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I recently got a Check Engine light with a code P0051 which an internet search described as a Bank 2 (passenger side), sensor #1 (exhaust manifold) oxygen sensor failure. P0031 would have been the driver side.
I ordered a new Denso sensor from an internet site for about $115 plus shipping, plus a short 22mm sensor socket, and bought a can of PB blaster from a local parts store.
I put the front wheels on ramps, crawled underneath and ran into a show stopper: I couldn't disconnect the electric connector because it seemed to require 2 hands in a place where there was barely room for one. A question on this forum gave me the answer. Here is the replacement procedure:
1: Get a replacement Denso sensor (they make the OEM part), a 22mm sensor socket (the low profile one works best), PB blaster.
2: Put the front wheels on ramps, blocks. Put truck in park, set the hand brake, use jack stands if you're not using a ramp.
3: From underneath the truck, locate the sensor at the back of the exhaust manifold, spray liberally with PB Blaster, and follow the wires to the electric connector on the engine block.
4: Usually, you press on the release tab on the back of the female socket (the part fastened to the engine block) and pull the male connector out with the other hand. There is not room for two hands and the release tab is too difficult to reach. The solution is use a medium to small screw driver, place it inside the connection so that it raises the release tab. The tension should hold it in place while you grab the wires below the connection and pull gently. The connection should come apart. If not, try a slightly thicker screw driver to lift the tab more and wiggle the wires back and forth as you pull. It really doesn't take a lot of effort.
5: If you don't have a code reader to clear the code with, disconnect the negative battery terminal so the ECU will reset and clear the code.
6: After the PB Blaster has soaked in for about an hour, start the engine and let it run for a minute to warm the manifold and sensor.
7: Use the sensor socket (slotted for the wires to fit through) to remove the old sensor. Be careful when it comes out as it will be hot.
8: The new sensor should have come with anti-seize (if not, get some). Spread liberally on the threads, hand thread into the manifold, use the sensor socket to snug it down, and reconnect to the female socket. Tug gently to ensure connector has snapped into place.
9: Use a code reader to clear the code and take it for a test drive.
I recently got a Check Engine light with a code P0051 which an internet search described as a Bank 2 (passenger side), sensor #1 (exhaust manifold) oxygen sensor failure. P0031 would have been the driver side.
I ordered a new Denso sensor from an internet site for about $115 plus shipping, plus a short 22mm sensor socket, and bought a can of PB blaster from a local parts store.
I put the front wheels on ramps, crawled underneath and ran into a show stopper: I couldn't disconnect the electric connector because it seemed to require 2 hands in a place where there was barely room for one. A question on this forum gave me the answer. Here is the replacement procedure:
1: Get a replacement Denso sensor (they make the OEM part), a 22mm sensor socket (the low profile one works best), PB blaster.
2: Put the front wheels on ramps, blocks. Put truck in park, set the hand brake, use jack stands if you're not using a ramp.
3: From underneath the truck, locate the sensor at the back of the exhaust manifold, spray liberally with PB Blaster, and follow the wires to the electric connector on the engine block.
4: Usually, you press on the release tab on the back of the female socket (the part fastened to the engine block) and pull the male connector out with the other hand. There is not room for two hands and the release tab is too difficult to reach. The solution is use a medium to small screw driver, place it inside the connection so that it raises the release tab. The tension should hold it in place while you grab the wires below the connection and pull gently. The connection should come apart. If not, try a slightly thicker screw driver to lift the tab more and wiggle the wires back and forth as you pull. It really doesn't take a lot of effort.
5: If you don't have a code reader to clear the code with, disconnect the negative battery terminal so the ECU will reset and clear the code.
6: After the PB Blaster has soaked in for about an hour, start the engine and let it run for a minute to warm the manifold and sensor.
7: Use the sensor socket (slotted for the wires to fit through) to remove the old sensor. Be careful when it comes out as it will be hot.
8: The new sensor should have come with anti-seize (if not, get some). Spread liberally on the threads, hand thread into the manifold, use the sensor socket to snug it down, and reconnect to the female socket. Tug gently to ensure connector has snapped into place.
9: Use a code reader to clear the code and take it for a test drive.
