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Please help me with the Air Fuel ratio sensor

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by L8ight, Feb 15, 2010.

  1. Feb 15, 2010 at 7:36 AM
    #1
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    02 Taco, 4WD, crew cab, auto tranny V6. Hope that narrows it down a bit. My CEL came on a while back. To be sure it wasn't just a loose gas cap, I disconnected the battery and reset it. It did come back, and I've been getting REALLY bad fuel economy. I went from 12-15 to 8-10. With a little over half a tank, I've got about 60 miles on the trip O.D.! :eek:

    So I took it to Autozone for a free scan. Seems I have a bad air fuel ratio sensor. I called Toyota, $215 just for the part! Knowing there's GOTTA be aftermarket stuff for a truck this old, I tried Autozone. The chick that answered couldn't find it. I think I found it here, but now I'm confused.

    http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ca...SearchByPartNumber=&sortType=null&totalPages=[I@1897725&currentPage=1&vehicleNValue=&navValue=15900117&parentId=59-0&fromString=&fromWhere=null&filterByKeyWord=&categoryNValue=&categoryDisplayName=Engine+Management&_requestid=222311

    Does it really matter if I have an automatic? If so, how can I be sure this is the problem? I'd hate to sped $170 on a sensor, another $50-$70 getting installed, only to find out it was something else? Any theories, suggestions?
     
  2. Feb 15, 2010 at 7:41 AM
    #2
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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  3. Feb 15, 2010 at 7:46 AM
    #3
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    Firstly, thank you for the quick response! :D Thank you for the links too, it's why I came here! ;)

    I've helped with O2 sensors on friend's rides. It took a torch, 3 hours and 20 busted knuckles to get the old one out(granted, this was a chevy van). The new one was pretty easy to install. I'm no rookie, but I don't have a shop or garage either. Will I need a torch or an impact tool to get this thing out?
     
  4. Feb 15, 2010 at 7:48 AM
    #4
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    A 12mm wrench (IIRC)
     
  5. Feb 15, 2010 at 8:33 AM
    #5
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    Alrighty, I plan to tackle this little job myself. I took a look under the hood to see how tricky this will be. On the driver's side, I see a mess of wires, the steering linkage, and some other stuff. I think I can see a sensor, but I'm not sure. On the passenger side I can clearly see something that looks just like whats in all the pics I've been looking at. It also appears to be at the leading edge of the cat. Which side is the bank 1 air fuel ratio sensor 1? Driver or passenger? Forgive me, I don't have a chilton's for this thing yet... :eek:
     
  6. Feb 15, 2010 at 8:38 AM
    #6
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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  7. Feb 15, 2010 at 8:39 AM
    #7
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    The FSM for your truck.
     
  8. Feb 15, 2010 at 8:48 AM
    #8
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    Thank you. It appears to be on the driver's side. Is there a way to confirm it?
     
  9. Feb 15, 2010 at 8:52 AM
    #9
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    You only have one AFR so it is the one before your CAT.
     
  10. Feb 15, 2010 at 9:01 AM
    #10
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    Cool, thank you!
     
  11. Feb 20, 2010 at 4:04 AM
    #11
    krlang

    krlang NewEnglander

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    Chrome Bumpers F&R, Grille & Corner Lights, Wheel Skins, Red/Clear LED taillights, Remote start, PDL, Cruise, K&N, All Kenwood, DNX-5120 6.1" NAV/TRAFFIC/DTV/DVD/XM/BLUETOOTH/USB/IPOD/SUB/rear cam, Tint, Air Band radio, Class 3 Hitch with 4/7 pin harness, Transmission Cooler, Red Top Battery, "Deck Plate" mod.
    I got mine for $122 at Amazon, it was a bosch.
     
  12. Feb 20, 2010 at 6:39 AM
    #12
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    Well, now it seems the sensor is actually ok, it's got a loose wire. When the wire gets bumped just right, it throws a code and the CEL comes on. Reset it, the light goes away, and the fuel economy gets better. It even says intermittent connection when we use a scan tool. So I might be able to just fix the wire(I hope) Otherwise, the cheapest I can get the part for(from a place I'm willing to trust to buy it) is $170, then another $50+ for install(I don't have a lift) Thanks for the help guys.
     
  13. Feb 20, 2010 at 6:47 AM
    #13
    shitroc

    shitroc Master of War

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    its not on the driverside, its on the passenger side because thats where the exhaust is, the one before the cat is bank 1 sensor 1. one thing to do to avoid the busted knuckles is start hitting the nuts holding the sensor to the flange with some penetrating fluid every day for a couple days before you plan to remove it. worked for me and no busted knuckles. You dont need a lift to do the install, just crawl underneath the truck, its easy to get at.
     
  14. Feb 20, 2010 at 8:27 AM
    #14
    L8ight

    L8ight [OP] Active Member

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    I may try it. Gotta go dig up my liquid wrench. I've been playing with RC cars, so I haven't needed "Real" tools in a while. hehe

    RTC_92ce844d3651b5b15954827444a14190ee6c88ac.jpg
     
  15. Feb 20, 2010 at 4:52 PM
    #15
    blacontracting

    blacontracting Member

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    Thanks for all the advice Guys.. I have an other twist... I bought an Effie module a year ago and haven't installed it yet when i was working on the HHO system for my truck. I can save my self a bunch of cash in replacing O2 sensors... but what I need to find out is where do the wires from the O2 sensors run to? Of course the computer... but I have no clue.. is it under the dash or under the hood? Has anyone had to locate the wires? Is there a schematic that is downloadable for the wiring.. I have to splice in, then with the module I can adjust the voltage coming back from the O2 sensors to lean out the engine. i have 300,000 kms on my truck, the service enging light is on and I'm getting horrible mileage.. 12 to 13 mile per (imp gallon) Ouch.. if anyone has any advice I'd love to hear about it please. Thanks in advance.
    Brian
     
  16. Feb 21, 2010 at 12:36 PM
    #16
    shitroc

    shitroc Master of War

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  17. Feb 14, 2015 at 12:46 PM
    #17
    bspang

    bspang Member

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    Thanks, shitroc. This write up was good solution for my problem of getting to the AFR sensor plug.

    I got my Tacoma about 5 months ago after putting my 99 XJ on injured reserve. Miss the jeep but this Tacoma is awesome.
     

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