RESOLVED: Advice needed on oxygen sensors replacement

[chris2020p]

I'm thinking about implementing a regular replacement interval for all oxygen sensors in my 97 Q45 @ every 100,000 miles effective immediately...

How many oxygen sensors are there and where?
Easy to replace?
I'm thinking of using BOSCH for all of them but they seem to be a lot more expensive, does it really matter?

They say an oxygen sensor can slowly go bad and cause poorer drivability way before it gets really bad or check engine light even comes on and that by the time check engine light comes on you've already done too much damage to cats and lost a lot of gas mileage over time...is this true for our Q45s, should I just leave alone if no check engine light comes on?

Any general experiences?

Thanks,
Chris

[qship96]

Dont waste your money- if the check engine lamp is not on with codes indicating a faulty o2 sensor, and car runs well leave the $$$$ in your pocket. Those who say o2 sensors should be replaced frequently{every 60-100K miles} generally are the ones who work in the repair industry and benefit from the extra business.

[chris2020p]

Thanks for the advice I probably won't replace unless light comes on, for someone that has access to a ramp to lift up the car in the air is this an easy job to do to replace all oxgen sensors? Any one of them harder? Also how many are there total?
Thanks,

[Q451990]

You should have 4 of them. Two before the cats on each side, and two behind to confirm function of the cat. The FSM will explain all of it - downloadable at http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/ - the '97 manual is incomplete, but the '98 one should be the same.

A good place to check for replacement options is http://www.sparkplugs.com

Heath

[yodawill2000]

You forgot the s
www.sparkplugs.com

[loystock]

I have used NGK/NTK O2 sensors in place of the Bosch OEM sensors without any problem. Bosch O2 sensors are @ $150 while NGK sensors are $50-90 depending on the mounting location. I have replaced the front O2 sensor, Bank 2 in a 97Q and it's a bit tight.

[OwnerCS]

I got my NGK/NTK sensors from there as well..

[Q451990]

You forgot the s
http://www.sparkplugs.com

Yep... although a little psychological help might be in order for his Q - you never know

[OwnerCS]

I got my NGK/NTK sensors from there as well..

I replaced both O2 sensors this morning. Not a bad job when you can crawl up into the engine compartment and take it from the top down.

Honestly no blood, sweat, or tears.. LOL

I spent more time working with the camera to photograph the job than it took to change out the sensors..

Two tools from Harbor Frieght made it a like cake walk..

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth ... 95045.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth ... 97177.html

Pictures coming once I get out from under the hood.. :-)

[davidfriend]

thanks for those links to the tools, I need to change out all 4 sensors on my 99, just got the Bosch ones, buying these tools will be much cheaper than paying the shop!

[chris2020p]

thanks for those links to the tools, I need to change out all 4 sensors on my 99, just got the Bosch ones, buying these tools will be much cheaper than paying the shop!

What made you choose BOSCH over NTK(much more affordable) which is made by NGK and pretty high quality since after all everyone prefers their spark plugs in our cars?