Is your engine’s check engine light is blazing like a bright orange inferno? Then the chances are that there could be a bad oxygen sensor. These sensors are highly sensitive and “problem-prone” and can go bad all the time. Going by the experts of the highly appreciated Man Spare Parts Dealer, it is because of the new fuels with a high proportion of ethanol levels that are causing the other parts of the car to malfunction along with the premature failure of O2 sensors. But before you get down straight to the O2 replacement make sure you that this is what the vehicle is trying to say. Because a vehicle’s Check Engine Light (CEL) can possibly mean a lot of things, and there are lots of other parts that could be the culprit. A faulty or failing 02 sensor can lead to,

• Harmful hydrogen emissions
• Carbon monoxide emissions
• Nitrogen oxides emissions
• Increased fuel consumption

In most vehicles replacing an oxygen sensor is a simple and straightforward task that can be carried out using few handy tools and a step-by-step guide. Things you’ll need

• Basic car tools kit
• Jack and Jack stands
• Oxygen sensor socket
• Open-end wrench
• OBD II scan tool
• New oxygen sensor

Steps to Replace an Oxygen Sensor on Your Car Step 1: Before beginning with the 02 replacement, attach the OBD II scan tool to the vehicle and verify that the codes are indicating towards which oxygen sensor. Step 2: Once you are done with the verification, jack up your vehicle on the side- can be top, bottom or side, where the oxygen sensor is located so you can access it easily and secure the sides with jack stands. Step 3: Now access the 02 sensor on the side which will have an electrical connection attached to it. Step 4: Using a flat tip screwdriver disconnect the wiring harness connector attached to the 02 sensor. Step 5: Now, either using an open-end wrench or special oxygen sensor socket, unscrew the 02 sensor off the exhaust pipe. The majority of 02 sensors will take an SAE 7⁄8 inch (2.2 cm) wrench. Step 6: Now compare the old and new 0s sensors to makes sure they both are same in dimension and specifications. Step 7: The way you have removed the 02 sensor, will be used again to reconnect the new 02 sensor. Step 8: Re-attach the wiring harness connector and start the car to make sure everything is fine.