O2 Sensor Fault - Can Anyone Advise Please?

[Dave MacLeod]

Hi everyone I could do with some advice please.

I have an old but generally reliable 2002 1.8 VVT-i Avensis which recently had exhaust cat. converter replaced for it's MOT.

I shortly after developed an yellow engine warning fault light which I checked out with a OBD 11 reader. The fault code output was P0155 -'O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 2 sensor 1'.

I contacted the garage, who had repaired the exhaust for the MOT, and was quoted £150 to repair the fault. To me this seems expensive and money is quite tight for me at the moment and was wondering if it is feasible to do the job myself? I am reasonably practical and have access to tools, multimeter etc..

I was thinking of buying one of these replacement sensors:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-AVENSIS-1-8-DENSO-LAMBDA-OXYGEN-O2-SENSOR-10-2000-02-2003-/281061541225?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Cars+Year%3A2002%7CCar+Make%3AToyota%7CCars+Type%3A1.8+VVT-i%7CPlat_Gen%3A_T22_%7CModel%3AAvensis+Liftback&hash=item417092c569

and fitting it myself.

My questions are:
1. Is fitting a new sensor relatively straightforward or should I leave it to the garage?
2.. Where exactly is the failed sensor physically located?

3.. Do I need a special tool to remove and install the O2 sensor?

4. Is the cable run from the sensor to connection socket difficult?

5. Is that eBay sensor I found a reasonable choice?
6.. Any other issues I should be aware of?

I am time rich and money poor so any help would be greatly received.
Many Thanks in advance.
Dave

[branni908]

Hi, fitting a new sensor is relatively straight forward, bank2 sensor1 is located on the top right hand side of the exhaust manifold as seen when standing in front of car facing engine,(passsenger side). you can buy a o2 sensor socket from a autostore which is basically a socket with a bit out of the side of it to allow you to fit over the cable,the connection is quite simple just pinch and pull,if tight use a flat blade screwdriver to ease it free, access to connection is good, I landed lucky and got a sensor from an accident damaged avensis which ran ok so i was able to test with code reader to see if it was showing a fault, £10.00 from breaker lol ,once fitted reset with code reader and you should be good to go...

[Dave MacLeod]

Thanks very much branni908 that is really helpful information. If it is that straightforward I may give the breakers a try myself.
Was it a breakers local to you or was it an on-line one? (If on-line any chance of a link please? :) )

PS are Toyota 2002 Avensis O2 sensor wiring connectors a particular standard e.g. round, square etc (I have no idea myself ! )

Thanks again for your help I really appreciate it and if anyone else has anything further to add please do so. :)

[branni908]

Hi again, the 02 sensor connection is more of a square shape, on my car the connector for bank2 sensor1 is black whilst the sensor on the drivers side has a grey connector, the breakers yard i got mine from was a local one to me, not online im afraid.....

[Dave MacLeod]

Thanks again for your help - good to know O2 connector shape/colour very useful.
I will do some further investigating! :)

[waqar_lionheart]

Hi Dave,

having changed mine earlier in the year, my both banks were out. I am going to say that I wouldnt give a penny to a mechanic. I bought a draper 22mm socket, its called O2 sensor socket. I think it was £8.00 only. I disconnected the sensor, the wire is easily tracked, bank 1 sensor 1 plug is dead easy to take it as its right up to top at rocker cover level. take that off, unscrew the o2 sensor using proper tools, make sure when !Removed! new one in, you use some antilock grease for future ease and job is a good'un.

Regards,

Waqar

[Dave MacLeod]

Thanks Waqar I appreciate your input. I think mechanics seem to make easy money out of changing these O2 sensors.
I will get one of those draper tools you mentioned and source a replacement O2 sensor and give it a go. Thanks again for your encouragement, :)

[waqar_lionheart]

I got the draper socket from Amazon. I am posting the link below. It appears these are now cheaper than before.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=o2%20sensor%20socket&sprefix=o2+sensor+soc%2Caps%2C230&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ao2%20sensor%20socket

Regards,

Waqar

[Dave MacLeod]

Thanks Waqar - that is useful. I think I will invest... :)