Oxygen Sensor

[johnzoomer]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

[wwest]

Looks as if one of those inexpensive a Costco tool sets would have saved you some serious money........

Enough for a family dinner at Outback anyway.

[johnzoomer]

Looks as if one of those inexpensive a Costco tool sets would have saved you some serious money........

Enough for a family dinner at Outback anyway.

Autozone offered to sell me a special socket that had a place for the wireing for 10 bucks next time I will know better. :cries:

...

[2JZTWIN TURBO]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Do not take your vehicles to AutoZone for diagnosis. Reading the codes can point you in the right direction but doesn't always tell you exactly what part you need. They "Scan" your vehicle because they want to sell parts (inferior aftermarket parts) The employees there are usually little more than trained monkeys. Do you really want to put junk parts on your Lexus sold to you by an unqualified salesman?

[2JZTWIN TURBO]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Suggested list price for that OEM sensor (#89465-50070) is $170.55. Sounds like your dealer is marking parts up a little too much.

[Lexls]

I have a couple tutorials for replacing o2 sensors, they're for 1st gens but the process is similar.

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/EFI/

[Bali26]

I have a couple tutorials for replacing o2 sensors, they're for 1st gens but the process is similar.

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/EFI/

Hi Lexls,

Tutorial says that resistance should be 5.1-6.3 ohms at 68 degrees, and higher resistance is a problem. However, I had no resistance whatsoever at 40 degrees. It just said 0. I was taking the reading (two black wires) with sensor still on the car to check it. Does this mean o2 sensors are shot? Im getting 9 miles a gallon city by the way. No cel or trac light. 91 ls400 170K.

Thanks and great site...

[ono8ono]

I have a couple tutorials for replacing o2 sensors, they're for 1st gens but the process is similar.

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/EFI/

your tutorial says that resistance should be 5.1-6.3 ohms at 68 degrees. are you referring the 68 degrees to the engine temperature? or what temp. you are talking about ? Please help. Thank you.

[wwest]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Do not take your vehicles to AutoZone for diagnosis. Reading the codes can point you in the right direction but doesn't always tell you exactly what part you need. They "Scan" your vehicle because they want to sell parts (inferior aftermarket parts) The employees there are usually little more than trained monkeys. Do you really want to put junk parts on your Lexus sold to you by an unqualified salesman?

Automotive manufacturers purchase parts on a competitive basis, often a VERY competitive basis.

So they get the CHEAPEST part available on the market.

So, oftentimes, IMMHO more often than otherwise, aftermarket parts are of better quality than OEM parts supplied by the dealer.

And yes, reading and knowing the codes does not always result in a direct "attack" on the real problem. But it happens often enough that on the average you are better off than trusting the dealer's service shop.

[2JZTWIN TURBO]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Do not take your vehicles to AutoZone for diagnosis. Reading the codes can point you in the right direction but doesn't always tell you exactly what part you need. They "Scan" your vehicle because they want to sell parts (inferior aftermarket parts) The employees there are usually little more than trained monkeys. Do you really want to put junk parts on your Lexus sold to you by an unqualified salesman?

Automotive manufacturers purchase parts on a competitive basis, often a VERY competitive basis.

So they get the CHEAPEST part available on the market.

So, oftentimes, IMMHO more often than otherwise, aftermarket parts are of better quality than OEM parts supplied by the dealer.

And yes, reading and knowing the codes does not always result in a direct "attack" on the real problem. But it happens often enough that on the average you are better off than trusting the dealer's service shop.

Not true. Especially Electronics and Especially AutoZone! I was a manager of a Carquest for 5 years. I know the difference. What facts do you have to support this claim? please don't mistake this guy's opinion for fact everyone. <_<

[johnzoomer]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Do not take your vehicles to AutoZone for diagnosis. Reading the codes can point you in the right direction but doesn't always tell you exactly what part you need. They "Scan" your vehicle because they want to sell parts (inferior aftermarket parts) The employees there are usually little more than trained monkeys. Do you really want to put junk parts on your Lexus sold to you by an unqualified salesman?

Regarding you opinion about Auto zone I find your bias unfounded and myopic. Shutting off a sensor and not having it return for 6 months is a valuble bit of information. To everyone else that reponded to my comments thank you. I have also found out one other item since my encounter with lexus service. the part was marked as a original equipment toyota part. I found out that toyota will gadly service lexus and common knowledge is that they are cheaper. I got that first hand from a mechanic I know at a toyota dealer ship. Get a quote from both before you dive into another major service issue. Hope this is helpful to the lexus community. Your comments for the most part will be welcomed....

[2JZTWIN TURBO]

I am a newbie to this form but really enjoyed reading the information on it.

I have a 1996 LS400 with 106,000 miles on it. On my trip to Florida the check engine light went on and I determined that it would be best to get it fixed prior to returning back to Michigan.

I went to autozone and they diagnosed it as bank 2 sensor 2 and suggested that I could replace it myself. I got a little nervous and figured since the car was over 1,000 miles away from home that I would have it done right at a local lexus dealer in Florida.

After being quoted 330 dollars which I though was outrageous to begin with I gave them the approval. When I picked up the car the bill was 430 dollars. Well they had the sensor as 185 dollars. I told them that I could not find a sensor on the internet that costs that much and in fact I throught that the cost of that sensor was about 30 bucks. The sensor was a standard Toyota replacment part. I looked it up and found that it cost 60 dollars. They adjusted the price down by 35 dollars with out a question. Aparently they were charging over list price for the part.

Auto zone is a valuable resource to diagnose these problems. And of course they do it for free. I suggest if you get a check engine light go to them and get the diagnose code. Then have them shut it off. See if it comes on again soon. If it does then deal with it........The same sensor was reset 6 months ago and finally failed. Unfortunately it did so when I was on vacation away from my tool box.....

Do not take your vehicles to AutoZone for diagnosis. Reading the codes can point you in the right direction but doesn't always tell you exactly what part you need. They "Scan" your vehicle because they want to sell parts (inferior aftermarket parts) The employees there are usually little more than trained monkeys. Do you really want to put junk parts on your Lexus sold to you by an unqualified salesman?

Regarding you opinion about Auto zone I find your bias unfounded and myopic. Shutting off a sensor and not having it return for 6 months is a valuble bit of information. To everyone else that reponded to my comments thank you. I have also found out one other item since my encounter with lexus service. the part was marked as a original equipment toyota part. I found out that toyota will gadly service lexus and common knowledge is that they are cheaper. I got that first hand from a mechanic I know at a toyota dealer ship. Get a quote from both before you dive into another major service issue. Hope this is helpful to the lexus community. Your comments for the most part will be welcomed....

All Lexus parts are original equipment Toyota parts. Every Lexus part comes in a Toyota box. The come from the same warehouse as Toyota. All I was asking you to do was provide proof to back up your aftermarket parts claim. You can't state something as fact if you can't prove it. <_<

[Bali26]

Ahem,

So I take it that I should stop checking for an answer to my ohm vs temp Qn?

[Sanpete]

Just pm LexLS or contact him through his site.

[Lexls]

Tutorial says that resistance should be 5.1-6.3 ohms at 68 degrees, and higher resistance is a problem. However, I had no resistance whatsoever at 40 degrees. It just said 0. I was taking the reading (two black wires) with sensor still on the car to check it. Does this mean o2 sensors are shot? Im getting 9 miles a gallon city by the way. No cel or trac light. 91 ls400 170K.

Thanks and great site...

I didn't have any codes or lights when I replaced my sensors but they were still out of spec. Man, if both your sensors read 0 I would say that's out of range! My *guess* is that your sensors need to be replaced, they don't last forever...some info on that here https://www.automedicsupply.com/faq.php?#change I think you might want to remove one and test it inside at room temp to be sure.

your tutorial says that resistance should be 5.1-6.3 ohms at 68 degrees. are you referring the 68 degrees to the engine temperature? or what temp. you are talking about ? Please help. Thank you.

I'm not sure really, the repair manual isn't always clear, but I would assume they are saying the sensor should be at room temp. I took my reading inside on the bench, at room temp.