2000 Infinity I30-T Oxygen Sensor replacement

Hello all:

I own a 2000 Infinity I30 and need to replace the Oxygen sensors. My trusty mechanic told me they need to be replaced after he hooked my car up to a diganostic pc. (a result of me going there to find out the cause of a "check engine light"). The light has turned on and off on its own a few times since this problem developed. My car has been showing symptoms of these sensors going as well. Ex: Surging engine, not responding to hard acceleration, reduced fuel economy. I was thinking serious tranny problems but now that I know these have to be replaced; Im waiting to see the results of the new sensors on the engine's performance.

My question is...."can I do this myself?" My mechanic quoted me $160 per sensor (two sensors) and about $100 for labor (about $420 total). He also told me that he didnt know exactly which one was defective and that he would try the process of elimination. My oline homework told me that these sensors tend to go at about 60k miles (66k on my I30) and that I should replace them both as standard maintenance. It sounds pretty cut and dry installing the new sensors (with the right tools and knowledge of course). I took a peak under the hood tho and wasnt encouraged by the small confines of the engine. Not to mention that I couldnt Identify the sensors. I assume they are mounted directly into the manifold or near the catalytic convertor somewhere (I couldnt find any photos online).

So........can I do this myself? Is my mechanic's price kosher? Where do I get the parts? Im only asking this one because I've seen some pretty cheap sensors online. Read alot about not using aftermarket sensors and I know the dealership would love to squeeze me for the cost of the sensors. Otherwise I'll hop over to my local AutoZone and buy it from them (need a brand suggestion tho)

Ultimately I'll pay for this if its too difficult to do myself. But im not bad with a wrench and if someone sends me in the right direction Ill try it. I just made my last payment on this car and want to take care of my investment.

Thanks alot to all who reply.

If you dont do, you'll regret that... If u do, youll get hooked to dirty hands, maybe regret that... so do find that info via top left "Favorite Links", see clic link below

What was that? The link you gave me was a dead link for google. Maybe u mistyped it?


:banghead:

Thanks.

Never mind I found the link. Thank you.:grinyes:

Nope, the link works. Never use google, the search it gives is manipulated.

...copypaste that http addr on your browser. Hit harder until u find that info:)
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/748507/1

Hello trickplay461 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=492404),

I have a 1999 I30 and have to replcae the oxygen sensor like yours and am wondering if you replaced them yourself and have any experience to share. The dealer told me that it would cost over $500 to replace the two. I am trying to see if I can just replace the bad one myself. The code says P0158 indicating that the one in Bank 2 sensor 2 is reading high voltage. I was told that it is the one on the back. Any experience you can share will be very appreciated.

Workin sensor gives pulsing signal between about 0-1V. Compare; buing 10$ old time analog gauge, to measure/compare them, is good investment... One probe to ground, the other into connector pin (try all) and measure at 1500 rpm after engine warmup. They may be measured at connector under hood -or- at ECU pins (see via links above).

I just priced Bosch o2 sensors through partsamerica(kragen, schucks, checkers web site) at $44 each. printed it out, took it to kragen and there in store price was $77 each. So, if you decide to do this yourself, print out the page and save some cash.

"Workin sensor gives pulsing signal between about 0-1V. Compare; buing 10$ old time analog gauge, to measure/compare them, is good investment... One probe to ground, the other into connector pin (try all) and measure at 1500 rpm after engine warmup. They may be measured at connector under hood -or- at ECU pins (see via links above)."

Can you please tell me if there is a web site that show s you how to locate the sensors or the connector pins you are referring to, and how to replace them? I am also confused as to what link "above" you are referring to. Can you clarify? Thanks.

I just priced Bosch o2 sensors through partsamerica(kragen, schucks, checkers web site) at $44 each. printed it out, took it to kragen and there in store price was $77 each. So, if you decide to do this yourself, print out the page and save some cash.

Thanks for the info. I went to the partsamerica site and found that some sensors cost $44, some $141, some are heated 3 wires and some are 4, and some upstream and some downstream, before and after manifold, etc..... sounding really confusing. Is there a way to find out which one belongs to what Bank and what sensor it is? Sorry, I know this sounds elementary, but I am pretty new to the DIY auto stuff.

...Can you please tell me if there is a web site that show s ...

Yes there is. See above my CDomain web page, follow the links, sorry cant walk u through (or just email me and I'll try). The wire qty -issue can also be verified from the actual sensor and/or connecto, check out.

Goto a spareparts shop, they have catalogs which list any particular part which vehicle/engine type it fits. Dont buy if the price isnt right, but learn the type & mfg name for the parts theyre selling; then go and seek better price from web shops.

Thanks for the info. I went to the partsamerica site and found that some sensors cost $44, some $141, some are heated 3 wires and some are 4, and some upstream and some downstream, before and after manifold, etc..... sounding really confusing. Is there a way to find out which one belongs to what Bank and what sensor it is? Sorry, I know this sounds elementary, but I am pretty new to the DIY auto stuff.

I am no Nissan expert, but I wanted to replace both upstream sensors so I did not check to see which bank they call one or two. The price differences are mainly based on whether or not the sensors come with the oem plugs already attached or if you have to cut the plugs off your old sensors and reattach them to your new sensors. It takes about five minutes to do, so I could not see spending the extra money.

My car has the CA emissions, so I bought two upstream, CA sensors. I think the site calls them universal to indicate that they do not come with plugs attached.

Mine were all three wire, one is the signal wire(black), two are the heater element wires(white, interchangeable) and it grounds through the sensor into the exhaust I guess.

I immediately noticed better torque at low rpm. Cruise control works better since it does not have to downshift all the time when I get to hills, etc. And my cel has not come on since... knock on wood.

Your mechanic should be able to tell you which of the four O2 sensors is bad, it should tell you which bank and which sensor.