I recently took my 2000 Xt in to the dealership because the 'check engine' light was on. The dealership said that my front O2 sensors were broken, (1) that they needed to be replaced, and (2) the "cat converters" are weak and should probably need to be replaced.

The dealership noticed a few additional problems: (3) "valve covers leak oil", (4) "oil pan oil leak", "rear main oil leaks, "A/C high side hose" should be replaced to restore functioning A/C.

They wanted to charge about $3,000 for parts and labor. However, my Xt is only worth about $6k-5k (2000 Xt SE, 135k mileage).

Is this something I could do myself? I have almost no experience with cars in general, but I would like to try it?

Thanks,
oOpsicle

the O2 sensors shouldnt be that bad and neither should the valve cover but i nono bout the rest but i too was thinking bout replacing the sensors just for peace of mind and it shouldnt be too bad just unscrew and replace and connect the wire...

Valve covers: You have to yank the air plenum, and disconnect wire harenesses to access and remove. You'll need a new plenum gasket to remove plus the valve cover gaskets. Probably a couple of hours.

Oil pan leak: Not just dropping the pan. There's a cross member that has to come off prior to removing the oil pan. Plus the new gasket is needed.

I've never messed with an A/C system. I know if you over charge with the refrigerent, you'll burn up the A/C compressor.

The rear main seals. I don't know what is involved in getting to and replacing them. I bet it's not that easy.

I'd hire a cheaper shop than the dealer to do the rear main seals. Wait till next spring to have them do the A/C seeing how it's almost winter.

And for the valve cover and oil pan, if your new at turning a wrench, enlist a friend who might have some expierence with cars. You guys can tackle those two jobs easy.

Just my opinion on the matter!

Rear main seal involves removing the transmission and clutch or driveplate, depending on auto or manual trans. Labor intensive, the trans is very heavy and not going to be easy to install if you are on your back on the garage floor. If you have access to a lift and a transmission jack its a whole lot easier, but still heavy and dirty. If the AC is already empty, you can change the hose yourself, just make sure you take it to a shop and have the system charged. All the air needs to be removed from the system first, otherwise the ac compressor will not last very long. As for the oil pan gasket, if you are going to replace the rear main seal yourself, do the pan gasket at the same time since you are going to be spending some quality time under your truck anyway. Doing work yourself gives you that good feeling of saving money, but if you are not comfortable doing the job, make sure you either get good help, or have someone else do it. Good luck.