O2 Sensor on '98

The engine light lit up on the car this morning, and the OBDII code came back as P135 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1). I assume it's safe to drive the car until I get the sensor replaced, but I have no idea what is involved to replace the part. Is this a job I could be done by a do-it-yourselfer?

Its safe.. but it costs in gas.. Check your wiring first .. could be just that.

I think you could do it. Its ususally a tough tight fit but with the right tools should be fine. If you fail you can revert to the shop. Its really torqued in tight and been heated numorous times and needs a firm hand to get it off.

I usually cut off my old one wires and such with a new one in hand
to allow for sockets and wrenches.

Good Luck

You can do it with the right socket, swivel, and extension. You could also have a wiring problem. Usually the conectors.

Thanks for the input. I'll see about getting the wiring checked out first, then on to replacing the whole thing if needed.

As for fuel economy, darn right it's hurting. I can practically watch the guage go down as I drive.

If I were you I would go ahead and replace the sensor without worrying about the wiring. Chances are if the sensor is bad then that is the issue and the wiring on the sensor will be replaced anyway. If nothing changes after you put in the new sensor then spend the money on getting the wiring checked. I really think that the new sensor will cure the problem.

The part of the wiring that usually goes bad is the terminals inside the connector that doesn't get changed. The terminals spread and make poor contact.