Oxygen Sensors

Home Home and Auto Automobiles Repairs Oxygen Sensors

Bob,
I took my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am SE (6 cylinder) in to be inspected and was told that my oxygen sensors are bad. I bought the new sensors, but I don't know where they are located in the car to replace them. Can you tell me where the oxygen sensors are located, or do you have a diagram so that I can get them replaced? Thank you for any help you may be able to provide!
Chuck

Chuck,
The oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust. Their location will vary depending on the car. My best advice to you would be to go back to the store where you purchased them and ask them to show you the diagram in their books. If they can not, then you can go to one of the online auto parts stores. They will show you a diagram and general location. If that does not work, then you can go to your public library (I have stressed this many times in the past). They usually carry a set of automotive repair manuals in their reference section. Find the one appropriate for your car, find the diagram regarding the exhaust layout, and photocopy the page.

Now, some general places to look (since you already have the sensor, you know what it looks like). The sensors are generally located before and after the main catalytic converter. However, the before sensor could be as far forward as the exhaust manifold. In addition, since your car is a V6, there may be one in each exhaust bank or one located after they merge together. Different manufactures do different things. In addition, they may do different things on different models.

To remove the sensor once you find it, you will need a 7/8" open end wrench. They also sell a special socket for your ratchet, but sometimes those are difficult to use. A large 7/8" wrench always works. Remember the "righty tighty lefty loosey" rule (but keep in mind your point of reference). You always loosen to the left when looking straight down on the unit. However, your vantage point may not be in that direction (you might be looking at it from the blind side of the exhaust pipe).

Generally, one good hit on the wrench will loosen up the sensor. It is a crush washer type seal. Once that seal is broken, it should spin out relatively easy. When you put the new sensor in, screw it in as far as you can by hand and then only tighten about 1/4 to 1/2 turn more with the wrench (assuming you were able to get the sensor in far enough so that the crush washer is just about touching).
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man

If you have a question for Bob, send it to AskBob@stretcher.com He's able to answer many of them personally and we'll include the best questions in future issues of The Dollar Stretcher.

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