Oxygen sensor replacement problems

[jschwartz6]

Hello,

I recently noticed the engine choking up a bit during idle, and soon the check engine light came on. I took it in and the oxygen sensor is bad. Asked for them to replace it but they said that they couldn't get it off without breaking the manifold. So they say their only option is to replace the manifold assembly including the catalytic converter. I'm going to take it to another mechanic early in the week to see if they can do it, but I'm wondering, has anyone had this sort of issue before?

Thanks.

 

[Vasy]

Yes.
And yes, take it to a better mechanic. Mine was fused and the shop broke a $150 socket taking it out the "normal way", but that has life time warranty so I did not have to cover it.
After I left and came back next day as it was not going to be a 10 minute job as originally thought.
Mechanic said a few choice words the next day but in two hours he did managed to take it out with wd40, drills, sweat and swearing but damaged the thread.
He re-threaded it, put a new sensor and I never had issues after.

 

[Robotazky]

A real mechanic will not resort to replacing parts because they have to work to get a job done.

If for no other reason, find someone else just to keep from paying a lazy amateur.

 

[jschwartz6]

Thanks for the feedback. I have an appointment with a different shop (my usual one actually) tomorrow so here's hoping it goes well.

 

[jschwartz6]

So the problem was actually the canister purge valve usually failing to close, which still triggered the O2 sensor code. I hadn't heard of the canister purge valve before but I had noticed that my car was running lean, and I read that a failed O2 sensor makes the car run rich. Something seemed fishy and this explains it.

 

[Robotazky]

Problem solved?

 

[Swenny]

I had to replace my upstream oxygen sensor also. I read after the fact that you want to overtighten the sensor about 1/4 turn to break the lock, then undo it and supposedly that will work. I sheared off the old threads when I did mine. It was ridiculous

 

[jschwartz6]

Problem solved?

Yep, sorry, I'm really not active on the forum so I keep forgetting, but yes the problem was solved and it was much cheaper than it could have been.

 

[jschwartz6]

I had to replace my upstream oxygen sensor also. I read after the fact that you want to overtighten the sensor about 1/4 turn to break the lock, then undo it and supposedly that will work. I sheared off the old threads when I did mine. It was ridiculous

That's really good to know; I'll have to remember that when my sensor actually goes. Worth a try, at the very least.