Oxygen Sensor replacement

I have a 1992 V-6 4x4 Xtra-Cab truck. The "Check Engine" light just came on at 230,000 miles. I am convinced by the diagnostic codes that it is the oxygen sensor. Well I am convinced because of the codes and the fact that I have never replaced the sensor. Yes, I did say sensor (singular). This model only has one O2 sensor (in front of the catalytic converter).

I checked the prices for these sensors online. I can get an OEM style Bosch sensor for $100, or a universal type Bosch sensor for $65. I understand that I will have to wire the universal sensor to the old connector. I also understand that the universal type will not have the OEM flange.

My questions are:

1) Is it easy to figure out which sensor wires on a universal replacement sensor match up to the terminals on the connector?

2) Does the flange come of the original sensor for reinstallment on the (new) universal type sensor? Do you need a special wrench to take the flange off?

Is it worth the exttra $35 to get the OEM style sensor or should I save the bucks and go with the universal sensor?

Reply to
crashq
Loading thread data ...

Get the OEM sensor. On the ones I have replaced the flange is part of the sensor and is not removable.

Reply to
Mike

Thanks, I just got my OEM sensor via UPS.

Reply to
crashq

The oxygen sensor is replaced for free in the USA only when the vehicle reaches it's first 80 000 miles regardless of the age & number of owners as stated in the factory owner's manual in the maintenance section,some Toyota dealerships are reluctant to replace it for free if that happens contact the Toyota regional head office for your region where they will give your local dealership 48 hours to comply. On average the oxygen sensors should be replaced every 6 years or 100

000 miles or so which ever comes first as stated in the owner's manual,warranty booklet and factory service manual.

Symptoms of a bad o2 sensor are poor gas mileage,hesistation in acceleration,worse emmissions,and in severe cases after the stat opens the engine can no longer maintain stable 750 rpm (with manual 5 spd tranny) idle and the engine begins to stall.

The 02 sensor is designed to function once the vehicle has warmed up which is about after 10 minutes where the thermostat begins to open at

190 or 195 degrees Ferenheit depending on thermostat then the vehicles ECU system enters what they call a "closed loop system" then the exhaust manifold's temperature reaches 400 degree Ferenheit (I think)that's where the sensor starts to do it's job which is usually when the thermostat first opens up then the oxygen sensor senses the ratio of air to fuel and sends a signal back to the ECU then ECU compensates by increasing or decrease the open time for the fuel injectors to pump fuel.

So usually the problem of stalling shows up after about 10 minutes of driving or so.Many folks think that the o2 sensor is bad but an exhaust leak can cause excess oxygen to enter the exhaust system thereby fooling the sensor into thinking there is too much oxygen,there are other problems that could cause it to give false reading such as a vaccuum leak.

If you discover that the o2 sensor is bad and it is not under warranty then from my/others experience/research purchase an o2 sensor in the following order:

1)Toyota (NipponDenso now called Denso) 2)Denso aftermarket (Same as original but sold aftermarket) 3)NTK (oxygen sensor division of NGK)

Available at:

formatting link
(10% shipping by Fed Ex orfree shipping with $100 & over speak to Roger at 1-888-271-3948
formatting link
Note:Toyota has an organized numbering system which dictates that the first 6 digits of their 10 digit (5 digits-5 digits)part numbers represents the part # and the remaining 4 digits dictate country of origin,color code,trim package and so on not in that order as shown in the free Toyota EPC (electronic parts catalog) download at:

formatting link
(DVD) NGK has a powerfull oxygen cross reference software which cross references their different part #'s into either a single,double,triple or a quad wire o2 sensors so you may find 10 or so different part #'s for your 94 pickup and all you have to do is plug those part #'s into:

formatting link
and see which one is cheaper I think you will find one for as low as $60.The NGK cross reference software is:

formatting link
before you replace the oxygen sensor soak the 14 mm brass nuts with any of these deep penetrating oils several times for several hours:

1)PB Blaster 2)Liquid Wrench 3)Kroil Oil 4)Aero Kroil & Sili Kroil 5)Toyota Rust Penetrant or High Performance Penetrating lube 6)Rust Check

the first ones being the best,also if you decide you need new ones here is the Toyota part for the exhaust manifold (brass)nuts # 90179-10175 (14 mm socket)

Oh yeah,I bought a NTK (NGK) oxygen sensor for my 85 4-Runner and it came with a gasket and a genuine made in Japan black plastic tie wrap I don't know if the Toyota or Denso aftermarket ones come with a gasket but ask them before you buy them.

To clean the throttle body remove the air intake hose and examine the intake and throttle body for excessive carbon build up if found then buy a can of throttle body cleaner labeled "safe on oxygen sensors,TPS's and catalytic converters" do not use carb cleaner make sure your engine is fully warmed up prior to using as when the throttle body is hot it dissolves the carbon easily and quickly. The labels usually specify to park the vehicle at ground level (0 degrees,no inclination) and have the engine running but I disagree I instead park the vehicle on a hill facing down and shut the engine off and hold a rag below the lip of the throttle body and poor the stuff and use a tooth brush.

Sidney=AE =99 Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home E-mail: snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com Dartmouth,Nova Scotia Canada

1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 250 000 KM
Reply to
sidneybek

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.