For automobiles that were made in the 1980’s to 1990’s, and were equipped with heated three and four-wire oxygen sensors, it is recommended you replace the part every 65,000 miles. All cars and trucks that were made in the last fifteen years should have their O2 sensors replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles.

Besides, Should I replace both O2 sensors?

Since O2 sensors are so critical to your car’s system, it’s recommended to replace your sensors every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. There are a few signs that will help you know when it’s time to take your vehicle in to have the sensor replaced.

Keeping this in mind, Should I replace the upstream or downstream O2 sensor? It is best to replace O2 sensors in pairs. For example, if you replace the downstream left sensor, you should also replace the downstream right. However, on most vehicles produced since 1996, replacing one sensor (especially the front engine monitoring sensor) will cause the ECU to set a code for the other sensors.

Are all 4 oxygen sensors the same?

Physically, there’s no difference between front and back O2 sensors. They function in the same way, but the vehicle’s computer uses the measurements that they take for different purposes.

Which O2 sensor usually goes bad first?

Which o2 sensor goes bad first? The main o2 sensors go bad first from the crap that flows & burns through them (Gas).

Can you swap upstream and downstream O2 sensors?

Please try again. A: The upstream sensor threads into the pipe coming from the engine, closer to the front of the car, and the downstream sensor threads into the catalytic converter, more toward the rear of the vehicle. They are not interchangeable.

How do I know if I need an upstream or downstream oxygen sensor?

The upstream oxygen sensor is situated before the catalytic converter whereas the downstream oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. … The location of the oxygen sensor is usually identified by position (sensor 1, sensor 2) and by cylinder bank (bank 1, bank 2).

Can I use the same O2 sensor for upstream and downstream?

A: Each vehicle is different in the amount of O2 sensors they have. … A: The upstream sensor threads into the pipe coming from the engine, closer to the front of the car, and the downstream sensor threads into the catalytic converter, more toward the rear of the vehicle. They are not interchangeable.

Which O2 sensor goes bad first upstream or downstream?

The main o2 sensors go bad first from the crap that flows & burns through them (Gas).

Are Bank 1 and Bank 2 O2 sensors the same?

Bank One is always the bank where cylinder number one is located. On the Corvette it will always be the driver side. Bank Two is the passenger side. Sensor 1 on Corvettes is always the sensor that is closest to the exhaust port of the engine.

Are upstream and downstream oxygen sensors the same?

The upstream oxygen sensor is situated before the catalytic converter whereas the downstream oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. The upstream sensor monitors the level of pollutants in the engine’s exhaust and sends this information to the ECU that continuously adjusts the air-fuel ratio.

Are upstream and downstream O2 sensors the same part?

A: Each vehicle is different in the amount of O2 sensors they have. … A: The upstream sensor threads into the pipe coming from the engine, closer to the front of the car, and the downstream sensor threads into the catalytic converter, more toward the rear of the vehicle. They are not interchangeable.

How can you tell which O2 sensor is bad?

To perform the actual test, start the car again and check the voltmeter’s voltage readings. The o2 sensor’s voltage should fluctuate within the 100mV – 900mV (0.10V to 0.90V) range. If it is within this range, the o2 sensor is operating normally and you can stop testing.

What is the difference between bank 1 and bank 2 on O2 sensor?

Brian, the questions I am asked most often about O2 sensors is how do you know what is Bank 1 or Bank 2, which O2 sensor is Sensor 1 or Sensor 2. Bank One is always the bank where cylinder number one is located. … Bank Two is the passenger side.

Will downstream O2 sensor symptoms?

Symptoms of a Bad Oxygen Sensor

Sensors simply report information. … The downstream or diagnostic sensors only monitor the exhaust leaving the catalytic converter and will not cause such an issue. Other symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor include a rough idle, a misfire, and/ or hesitation when trying to accelerate.

Are the upstream and downstream 02 sensors the same?

The upstream oxygen sensor is situated before the catalytic converter whereas the downstream oxygen sensor is located after the catalytic converter. The upstream sensor monitors the level of pollutants in the engine’s exhaust and sends this information to the ECU that continuously adjusts the air-fuel ratio.

Are up and downstream O2 sensors the same?

They both function the same but are different enough that they cannot be swapped. If you need assistance having this checked or repaired, a qualified pro from YourMechanic can come to your location to inspect the system and replace any O2 sensors that are faulty.

What happens if you use the wrong O2 sensor?

If your vehicle has a bad oxygen sensor, it could run irregularly or sound rough when it idles. A faulty oxygen sensor can impact your engine’s timing, combustion intervals, and other essential functions. You could also notice stalling or slow acceleration.

What oxygen sensor do I need?

O2 sensors are mandatory on all cars manufactured since 1981. … In fact, some cars have as many as four oxygen sensors. Cars made in 1996 and after are required to have a second oxygen sensor that is located below the catalytic converter. This O2 sensor monitors the operating efficiency of the catalytic converter.

Is Bank 1 O2 sensor upstream or downstream?

Bank 1 Sensor 1 means Upstream Right/Rear;Bank 2 Sensor 1 means Upstream Left/Front;Bank 1 Sensor 2 means Downstream Right/Rear;Bank 2 Sensor 2 means Downstream Left/Front.

Are all O2 sensors the same size?

Pretty much all of the O2 sensors are 22 mm (7/8″). From the description next to the picture: “Common 6 point, 7/8 in. (22mm) socket fits most oxygen sensors”. … O2 sensors are all pretty much standard in size.

How can you tell which O2 sensor is bad?


Several of the most obvious signs that the oxygen sensor is failing include:

  1. Reduced gas mileage.
  2. A bad smell like rotten eggs coming from the exhaust.
  3. The check engine light comes on.
  4. You notice that your engine idles roughly.
  5. The car is suddenly hard to start.

How can I tell which O2 sensor is bad?


Here are some of the most common signs that your oxygen sensor is bad.

  1. A Glowing Check Engine Light. The bright orange Check Engine light in your dashboard will usually glow if you have a bad oxygen sensor. …
  2. Bad Gas Mileage. …
  3. An Engine That Sounds Rough. …
  4. An Emissions Test Failure. …
  5. An Older Vehicle.