So, my check engine light has been on for about 6 months and I decided to take the car to a Honda dealer for a look see. They said I needed a "rear" oxygen sensor and game me an estimate of $520.00.

Needless to say, that no way will I pay that. Now, I am looking around for the part and not sure what to get. Do I need OE or can I find cheap one somewhere. Also, is the rear sensor hard to take off/install?

 

$12 O2 socket



+


$46 Denso O2

http://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-4601...0365208&sr=8-1

=
Profit

 

Thanks Hero.

What is the socket for?

 

Its for the Lambda sensor(O2 sensor, that's why its labeled 'O2 socket'). There is a slot to allow room for the sensors pigtail. Or you could use a 6point box end wrench.

 

also make sure you actually need the sensor before you buy one. don't just take their word for it, since they're obviously trying to rip you off already.

 

How do you make sure you need one? My check engine light was on a year ago and I needed an EGR valve, but the check engine light came back on 4 months ago.

 

you should never start swapping parts based solely on a diagnostic trouble code or a mechanic's word. If the dealer is actually replacing the rear sensor, it shouldn't cost near what you were quoted, so they can't be trusted. To determine whether you need a rear 02 sensor, you need to attach a live data scan tool to monitor the sensor voltage with the engine running. I assume you don't have a scanner, so you might want to get an independent shop to scan it for you. what you can do yourself before taking it in is to get under the car and make sure that the wires haven't just been cut or something simple like that. If you have an ohmeter, you should check the heating element in the sensor also.

Do you know what the trouble code was when the check engine light was diagnosed at the dealer? if you can give me the code, I may be able to help more. May be something like P0141.

 

I just replaced my O2 sensor last month on my 98 Accord (front), and it was pretty simply. I was able to remove the O2 sensor with a fixed wrench. I have not check the rear O2 sensor to see if it has room for a wrench. I also have a 94 Accord.

From my research here, seems like the OEM O2 sensor is the way to go. I got an OEM O2 sensor (front) for about $120. The rear O2 sensor for a 97 is about $205 online or $285 retail.
http://www.hondapartscheap.com/south...t=0&quantity=0

I check tonight on the rear O2 sensor accessibility.

 

It could be a variety of reasons. The rear O2 sensor is part of the OBDII system in the '96/'97 Accords. It monitors the emissions system efficiency. If the emissions are higher than expected it will set a code. Case in point, your EGR valve failed, NOx was higher than expected, and a code was set. Depending on exactly what the code was will inform you of what the issue most likely will be.

A side note, it is common for higher mileage Accords to have carbon buildup in the F22s intake. This will block flow and cause a block of gas recirculation.
94-97 Accord EGR Port Cleaning. DIY Fix for all that had the P0401 code.

 

yes...520 is not a reasonable price..its unbelievable to set that price...buy the o2 socket, screw the old one out n screw the one in...u shuld spend around 130 bux easy!