Highlander 02 Oxygen Sensor replace

dealyb · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 03:25 PM

Hi all,
I had the dreaded CEL come on a while back and it was diagnosed as
O2 sensor needed replacing. Well, i waited awhile because I couldnt
believe they want like 300+ to replace a sensor at the dealer.
but eventually being busy I decided to knuckle under and pay.

Codes are : p014102 and p016102
which toyota says are: bank 1 and 2 sensor 2 (on each)

So i went back and now they say, "uh oh, now 2 sensors are bad 750.00
to fix..." (man!) the car is running fine (its the back sensors which i think
monitor the catalytic converter.) so... now I am motivated to change
them myself. Questions I have are: it looks like they are pretty accessible
and from what I can see, its just the sensor, a gasket, and some nuts.

so is there any hidden difficulty other than the mandatory scraping of the
knuckles on old rusted bolts? This seems like it could be a 10 minute job
per side. (what an optimist!)
I would love to hear from anyone who has done this.
I am inclined to use sensors that come with the connectors
(although more expensive it looks like).

and i wonder if its so easy, why do they charge so much?
any advice on this topic welcome.

thanks!
Brian

02 highlander 4cyl 2WD (69K miles)

lakergrad · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2006, 10:12 PM

Interested in this as well. MY CEL just came on, truck runs fine, and I'm betting this is going to be the issue......

Also, anyone know if the AutoZone type retailers will pull the CEL codes for free? Heard that possibility recently.....

Thanks!

ddvk · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2006, 10:37 PM

Replacing O2 sensors is definetly a DIY job.

Buy the sensors from NGK Spark plug, NGK Spark Plug wire, NGK Platinum Spark plug for High Performance and Racing. and replace them by renting the special O2 removal tool from local autostores like Kragen, Autozone etc.

I did it sometime back on my max, it should be real easy on the highlander since the ground clearance is abundant.... No need to jack etc!

LifeTech · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006, 01:12 PM

someone correct me if i'm wrong!

These are definitely emission control components which I deem warranted by Toyota for I believe 80K miles????

Heard many a dealer charging for these yet many were under warranty. But if yu pay the dealer first hand your recourse aside from litigation or Toyota mediation is next to 0%. Please verify what I'm saying before yu drop some coin needlessly.

I know they are easily changed, but why pay if toyota must eat the parts and labor.

lt

carnac · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2006, 09:27 PM

I would like to help you with you problem, but you don't have your codes right. All engine diagnostic codes start with p and are followed by four digits.The chances of losing two o2 sensors at the same time is slim unless you have riding around with your ck. engine light on for a long time.

dealyb · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006, 05:39 PM

doh, you are right carnac, i was typing what I saw on the toyota diag page i have and it said codes P0141 O2 Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2
and P0161 o2 Sensor bank 2 sensor 2
I mistakenly types the O2 on the end when is fact it was Ohhh Two
not Zero Two....

so the codes are P141 and P161 and yes, it was a little while as I mentioned before I was ready to fix it, so yeah, probably the 2nd one went after I had it first diagnosed.

Also I checked with my dealer and they said the highlander is covered
3 years or 50K miles. as opposed to the tundra which goes to 80K miles.

any advice appreciated.
thanks again.
Brian

dealyb · #7 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 04:51 PM

A followup. I got the ODBI scanner and went to pep boys and got the
bosch o2 sensors (the ones for the back sensors, which are actually
down in the front of the engine on the manifold-looking thing at the
bottom of the car. I also got the wrench from pep boys for the job.
it was a o2 sensor socket wrench and cost me about 20.00.

the sensors were about 70.00 each. and were the 4 wire universal kind.
I was hestitant about splicing but it was easy once you figure out the color code from the instructions.

I needed to remove a plastic shield at the bottom for easier access
with the socket wrench, but that was only about 8 bolts. and it came out
easy. the sensors are like spark plugs with wires sticking out and are
easy to remove (in my case). I was done in about 90 minutes and I took
my time splicing the wires.) then I used the ODBI sensor to erase the codes and I have been problem-free since then.

results:
cost was 40$ for ODBI sensor, 20$ for wrench and 140$ for 2 sensors
total of 200.00 versus $750 toyota was quoting me.

you can find cheaper replacements elsewhere i think, but this is how it went for me.

Oh and i bought the haynes manual for it, but it wasnt that useful for this job. i hope this helps!
Brian

ddvk · #8 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 05:43 PM

Way to go!!! Saved $450

dealyb · #9 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddvk

Way to go!!! Saved $450

550!!!!

ddvk · #10 (**permalink**) 01-10-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dealyb

550!!!!

Thanks for correcting my math .. I am loosing the edge.

I always believed replacing O2s are a DIY job. Get the right tools and the sensors and with a bit of anti-sieze you are done and don't have to think about it for 60K-80K miles!!!

toobroke · #11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2007, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddvk

Thanks for correcting my math .. I am loosing the edge.

I always believed replacing O2s are a DIY job. Get the right tools and the sensors and with a bit of anti-sieze you are done and don't have to think about it for 60K-80K miles!!!

Wait a minute, you made money!

rtboutte · #12 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:25 PM

Hey all,

My Highlander has just over 112k miles on it and I've been through 2 catalytic converters, 4 - yes 4 O2 sensors which is about to be 6. I noticed someone else posted that Bosch has o2 sensors that will fit my highlander. That's great news because I HATE to call Toyota for parts. Long live aftermarket if it's good quality...

I also have a question - is there a heat issue with the upstream (top) O2 sensors? I'm asking because I'm trying to figure out why the threads are stripped on both of them when I was finally able to get them out. I figure it's either bad/evil mechanics or heat expansion/fatigue.

Todd

varambler_03 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 12:51 PM

I had a 2001 tundra with the same problem. Try taking both senors out and cleaning the tips off,carbon build up on them will give a false reading,making the ck engine light come on...

LifeTech · #14 (**permalink**) 10-21-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnac

I would like to help you with you problem, but you don't have your codes right. All engine diagnostic codes start with p and are followed by four digits.The chances of losing two o2 sensors at the same time is slim unless you have riding around with your ck. engine light on for a long time.

I agree with the above post.

LT