vik_tx

Hello - I have a 2003 Honda Accord EX 4YCL.. which has been running pretty well until recently. This morning as I was heading off to work - I noticed that the "Check Engine" light came on.. I went to the nearest Autozone for OBD diagnosis and they told me that the error code was P0141 i.e. the Oxygen sensor has to be replaced. The actual part was for about 110.00 dollars and he told me that it would take about 5 to 10 minutes to install. I checked with my local Honda dealership and they gave me a quote of 500.00 (incl. labor) for this job.
I need some advice on how to do this myself. Is this something I can do myself?
How much should such a job cost? I am new here - many thanks in advance.

JimBlake

Well, that's the code for the heater in the REAR O2 sensor (in the cat). First check fuse #18 under the dash. If it's blown, try another 15A fuse, but it'll probably blow again. If so, it's a short in the wiring, not a bad sensor.

The wire for that sensor goes thru the floor pan before there's a plug. So you have to peel back the carpet from the floor rail at the front end of the front passenger seat. The wire comes up thru the floor.

Unplug it & check the wire leading to the sensor. The 2 terminals farthest away from the little clip are for the heater. Use a multi-meter to measure resistance between them; it should be 5.0 to 6.4 ohms at room temperature. There should also be NO continuity to ground from either one of those wires.

TruckGuy

If your car has over 35k mi. on it, and the pcm shows a 141, you def. need a rear o2. Honda has an updated senor thats beenout for quite some time. I've probably repaced no less than 40 of these in the last year or so. But the dude that posted ahead of me sounds like hes replaced a few as well.

vik_tx

Thanks to both replies. Unfortunately - I am a complete noob here - I haven't even opened the hood of any car and have no idea how to go about using a multimeter.. the most important decision for me is whether to go to Honda dealership and have them diagnose the issue (99bucks) and have them fix the issue (another 400 bucks) or just go to autozone and pick up the part for 100 and pay a local mechanic about 50 bucks to have this installed..
Any ideas...
by the way, I think I can check the fuses.. how do I get them out of the fusebox.. do I need a special tool or should I use regular pliers... Thanks so much for your help... I really appreciate this!!!

Alex_G

First time for everything, I say buy the o2 sensor, rent the tools you will need from Autozone and replace it yourself. Definetly don't go to Honda cause they will rip you a new one.

I've never personally changed an o2, but I pretty much know the process. Definetly spray something like wd-40 (or something similar) around the area because it will probably be rusted.

vik_tx

My main issue is how to prop up the car, so I can get under it.. is there a place where I can rent props etc? many thanks

sleeper98civic

My accord is showing the same code, but autozone is telling me that its the front o2 and not the rear o2?? Is it all ways the rear o2 that goes out?? Thanks

Targa250R

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sleeper98civic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My accord is showing the same code, but autozone is telling me that its the front o2 and not the rear o2?? Is it all ways the rear o2 that goes out?? Thanks </TD></TR></TABLE>
If that's the case, AutoZone is wrong (not surprising, since they're in the business of selling parts, not fixing cars).

P0141 is specifically for a secondary oxygen sensor heater circuit malfunction, so if that's the code that came up, then you need to replace the secondary sensor. Codes P0137, P0138, P0139, and P0141 pertain to the secondary sensor.

If it were the primary sensor, you'd have gotten a different code (P0133, P0134, and/or P0135).

Accord1234

You should buy the part and let your local shop do the labor. Seems like the easiest and fastest solution considering that you are unsure what to exactly do.

MikeCi

I need to replace the secondary O2 sensor in my 03 accord with CA emissions. I now live in Ohio. Can i use a standard sensor or does it have to be the CA one? What is the difference, besides costing 2X more?!? Is the plug different? Does it send a difference voltage?

0Steve@Spreen

Unfortunately for you, it's the car, not the zip code that dictates what part(s) you need. In this case, the car was built for California emissions and all the electronics, wiring, et al is set up for that part. ULEV use different parts than "normal" Accords, so always use the VIN when buying emission related products.

> Alex_G, sorry you feel that way, but seriously, we are not in the business to rip you off, there is no return in that. Have you had a bad experience at every dealer, or just mouthing off?

To the OP, if you're not comfortable in trying to do the repair, then DON'T. Take it to a reputable shop (ask around for references). At our dealership, we charge $99 to diagnose the problem, and to R&R the secondary O2 is 1 hour labor ($99). Keep in mind, everything we do is warranted. I cannot quote the parts price because they vary in price based upon your VIN.
HTH

aschierenberg

code read p134. checked book 02 sensor ckt no activity bank 1 sensor 1. what is this and where is it at.i can replace it if i know where it is. any help will great. thanks als.