Replacing Oxygen Sensor.

I'm going to try and replace my O2 sensor that came up bad during
diagnostics, and my tabs are already expired. I understand there are
two O2 sensors on my model: Honda Accord 98 EX 4Cyc Vtec.

Is this something the average joe can locate and replace, or do I need
to take in into the shop?

Many thanks,

--TJ

 

One sensor is upstream of the cat converter (= pre cat); the
other is downstream (= post cat). Find out which one it is.
Then look at parts drawings at bkhondaparts.com to help find
it.

On many Hondas these are easy to replace. You can borrow an
Oxygen sensor wrench from Autozone for a returnable deposit.
I recommend doing so. Also, buy a can of the penetrating oil
"PB Blaster" at Autozone or Wal-Mart or similar. Soak the
threads region of the O2 sensor for an hour before trying to
remove it. It might help if the auto is a little warm when
you actually try to unscrew the sensor. Be careful not to
burn yourself.

Best prices I have found for OEM O2 sensors:
automedicsupply.com . Cost you about $170 for the pre cat.
$75 for post cat. Ball park.

Only buy OEM for this part.

 

I can't find a diagram of an O2 sensor on their website, maybe using a
different term?

--TJ

 

After putting your car's identifying info in at
www.bkhondaparts.com , do a "list all." Click on "exhaust
manifold." The pre cat one appears. Click on "exhaust pipe"
for the post cat one.

These sites are a little tricky to navigate at first.
Persist.

 

Found it.

 

Another option, go to the Parts Dept. at your local Honda dealer, have
them look up your part and ask the guy/gal to print out that page. I've
done this a couple of times and the printouts have good resolution.

 

Do you know how many Honda dealer parts departments now
provide illustrations free online?

bkhondaparts.com is likely one of dozens or even hundreds at
this point.

 

Right, but the printouts have better resolution in my experience.

 

At some online sites, the resolution is indeed poor. At
others, it's good. I would not count on dealer parts
printouts to necessarily be superior.

 

Based on my experience, so far, so good. I tossed it out as an option,
not a directive.

 

Good news. I purchased an O2 sensor off of EBAY for really cheap
(new), loaned the tool out from Auto Zone, jacked up the car, and
replaced the O2 sensor near the front passenger tire. Total time: 10
minutes.

The check engine light is now gone, and I'm looking forward to passing
my emissions, since my tabs have expired.

Thanks everybody!

 

OK this is frustrating! Again, the check engine light came on. This
has been consistent since I've owned the car. The light will go away
for a period of time, but then again come back. It's almost like it's
misreading the O2 sensor? Maybe I replaced the wrong one? If I
disconnect the battery, I'm sure the light will go away again, this
time it took longer to come back on. Last time this happened, I was
able to pass emissions since the light didn't come on until I left the
emissions.

--TJ

 

what is the code number?

 

I'll have to have that checked out tomorrow.

 

Good news, I guess you replaced the pre-cat sensor.

 

make sure you use oem like denso i am so cheap and this is the only
way i go as much as i hate to

stay away from bosch unless you want more error codes

also the ULEV 4cyl has a different o2 sensor more $$$ make sure you
know exactly which vtec engine you have or more wasted $$$$

most times the o2 on the maniford goes (pre cat) but you really need
to know what code the computer id kicking out to say for sure

last tip make sure no anti sieze gets on the o2 tip when you install

 

So, does this mean that both of O2 sensors have gone bad?

Thanks,

--JP

 

that's why you need the code - without it, you're wasting time and
money. you can get it read free at many of the local auto parts
retailers. or you can buy your own code reader for as little as ~$60.

 

OK, so the sensor located after the catalytic converter is in the
front?

 

what is the code?