackout881]

eh, just dropped it off now. $100 to diagnose it, then whatever else for parts and labor i guess. I didnt tell them the other shop couldnt get it out because of rust, didnt want them to use that as an excuse to charge me more. i would do it myself, i have access to a lift and any tool imaginable, i just dont have the spare time and my inspection is up at the end of the month. i guess i would rather pay the money than put up with the headache.

 

[fordktpjoe]

Hey guys, you all will certainly know MUCH more about this than I will, but couldn't they just use an acetylene torch and heat the bung a bit to expand it, and then unscrew the O2 sensor?

I mean, so what if you screw it up, it's junk anyway, right?

Just asking.

 

[blackout881]

damnit. they just called back, replaced the sensor, but they said my upstream 02 sensor needed to be replaced also. another $138. so im looking at about $380. oh well.

 

[Nasty XLT]

Thats odd for both of them to go. I know it does happen but rare. I know where i work we get a half hour to replace the O2 but an hour for Diag. I have seen O2 sensors go anywhere from 60 to over 300 dollars. Doesnt sound like your getting ripped to me. Goodluck.

 

[ThePhoenix]

are they sure its teh o2 sensors?

lots of things make the o2 sensors out of range

 

[Nasty XLT]

It is possible but how can it throw two different codes that what confuses me. When they scanned it the first time it should have given them the codes for both. Not one at a time. Next code after they fix this is going to be the cat. Thats where the money is going to come in. Keep us updated because i have friends at Ford that i can talk to about this.

 

[blackout881]

well total came to $420. Ive drivin the car 70 miles so far, and light remains off. But you know the kick in the ass? this morning i was driving to work to get my paycheck (day off) and i got a damn seatbelt ticket! so theres another $150. I know its nobodies fault but my own, but i mean damnit im really getting screwed for all my money these last couple days lol. How far do you usually have to drive before the sensors reset or whatever and you can get an inspection? mine is up tomorrow and the trooper told me i better get it done tomorrow! haha. If i bring it in tomorrow for the inspection ill have about 95-100 miles on it since they changed the sensors out...should i be ok for the inspection?

 

[Nasty XLT]

In my state (NJ) its 100 miles.

 

[Cobraguy]

If you have OBDII, there is no state regulation regarding mileage for a drive cycle. Where does this 100 miles come from? An OBDII cycle can take as little as an afternoon and a few miles or as long as a month and a LOT of miles to complete. That's the secret. It must complete a drive cycle before it will be ready to pass inspection. Otherwise you get a P1000 code showing it hasn't completed the tests it needs. There are drive procedures you can follow to force the cycle, but those aren't always successful. If you take it in for inspection and it gets this code, most places allow you something like 30 days to retest. That should do it.

 

[Paraphoe]

I paid $200 to get an 02 sensor replaced about 2 years ago. Like others have said, price seems fair.

 

[Nasty XLT]

NJ now hooks directly into your computer and if you just had a light reset it will tell you when. The reason they do this is because people were having the engine lights shut off and going right through. So now they make you drive 100 miles to make sure its not going to come back on. Look it up.

 

[Laura69]

That price for sensor replacement SUCKED!! I replaced both of mine before - the parts weren't cheap but maybe $50 per? BUT!!! The danged things were HARD to access even with my girly hands. AND that special socket. I had to turn on the truck, get it warm under there, turn it off and climb under to turn that socket while not burning my hands on the danged cat. So there -advice for anyone doing it themselves and finding this post. It was QUITE hard to turn and the special socket was pretty much a must.

So, while HIGH, that price likely saved you A LOT of cursing and frustration.

As for inspection - as long as you've receipt showing repair, you should be fine. IMPO, I thought the code in the vehicle was removed pretty much as soon as the system was restarted. (You can always undo battery cables to reset things, I think.)

 

[Joe Dirt]

Prices are always judged by what you pay vs. what it's worth not to have to worry about it. I gladly paid for a lot of stuff at the dealership rather than worry about messing with it for hours myself. I alo like having their fingerprints and receipts for some things.

 

[Nasty XLT]

For tight bolts and stuff like that i use this stuff called power lube works great. I hear ya about trying to keep reciepts but if i can do it myself i would rather do it lol.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

NJ now hooks directly into your computer and if you just had a light reset it will tell you when. The reason they do this is because people were having the engine lights shut off and going right through. So now they make you drive 100 miles to make sure its not going to come back on. Look it up.

Move to Kansas or Missouri. Then you won't have to worry about it No emissions test.

Kansas doesn't even have safety inspections.

 

[IZwack]

Kansas doesn't even have safety inspections.

They've got other things to worry about than vehicle safety