Hello...

My '97 Runner just popped it's first check engine light, and I'm looking for some help to avoid the $70++ "diagnostic charge" that most mechanics would slap onto the price of repairing this.

What exactly is the check engine light connected to?? I would assume it monitors every sensor in the car, and need some help figuring out which doohickey (technical term) is burned out.

I'm at 70K miles, and the engine runs just fine with the exception of a mild wobbly squeak in the engine after it's been running for about 30-40 minutes. I figure that sound is a pulley wearing out and is probably not related to this idiot light coming on.

Is 70K about the lifetime of the notorious O2 sensor?

Is there a cheap diagnostic monitor I can buy to get the return code that tells me what to replace?

Any other advice???

Many Thanks

BB

 

90% of the time, a CE light is connected with an O2 sensor, or part of the emissions equipment. I'd bet it's your O2 sensor.

 

Take it to Autozone and they will pull the codes FOR FREE.

 

On a 97 I would bet it is the (bank 1, sensor 1) O2 sensor as well.
You must pull the codes to know for sure.

Mine went out at about 80k just as an FYI.

 

Just got back from Auot Zone, and it is indeed the #1 oxygen sensor. Good call Jamie.

NOW......does anyone know of a place where these sensors cost less than $150??? Also....there were 3 different parts listed. One was of course classified as "O.E.", then there was a "flange" type and a screw-in type. Anyone know which one is right???

thx

BB

 

Someone on this board, I forgot exactly who (hopefully they will take credit), pointed me to this website: oxygensensors.com

He told me that you can search for your vehicle, and buy what they have there, or you can just buy their generic sensor. Reason being is, even if you get the one listed for your vehicle, they still use a generic sensor. It just has the plug or adapter that is already on your vehicle. So if you just get the 'universal' sensor, you can use your existing plug, and save $40.

 

another thing you might wanna do is sent a PM over to TOR (hes a member here)...........

he might be able to get you a genuine toyota O2 sensor for a good price.

 

I think it was me... and fwiw, mine is still running swell!

There's also http://www.partznet.com/ which will sell you a real Toyota sensor for about $93 the last time I checked.

 

Yes, I remember now, sorry about that! :pat:

 

No sweat! We all spin a lot of text around here... It's hard to keep track of much of anything!

 

 

black electrical tape covers that light nicely

j/k

 

 

Thanks for all the info guys.

One more question. I was under the beast last night doing an oil change, and I looked at the O2 sensor. The sensor itself looks easy enough to get at and remove, but the wire attached to it goes up over the tranny (5-speed), and I don't see where it goes to. Does that wire disconnect from the sensor so you can just plug-n-chug, or do you have to trace down the wire and replace it too???

Thanks again for all the great advice....

BB

 

On my auto, there's a plug about 10" up the wire from the sensor. That's where you unplug the sensor from.

The new sensor will come with a new pigtail on it, and depending on if you buy an "OEM" or "Generic with OEM plug" or "Generic with no plug" then it'll plug right in. If you end up with a "Generic with no plug" sensor, then you'll pull the old one, fit the original plug onto the pigtail on the new sensor then mount the new sensor and plug it in.

When you mount the new sensor, be sure to check for leaks. This is done by running the engine at about 2000rpm and feeling _AROUND THE _AREA_ of the sensor for air movement. Don't touch the pipe, it'll be hot!

Also, getting the old sensor out could be "fun". Given that you're in Colorado, you may have quite a bit of corrosion on those bolts from the wet and road salt. You'll want to squirt the bolts with PB Blaster, let it sit for a while, and use a deep socket.

 

I know there was some posts a couple of months ago about getting a new 02 sensor @ 80K from the dealer for free, but I don't remember what years it was for. Check your manual in the service section to see if it says anything about it.

 

The free O2 sensor was only for 2nd gens around 80K mi.

 

Great, I am at 76K miles...I cant wait to replace it