how do i find out what oxygen sensor my car needs?

Question

i need a new o2 sensor but dont kno which one?

Answer 1

You can check with auto parts stores as most will do a free check on your car and can tell you which one. You will also need to know how many because different cars may require more than 1. I had a 2003 Chevy Blazer and it required "3" o2 sensors. You need to have this replaced as soon as possible as this helps with the mixture of gas, etc., that is going through your system and can damage the catalytic converter if it is operated for a long period of time without the o2 being changed.

Answer 2

Most modern cars have 2 O2 sensor per catalytic converter. One in front of the cat, measures engine combustion status. One after the cat measures the cat air quality after the cat filter.

To find which one, go to autozone and read the engine code. They should be able to tell you which one.
One front of cat, usually means you need engine tune up or need to replace the O2 sensor located in the front of the cat.

The one after the cat, usually means that your car is bad or O2 sensor is bad (sending false signals to the ECU)

if you have check engine lights on, that could be:
1. bad ignition condition (engine not burning the fuel clean)
2. Faulty catalytic converter (O2 located at back of cat spits out code)
3.Faulty O2 sensors

At this time you are assuming the condition# 3, but I would look at condition #1 and #2 first before deciding that you have bad O2 sensors.

Answer 3

Most cars usually have several oxygen sensors. You will have to use an engine scanner to see which one it is. Autozone or Advanced auto parts will scan the car for free. Remember upstream oxygen sensors are in front of the catalytic converter and downstream sensors are behind it. Good luck.

Answer 4

call the auto parts store and they can usually tell you. The main difference on most vehicles is that one has only one wire leading to it, and one has two wires, just look to see which yours has, then get it at the auto parts store.

Answer 5

Auto Zone or O'Rileys (or any large car chain) should be able to tell you everything about the car.

Answer 6

Sound like you may have to take it to your local ASC certified shop and have a diagnostic test run through your cars computer.

Answer 7

Go to any reputable car parts place , tell them the make, model, year of your vehicle and they can tell you right away.

Answer 8

go to your local parts like Auto-zone O'REILLY and they will scan your car for free and tell you whitch one you need

Answer 9

Have the error codes read. It should tell you which one is bad. good luck.