Replacing O2 sensor

My truck is throwing code P0031, Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1.) All I do is unbolt and unplug the old one and replace with the new one correct? Am I able to get at it from under the truck (03 V6 manual) easily or do I have more work ahead of me?

 

should be easy enough to get to. you may wanna get some pb blaster and spray on the threads and let it sit for a little while..........those threads can get kinda rusty and be an ass to get off. you also may wanna get an o2 sensor socket.....they have a slot cut into them so you can get it over the o2 sensor easier............thats only if you dont have one already. other than that........unscrew,unplug, then install the new one.

 

the PB blaster is an excellent idea, esp. if there's rust. but wipe it off before you put the new one in. if it gets in the new sensor it'll hose it.

 

yeah...i shoulda added to clean it off before installing the new one.

 

Thats the sensor from Denso that I'll be getting. Looks like I don't have to screw it in ya? So just spray down the bolts with PB Blaster, unscrew and unplug, wipe off the area that I sprayed down, then drop the new one in and just bolt and plug back in.

Seems simple enough...

 

yup, 1st gens use two bolts to attach it. not sure about 2nd gens.

my haynes suggests you run the engine a little before you break the bolts loose, get the pipe good and warm but not hot enough to burn yourself. guess it helps loosen things.

also from experience you'll want to disconnect the battery for a few minutes after you replace it, or find a OBD scantool and erase the stored code in the ECU.

 

Yes dont plug it in until you install it you dont want to twist the wires.

 

i had a check engine light come on and my mechanic said it was the air fuel sensor and it was bank 1 sensor 1... are we talking about the same thing?

 

Yep, the O2 sensor is the thing that sends the ECU the "contents" of the exhaust so that the ECU can adjust the air/fuel ratio.

 

Ok, should I get Bosch or Denso?

URD has the Denso for ~$185 shipped, and Advance Auto has the Bosch for $205. My parents want me to do it at home (I'm home till Sunday) so I'd have to get the thing shipped, so the Denso from URD would end up costing around $200.

 

OEM is Denso.

Rockauto has them for $146. www.rockauto.com

bought from them several times, even had to return something i screwed up ordering on...never a problem.

 

Oh wow, Rock Auto has the Denso with next day shipping for $160!

 

yer welcome

EDIT: If you can wait a little while RockAuto is constantly sending me 10% off codes, I'd give you one.

 

While I appreciate the offer, you already saved me $40! Plus I found a 5% off coupon online.

Just ordered it for $154 with overnight shipping. Lucy, you ROCK!

 

Here's a writeup. I took the shifter boots off (manual) to get to the wiring.

http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/O2Replacement/02Replacement.html

 

DO NOT try the wire/paper clip to get the code(s) that page talks about on an 03. That only works on OBD-I vehicles. You'll fry something on the OBD-II vehicles (95 and up on Toyota).

 

Should I reset my CEL before or after replacing the O2 sensor?

 

after.

 

I did it on my 96 and it worked

 

While you are working on the truck - you should have the battery disconnected anyway. Just by having the battery disconnected and changing the 02 sensor - the CEL shouldn't be on when you're finished.