O2 sensor.

The check engine light is on due to the O2 sensor. This is according to the Auto Zone gadget.
Any info or opinion on just letting it go, or take it to the local mechanic to replace? I'm beginning to think about electrical tape to fix it...lol.
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Do you have a 4 or 6 cyl? You replace in pairs if it's the 6.

I replaced my sensors recently after chasing down a rough idle and mpg loss. Rock Auto has Denso (OE manufacturer) for the best price you will find. My advice is to soak the threads in PB or other penetrating lube everyday, for 3 days before. If they strip, this simple job turns into a PITA. Get a sensor removal tool and thread chaser before attempting. Don't skimp on quality when it comes to the sensors or the tools to change them out.

 

Thing to remember a few different things can trip the code besides the sensor .

Depending just what code you had .

I am guessing you don`t have Emissions Inspection where you live.

 

6 cylinder. And no emissions issues.

 

Thank you for the info and replies. Dumb question alert...or two. There seem to be two sensors?? If so, do I need to replace both?

 

What was the code? The code should tell you which sensor it is.

I had a P0136 code which was for a bad rear O2 sensor. Only use Denso sensors too btw, there are other brands out there that are cheaper but they will almost be guaranteed to not work well. Toyotas only like Denso sensors.

 

You have 2 sensors in each manifold, for a total of 4. The 2 upstream sensors (before the catalytic converters) are air/fuel sensors. These are important in adjusting fuel trim. After the catalytic converters, but before the resonators, are O2 sensors and they are there just to ensure the catalytic converters are functioning properly.

To figure out which sensor is bad, you will need a code reader. Bank 1 is the side with the forward most cylinder, which I think is the passenger side on the 1GR engine. Bank 2 is the other. Sensor 1 is upstream of the cat and sensor 2 is after the cat. The code will translate to: "Bank x sensor x".

It is recommended to replace both upstreams or both downstream at the same time. I would make sure to replace both A/F sensors if one goes bad. The downstream sensors are not going to affect engine performance so long as they work. You could just replace the broken sensor but it's a good idea to do both since it might be indicative that the other one will go out soon.

 

I did not get the code info. I was just told it was the O2 sensor. I'll go back and get code. Thank you.

 

Thank you. I didn't get the code. I'll return and get it retested.

 

You can look the code up online when you get it.

 

Thank you Nix