I have a 2007 Kia Spectra5 with 66,000 miles and about a month ago my check engine light came on with the error "Bank 1, Sensor 2" oxygen sensor. This is the downstream O2 sensor, which the guy at Advance told me is easier to replace than the upstream one. Anyone have any experience with replacing an O2 sensor? I figure if it's not impossibly difficult, we can do it ourselves and save labor costs.

10/15/2010 6:15:42 PM

it is probably located right ahead of the catalytic converter. shouldnt be hard at all to replace. you'll need an O2 sensor socket (you can get one at sears) and PB blaster (may not be necessary on a car that new). jack up the car, follow the exhaust towards the front of the car and you'll see the O2 sensor (it has an electrical wire going to it).

10/15/2010 7:43:17 PM

Don't order the sensor from Advance, it'll likely be way overpriced. I recommend rockauto.com. I believe Denso is the original manufacturer, so I would go with the Denso part ($67.79). Borrow an o2 sensor socket from advance/auto zone. Get under the car, unplug and remove old one. Put anti-seize on threads of new one (should come with the sensor) and install it. Get codes cleared at Advance/auto zone. Profit.

Or give me 20 bucks and I'll do it.

10/15/2010 9:15:39 PM

it may be stuck in there pretty good

10/15/2010 10:42:03 PM

Quote :

"it is probably located right ahead of the catalytic converter"

that would be the UPSTREAM sensor

10/16/2010 11:44:05 PM

If you have a 7/8" or 22mm open ended wrench, you might be able to change it...if you don't round the corners off of the nut part of the sensor. You need an oxygen sensor socket to take it out. You can get the socket usually for about 10 bucks at any auto parts store.

10/17/2010 5:02:10 AM

I have changed hundreds of O2 sensors, never needed a special socket but once, on a '78 Lincoln.

10/17/2010 9:18:28 PM

i've only done a couple, but i've also never used an O2 sensor socket.

10/17/2010 10:24:43 PM

They're a lifesaver on upstream sensors that come through the manifold heat shield.

10/18/2010 3:25:04 AM

Thanks for the advice; went ahead and returned the sensor to Advance (it's a Bosch and the EXACT SAME ONE is like $60 at partsgeek). I'll order that or the Denso today. If I still lived in Raleigh I'd just call one of you guys but alas, I'm in Massachusetts, so I'll have to sweet talk the husband into helping.

10/18/2010 3:09:36 PM