My check engine light just went on on my 89 runner and the code came back as the 02 sensor no good , which explains the terrible gas mileage and uneven idle. So I ordered one from denso because the dealer no longer carries the one that matches my vin. Number so the denso is a oe replacement which comes with a connector on the end of it which is supposed to just plug right in , so iam wondering if I can change this myself ? Do you just remove the two nuts and unplug it ? Is that all to it ?
And disconnect the negative post to the battery and reconnect it to reset the check engine light? are there anything I should look out for or is it a simple install ? And input would help thanks .

 

Technically speaking, yes that is all that you need to do. But, the O2 sensors LOVE to corrode into the exhaust pipe, and they are usually pretty tight fitting into the hole. Its easier if you drop the down pipe (manifold to cat. converter). Most likely you will strip out at least the two nuts/studs holding the O2 sensor in. If you drop the pipe, plan for new bolts/studs/nuts all around. You have been warned

 

oh no , sounds like i better let my mechanic do this

 

sometimes its the simplest things that can turn into a nightmare, but thanks for the warning.

 

Nah, don't be scared of it. Hit the O2 studs with a good penetrating oil once a day for a couple days beforehand, they should come off without too much struggle. You can still drive the truck even if they do strip out, so try it yourself before paying for a simple job like this.

 

You'll need to soak the nuts with PB Blaster (WalMart) for several days as stated, then scrub well with a steel brush to remove all the rust (they probably don't even look like nuts right now!). They are under there!

I had to split the nuts with a Dremel to get them to let go. Also, you'll most likely have to grind off the gasket as it will be rusted to the flange.

 

On mine, I usually just take it to an exhaust shop and can have them put the new in for me for $25. Most O2 are so burnt, I cant get them off. Exhaust shops can have it done if in a few minutes. Got to have the part for them and it just plugs in. May need to clear the code after they put it in. Just unplug the battery for a minute or so.

 

great idea, wish i ahd done that with that last few ive replaced.


I've had alot of luck with sea foam lube, stuff works wonders best i've ever used. Is more of a foam than a liquid and seem to work much better/faster then pb, wd 40, ect

 

OR>......


get a header and install it with the new O2 sensor...and lots of anti-seize

BTW if you are not in the rust belt,, like Cali or Arizna, its not a hard job at all

 

just did my o2 sensor yesterday, looked like complete s**t but surprisingly I was able to get the two nuts off with just a ratcheting wrench. Easy enough to install after that, just unscrew the 3-4 bolts on door sill cover then reach your hand under the carpet and unplug it.

My runner purs now, gas mileage is up and it has power again when it's warmed up(o2 sensor giving false readings in closed loop i presumed).

 

Ok so since I need my truck to get to work and asking my mechanic how much he would charge me to replace the 02 sensor and he told me 20 bucks I just let him do it , brought him the aftermarket sensor I bought from denso since toyota no longer makes or stocks the correct sensor that matches my vin. Number anyway he had it replaced in about 15
min. And reset the check engine light , now she idles very smooth , just need
to see if I get better gas milage , however after about 5 min. Of driven my check engine light went back on so need to go back to mechanic to see what the problem is now