I got an error code 41 on my CEL, so I read up and apparently it's the o2 sensor. It's a $25 part on Ebay, but even after selecting my make, model, and trim, there are too many choices. Some of these parts are upstream, some are downstream, some are both, and some of the photos don't even look like the same part (they don't have that brown colored cylindrical end on one side). The other issue is the length. Some are 18 inches, some are 32 inches. It looks to me like my o2 sensor is a shorter cable, so maybe the 18 inches is what I want, but even beyond that, I wouldn't know which one to pick. Could someone give me some advice? I tried looking at Autozone's website, and even they have like 7 different o2 sensors available for my vehicle (and they're all like $75), so that wasn't much help.

I'm no expert, but I've done some minor repairs before (replaced a trunk latch, an electric window motor, and a door handle, and power lock mechanism) and from what it looks like, it's just 3 bolts from the heat shield and one nut on the o2 sensor and I can replace it without jacking the car up or removing any other components, so I think it's easy enough that I do it myself and save $100 in labor. This is, however, the first time I've done any repair under the hood of a car, so I'm a little nervous. Last thing I need is to screw it up to where I can't even drive it to a shop. Right now it still drives pretty well.

Here's a photo, just to make sure I'm on the right track. I understand that it MIGHT be a wiring issue, but $25 isn't expensive, the wires look okay, and for a car this old, it's time to replace it anyway.

Here's the Ebay search I did. You can further sort by LX 4-door, 2.2L Engine, but the results aren't any more narrowed.

Sorry for being so needy with such a simple issue. :p

 

Yes, that is your oxygen sensor.

You need to disconnect the connector and look at the connector to see if it is a male or female connector.

Then go to rockauto.com and plug in your car and get the Denso oxygen sensor that is the correct one, either male or female.

You can use the coupon code of 368570556330958 to get a 5% discount.

 

Cool. thanks for the info. The Denso item is OEM, I'm guessing? A lot of talk on other websites seem to mention that brand as well.

Meanwhile, I tried to unplug it (on the wiring side) to see if it was M or F, but I can't figure the darn thing out. I have enough slack to unplug it, but I can't seem to find the tab that I need to release.

From what I can see from the photos of the part on rockauto, it looks female to me. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=400&jpid=6

However, MY o2 sensor has 4 wires, and the photo shows 3 wires. Is this going to be a problem?

 

The tab is in the middle facing you in the picture at the top right where the white wire appears to touch. Push the tab down/or in, and it will separate.

 

On the Accord, because Honda, the tab will disconnect the harness, however the O2 sensors connector is mounted onto a bracket. If you push the tab the engine harness side will diconnect and come away, you will then have to reach around(huh-huh) and press or pull another tab to remove the O2 sensor connector from the metal bracket.

A small mirror would be helpful here.

On RockAuto the two Densos shown have the original part numbers next to them. You want the one that has 'P0B' for the B2 engine. 'P0A' is for the B1 EX VTEC engine.

 

If you have the right tool, there is no need to remove the heat shield

 

I already removed the heat shield. But right now I can't get the O2 sensor to unscrew. My wrenches only go as large as 19mm, but this one appears to be about 21mm, so I was using my adjustable, which just can't grip, and I don't want to overdo it because I don't want to strip it. I need to buy another wrench (set). Even WD-40 isn't helping. O2 sensor should be arriving by mail later today, too. Was really hoping to have the damn thing off by now.

 

Go to your local parts store and borrow a proper O2 Sensor socket....you put down money, use the tool, return it and get your money back......done

 

I managed to go to a parts store and got an Oxygen Sensor Wrench. The damn thing STILL won't budge.

 

Warm the car completely up. Using a 22mm head box wrench you purchase at your neighborhood parts store, with another wrench turned into the end of that box wrench, in the open end of it to get more leverage, turn that mother off. You will need to cut off the connector to get the box end of that 22mm box wrench onto the oxygen sensor threads.

 

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the great advice. I replaced it with my own two hands and the car is running very well. The old sensor was also super nasty when I took it out! I don't think it had EVER been replaced, and the car has over 200k miles on it.

 

Is it safe to assume you used my advice ?

 

Part of it at least. I ended up returning that piece of crap that autozone had. swapped it out for a 1/2" breaker bar. Went to O-rieley's to get a oxygen sensor socket. Drove the car for some errands (warmed it up completely). When I came home, I held an ice cube to the sensor . heard some squeaking. cranked the bar and the o2 sensor came off, no problem. No cutting necessary.

Also, I recommend never buying from "Auto Parts Champ" on Amazon. I bought an item listed as brand new, and the o2 sensor they sent to me had clear signs of use (wear from a crescent wrench), so it was NOT new and therefor not what I paid for. I tried to contact them to complain and got no response at all. At least the part worked, but still. Very unprofessional.