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Changing O2 Sensors in a 97


Kaos

Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
21
Vehicle Year
1997
Transmission
Manual
I'm thinking about changing out the O2 sensors in my 97 to try and fix some engine problems I'm having. From the research I have done it seems that I have to heat up the sleeve the sensor is in to remove it from the exhaust pipe. Before I attempt this I would like to hear from those that have changed theirs out. Is it as simple as heating up the sleeve, sliding the old sensor out, and install a new sensor? Is there anything else I need to know/do? TIA.
 
I just used a wrench and pb blaster. Twisted them out. I suppose if there rusted on there you might need heat

After recently having tons of idle problems, I suggest you do your 02 sensors.
 
I just used a wrench and pb blaster. Twisted them out. I suppose if there rusted on there you might need heat

After recently having tons of idle problems, I suggest you do your 02 sensors.

Yep, that's one of the things I'm having trouble w/ (idle). I have been chasing a couple of problems for a while. It idles rough and when going down the road you can feel the engine constantly adjusting (feels like it's missing). First I started w/ a tune up (it was time). It got better but still didn't go away. Next, I took it to a couple of mechanics (friend and family) and they thought my problems could be a number of things. We replaced some hoses (don't remember which ones) and again it got better but didn't go away. Next the head gaskets were replaced and again it got better but didn't go away. A few weeks ago I cleaned the MAF as instructed by the article on this site. At first I thought my problem was gone, but it came back. It's done that before. So now I'm thinking it's my O2 sensors. If that doesn't fix it then I'm out of ideas....for now. This is a beater truck that doesn't get driven often. As long as it runs I'm fine, but as I get time I try to tinker w/ it to fix the problems.
 
My truck had a very unresponsive throttle. touch the gas and it would jump up then sit there till you took off. I replaced one of the sensors. It got better. Unplugged the other and it runs like a champ. My engine has 300k on it. All original. I replaced maf. Iac. Tps. Fpr. My fuel pressure regulator was clogged like no other. Also replaced the fuel pump. After every thing I changed it got better and better.

Over all the o2 sensors did the most.

Although they only work after the engine warms up.

When I got my truck the 02 sensors were unplugged. Now I know why. It wwas easier to unplug them than replace them. Sometimes this works other times it doesn't.

Try unplugging yours and see how it affects the rig
 
My truck had a very unresponsive throttle. touch the gas and it would jump up then sit there till you took off. I replaced one of the sensors. It got better. Unplugged the other and it runs like a champ. My engine has 300k on it. All original. I replaced maf. Iac. Tps. Fpr. My fuel pressure regulator was clogged like no other. Also replaced the fuel pump. After every thing I changed it got better and better.

Over all the o2 sensors did the most.

Although they only work after the engine warms up.

When I got my truck the 02 sensors were unplugged. Now I know why. It wwas easier to unplug them than replace them. Sometimes this works other times it doesn't.

Try unplugging yours and see how it affects the rig

I will, thanks for the tip.
 
I unplugged all 3 sensors and now the truck is running much better. It's done this before w/ other fixes so I'm not completely sure, but think I am definitely going in the right direction. I will leave them unplugged for a few days and see how it does. If everything is still fine then it looks like I will be replacing some O2 sensors.
 
If they are in there good they can be a pain to remove. If they are in there good and you are dumb enough to remove the pipe before breaking them loose they are even harder.


I suggest getting an actual O2 sensor socket.
 
I may be wrong but the downstream 02 sensor (after the cat) doesn't really do much except basically regulate emissions crap? If so then it may not be worth while for you to replace that one. I mean there 70$ a piece here. I know my 94 doesn't have a down stream.
 
I may be wrong but the downstream 02 sensor (after the cat) doesn't really do much except basically regulate emissions crap? If so then it may not be worth while for you to replace that one. I mean there 70$ a piece here. I know my 94 doesn't have a down stream.

Downstream sensor is really just to make sure the cats are working properly.
 
If they are in there good they can be a pain to remove. If they are in there good and you are dumb enough to remove the pipe before breaking them loose they are even harder.


I suggest getting an actual O2 sensor socket.

Yeah, I was thinking removal would be fun. It's pretty crusty down there.

I may get the socket just because I like tools but I was thinking of trying a wrench first. If that doesn't work any reason I can't just chop the wire lead off at the sensor and use a deep socket?
 
Downstream sensor is really just to make sure the cats are working properly.

Would there be any problems w/ not replacing that one, or at least waiting to do it?
 
I wouldn't bother replacing the downstream unless you have actual codes for cat efficiency or O2S12 heater issues.
 

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