When you replace your O2 sensors use genuine toyota parts. I learned this the hard way.I tried to save a couple bucks by buying a universal and splicing on my connector.After pullling out what was left of my hair and testing every possible option I took it to a toy mechanic. He ended up replacing the sensor with an oem unit and voila , I was in business.I may have learned the hard way,but at least I learned

 

Not all aftermarket sensors are splice in jobs. I bought an "aftermarket" O2 sensor at Carquest and it had the factory style connector to plug it in.

I don't remember exactly what the deal was, but there were two kinds offered. One was a cheaper splice it yourself job and the other kind was a plug and play deal. The plug and play style was more expensive, however, it was still way cheaper than what the dealer wanted for one.

 

I am right now in the middle of changing from an aftermarket sensor to a toyota one. I had the option of a toyota one for $140 or an aftermarket splice for $70, I've done a bit of electrical work so I went with what I thought to be the obvious choice, the $70. Well I have now bought two of those thinking maybe the first was just a factory reject, and now I have to save to get my hands on a Yota one.. Damn the luck.

 

Yes, we have all learned this lesson. Toyota is VERY proud of it's parts. It likes us to buy their parts. However, I must admit, they are very GOOD parts.

 

I went to Schucks to replace my O2 sensors on my 94 and I noticed how much the "aftermarket" ones looked like OEM ones. I looked carefully at the engravings on the base of the sensor and found that they were indeed OEM O2 sensors. I think that it had something to do with the Kalifornia emissions on my truck. So it is not always true that you have to go to the dealer to get OEM parts.

 

I can't believe you guys have to pay $140 for an O2 sensor, I got mine for $89.xx out the door at my dealer, had it installed in about 10 minutes and I was good to go.

And yes, I totally agree...always go OEM!

Fink

 

Some people have had good luck with the aftermarket ones but I myself always use OEMs. I would never recommend the splice yourself type, always use the aftermarket ones with the correct connector already attached if you are going to try to go that route.

 

how long should an o2 sensor last and what are some signs it has failed? Im looking to change it soon to see if its the culprit in my low mileage.

 

If I'm not mistaken, the computer should throw a code if your O2 sensors go out.

 

I changed mine out a bit back and picked up a style that uses butt connects with the old plug. Its denso, not the bosch one that everyone seems to be having the problems with.....I picked it up online at http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_app.asp ....it works great, only took a few min. to put in and they have instructions on how to do everything that come with the sensor. Sorry, I just couldn't handle spending the cash they wanted at the dealership here.

 

Used to be you had to change the O2 sensor every 50 to 60K miles as it slowly degrades in performance. I used two universal splice in jobs on my engine and have had no problems at all.

 

My dealer wants 163 dollars for a fopward oem o2 sensor!! That is highway robbery!!

I have done everything to my truck except the in depth stuff to try to improve my gas mileage. I have the following left to do:

Fuel Filter
Spark plugs/wires
O2 sensor

I plan to tackle them in that order, however I do not know how to access the O2 sensor as I have never done anything with that part before. Is there a write-up that anyone knows of or any pictures that would describe or show where this part is located and how to access it?

As long as we are at it...any other tips for improving gas mileage?