How difficult is it to replace an O2 sensor?

[bmacd]

I have a couple repair manuals, just haven't skimmed through them yet (buried in the basement). I have a CEL on and i'm confident that it's my O2 sensor (slow tranny shifting, poor mileage, and it previously lit up before, and it was the o2 sensor). Any tips? How long should this take?

It looks like it's ~$70 from Autozone.

-=bmacd=-

 

[itbejared]

its as simple as unplugging the sensors, unscrewing the old ones, replacing them with new ones and then plugging them back in. With the wires coming out of the back its easier if you rent the O2 sensor removal tool from Autozone.

 

[Billy177]

there are four o2 sensors i reccomend replacing the first 2 at the same time. if you can change a sparkplug than you can change an 02 sensor

 

[Rhett]

Depending on your O2 setup, sometimes it's difficult to reach the wires to unplug them. If necessary, you can cut the wire below the plug, then pull the wire up thru the engine bay, unplug the old cut wire, plug in new O2 sensor/wire, and you're set.

 

[aldive]

Sometimes they are siezed so tight you think they are welded in place.

 

[BradE.]

Yep, Al is right. PB Blaster is your friend. It also helps to let the truck run for a few minutes to get the exhaust slightly warm, just be careful not to burn yourself.

Put some anti-sieze on the threads of the new sensor before you install it.

 

[bmacd]

a breaker bar turned out to be my best friend

-=bmacd=-

 

[FourXFred]

yeah, ive broken a few craftsman ratchets trying to remove them. i find that swearing and a breaker bar work best.