Check Engine light came on Saturday night, and after a very nervous weekend, got a diagnostic from Auto Zone, came back and the O2 sensor being dead.

Going to drop the $70 for the new sensor this Friday, but was wondering if it's something someone with basic car knowledge can do himself? The Auto Zone guy kept saying Front right sensor, just don't know where to begin to replace this myself.

Also, should I pay the extra $20 for an exact fit vs. a universal? Thanks for any help!

 

What year and model is your Accord? 4 or 6 cylinder? I replaced the O2 in my 4 cylinder 2000 Accord and the sensor was over $200. My O2 was located at the front of the engine, very easy access when you pop the hood. There's another O2 sensor at the bottom of the car near the catalytic converter.

 

Sorry about that, 1997 2 door coupe, 4 cylinder. Auto Zone part quote was 80-90 for the exact fit O2 sensor. Again, he kept saying front right, think he was a new employee, kept saying that to remind himself.

 

front right prob is the location of the sensor. i would def get the direct fit. ebay usually has them new for around 34-55.

your car is obd2, so you have a front (before the cat) and rear (after the cat) o2 sensor. make sure you are getting the correct one from the code reading.

 

He said it was only 1 code reading off as faulty, and that it was front right, which would probably be the one before the cat converter.

Is it an easy fix? Any special tools needed?

 

viscus, truth is you have nothing to lose in trying to fix the sensor first..

I have been told by many people that you can try either spraying it with electrical contact cleaner or soaking it in gasoline, and then trying again..
If it doesnt work, no harm done...
If it does, great, you just saved $80

 

easy fix? depends. ive proken many o2 sensors, and o2sensor sockets trying to remove seized sensors. some come out real easy, others never come out. if you dont have the proper tools, good/safe access to the sensor, and means to remove it if it brakes then just pay someone to change it.

but i am all for diy. i am just saying, it "could" be tough

 

mister_two was asking for sub model; EX, LX, SE, or DX?

In this case that does make a big difference in where the O2 sensor is located.

On the EX the primary O2 is located under the car in the mid pipe between the down pipe and catalyst which is located directly below the intake manifold. Not an easy spot to get to if you have limited tools and no jack/jack stands or wheel ramps.

On the other sub models the primary O2 sensor is located on the exhaust manifold and is easily seen when you open the hood and look down. Plenty of room to work and fairly easy to get to.

Make sure you get a proper O2 sensor, there are a lot of crappy brand sensors out there. Ye Olde Rule of Thumb, if the O2 sensor resembles a beer can run away.

A most excellent post, by a most righteous dude...
https://honda-tech.com/forums/showpo...13&postcount=3

 

I would definitely go with the direct fit. I got a universal once (by accident) from Autozone, and it had the wrong gender coupling.

I would also recommend you pick up a socket for it while you're there. It looks like this:



The wires go through the slot, so you can properly grip the sensor with a standard socket wrench (don't try Channel Locks, as I unfortunately did). Also, get a can of PB Blaster or equivalent. Spray it as close as you can get to the threads a few hours before the operation. It will help loosen things up.

This is definitely a DIY project. Let us know how it goes!

 

Borrow the tools from autozone - leave a deposit. When I borrowed it the box came with various sockets/adapters. One should resemble the picture above with the slit on the side to allow the wire to go thru. With the right socket mine came off without a hitch.