How To's

How To Replace an Oxygen Sensor

Skill Level:

If your oxygen sensor malfunctions, your vehicle's power and performance will go down the tubes. Luckily, replacing it yourself is easy and inexpensive.

What does an O² Sensor do?

The oxygen sensor is one of the most important sensors on your vehicle. It monitors the amount of oxygen in the engine’s exhaust gas and is usually located on the exhaust manifold. Most oxygen sensors operate like a small battery. Differences in oxygen content between the sensors inner and outer surfaces cause it to generate a small voltage signal.

The sensor is electrically heated internally for faster switching when the engine is running. When there’s a lot of oxygen (lean) present, the sensor produces a low voltage signal; when there’s little oxygen (rich), it produces a signal of higher voltage. By monitoring the oxygen content and converting it to electrical voltage, the sensor acts as a lean-rich switch.

Remember, if you have any questions or if you're unsure of anything, feel free to contact the Parts Pros at your local PartSource. They're always ready to help, no matter what the job is.

Let's go!

Getting Started

Tools You`ll Need:
  • O² Sensor Socket
  • Wrench Set
  • Jack Stands
  • Jack
  • O² Sensor Anti-seize Compound

Make Safety Your Top Priority




Finally, when the fun turns to frustration, or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your capabilities, please do not attempt it yourself. Talk to a Parts Pro or seek the assistance of a professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

Before you Begin

Free print outs of vehicle specific instructions and torque specifications are available from MitchellonDemand at your local PartSource. Make sure you have ALL the parts you may need BEFORE you start to work.

STEPS FOR Removing your old O² Sensor
  • 1:
    Disconnect the ground battery cable.
  • 2:
    Raise and support the vehicle securely on jack stands.
  • 3:
    Disconnect the electrical connector from the O² sensor
STEPS FOR Installing your new O² Sensor
  • 1:
    Apply anti-seize compound to the threads of the new sensor.
  • 2:
    Install new O² sensor and tighten to specified torque.
  • 3:
    Reconnect the electrical connector.
  • 4:
    Lower the vehicle.
  • 5:
    Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure everything is running smoothly.