Oxygen Sensor Scam?

[RobertPaulson]

I have a 94 Camry XLE (90,000 miles) and the check engine light came on a couple of days ago. Took it into the shop and was given an estimate of $226 (parts, labor, tax) to replace the oxygen sensor. The mechanic also mentioned that in older cars like this, when one oxygen sensor fails ... the rest do in time. He had mentioned that once they replaced it, I could expect the Check Engine light to come on again in two weeks or so with another failed sensor.

Possible scam?

[Brian R.]

Will still cost you the same money if you replace the second sensor later or now. There is no savings in replacing them in pairs. Wait until it dies. It may never die.

[300+]

I agree. The price isn't terrible assuming he replaces it with an OE style sensor. They are not cheap on 94 Camry. Do one only. The other may never fail.
My 92 has over 300,000 miles on the original (although a different style). That's right 300,000 unrestored motor and tranny.

[ishop4less]

If you already knew that oxygen sensor is bad, why bother to go back to the shop? just buy the part and change it yourself, after you done just pull EFI fuse to clear the check engine code then you finish.

[ishop4less]

Sorry, when you pull the EFI fuse make sure wait for 10 second before you put it back to clear the code.

[Bmaintz]

Yoy can buy a special socket at Sears or local parts store that is used to remove the oxygen sensors....
Has a slot for the wire... Bob

[Brian R.]

That and some penetrating oil...

[Bmaintz]

Yes some GOOD pentrating oil and a few taps with the hammer to help it along... Bob

[RobertPaulson]

Gracias all.

[Bmaintz]

Can someone explain the test voltages on a good & bad oxygen sensor.... I know that the voltage swings must be fast for a good oxygen sensor but I don't know the voltages for the 2.2 engine...Bob

[Brian R.]

See if these answer your question

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h37.pdf
and
http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h44.pdf