2004 oxygen sensor replacement

My 2004 Tacoma 6 cyl. (manual trans) check engine light is on. Guy at Autozone hooked up the computer and said it was likely a bad oxygen sensor. I forgot to write down the specific code (duh) and it was a bit vague but he seemed pretty sure it was the O2 sensor.
I'm pretty strapped for cash and wondering if this is an easy part swap job or if I should take it to my trusted mechanic. My personal mechanic abilities are limited to experience. Oil changes, basic part changing etc. but I have taken apart the carbs on my Honda outboard motor with guidance so if I get good advice I can take it to the next level I think.
I disconnected the battery and the check engine light came back on within a few hours of doing that. Truck runs fine. 102k miles, got it used in 2008 and has been trouble free.
Appreciate the help, folks.

 

If you can do a basic oil change.....you can do a O2 sensor. Make sure you soak the old sensor in some kind of penetrating oil ( PB Blaster) for a while. Do not use a 12 point wrench/socket. Only 6 point.

 

Your first mistake was going to autozone for help. Your second mistake was listening to the person working there.

Going to work on your own car? You need to first invest in proper tools.

 

If you soak the sensor in anything, you are going to destroy it.

Read this:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/addressing-some-common-misnomers-of-the-p0420-code.396763/

 

Did mine a couple years ago (upstream). Pain in the ass getting the wire connector loose.

 

Can't screw up and a bad sensor any worse than it already is. OP don't put anything on the NEW sensor prior to installing.

 

Don't listen to them OP, new sensors need to be sprayed liberally with WD40 prior to installation.

 

You have no idea what the issue is, so you tell someone to spray some random oil on a part that you don't know if is faulty or not.

Stop, just stop. You're not helping by telling people to do dumb shit that will break their truck.

 

ANOTHER p0420 code.

Is this the year of the p0420 code? This is #9 I've seen this past month.

OP I hope you can figure everything out.

 

I should start reselling rear sensors on here. Most of the time the sensor is fine but it gets replaced immediately with no effort to see what is causing the code.

Actually, maybe I'll just open up a Autozone.

 

you should really find a cheap code reader that will tell you these kinds of things. im a fan of the ELM327 and the android torque app. both around 12 bucks total. if that...

it's not the fastest system. not like the $100+ models. but it will give you some very basic information to work with.

 

one note is to definitely use a lot of penetrating fluid on it and let it soak in so you don't strip the threads because the exhaust stuff can get rusted and not want to unscrew.

I like to soak it the day before and then when im ready to change it, I let the exhaust warm up and then after it cools down so you can touch it, I soak it again for an hour or so before undoing it and it comes of easy with no issues.

 

The OP doesn't even know what code the kid at autozone claimed that came up. Even if its O2 sensor related, the sensor may be fine. Other than a check engine light, the OP has not mentioned a anything about anything thats wrong with his truck. Everything may be fine, we know as little as he does at the moment. Its such a pet peeve to see people say "theres a code for part x, lets replace part x"

 

+1. Gotta invest in tools if youre going to work on things yourself. Nothing is free other then what you read here.

 

The years taken off my life from reading this drivel costs me mate. Costs me dearly....

 

Ok then, dont invest in any tools and cry that you dont know anything and have no way of fixing your car, but you dont want to spend anything to have it fixed. Then come to TW to whine that you dont know anything hoping someone will pat you on the head and tell you about how cool 35's would look on their truck that has never been off road.

 

Stop describing 85% of the forum, it's unseemly.

Only part you weren't spot on about was "then come to TW to whine that you dont know anything..."


THEY ALWAYS KNOW EVERYTHING. Even when asking for help..

 

In all seriousness, thanks for putting in the effort to give some spot on advice. You've made this thread your crusty cum cloth; and for that, we thank you.

 

Ok ok.

But seriously, dont tell people to spray WD40 on chemical or electronic sensors. Im assuming you were being sarcastic, and know how the sensor works and what penetrating oil would do to ruin the semi-conductive material.