DIY, Bank 2 Sen 1 O2 sensor replaced
08-24-11, 07:27 PM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
DIY, Bank 2 Sen 1 O2 sensor replaced
Just reached 70K miles on my 04 GX, the Chrismas tree lights turned on. The VSC TRAC, VSC OFF and Check Engine lights were all on. Scanned the code and showed P0051 (Bank 2 Sensor 1 heater circuit). Searched the forums and some mentioned the leakage on the fuel cap may cause this problem. Replaced the fuel cap (the old one was not quite tight anyway) and reset the code. The lights turned on again in about 6-7 miles drive next day.
Now have to believe the problem was Bank 2 No.1 O2 sensor (passenger size). Unpluged the O2 sensor cable (a little tricky to do so, used a screw driver to push the connector latch in and pulled the cable). Used an Ohm meter (DVM) measured the pin1 and pin2 on the O2 sensor connector. It showed open circuit. Now confirmed the sensor is bad!
Purchased a Walker 250-24169 OE upper stream O2 sensor from an auto part store. I have spent some time from underneath trying to figure out how to replace the O2 sensor without success. Finally I figured out the best way to work with this sensor is from pessenger side front wheel. Here are the steps
1. Jack up the pessenger side front end.
2. Remove the rubber dirt cover behind the wheel.
3. Remove the O2 sensor with the special O2 sensor wrench.
the special wrench (a must tool)
4. Now you can install the new sensor.
5. Reset the error code.
Drove the GX for 1000+ miles trip after fixed. It ran just like new!
Hope all these may help.
Now have to believe the problem was Bank 2 No.1 O2 sensor (passenger size). Unpluged the O2 sensor cable (a little tricky to do so, used a screw driver to push the connector latch in and pulled the cable). Used an Ohm meter (DVM) measured the pin1 and pin2 on the O2 sensor connector. It showed open circuit. Now confirmed the sensor is bad!
Purchased a Walker 250-24169 OE upper stream O2 sensor from an auto part store. I have spent some time from underneath trying to figure out how to replace the O2 sensor without success. Finally I figured out the best way to work with this sensor is from pessenger side front wheel. Here are the steps
1. Jack up the pessenger side front end.
2. Remove the rubber dirt cover behind the wheel.
3. Remove the O2 sensor with the special O2 sensor wrench.
the special wrench (a must tool)
4. Now you can install the new sensor.
5. Reset the error code.
Drove the GX for 1000+ miles trip after fixed. It ran just like new!
Hope all these may help.
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CLPDX (02-03-20)
01-20-12, 09:34 AM
#5
Lead Lap
Yes, same directions for driver's side too but O2 sensor is on top... as you know. However, you will definitely need an O2 wrench/socket to change (did mine back in Sept).
To that point and my pleasant surprise... AdvancedAuto has an O2 tool 'loaner' program... sort of. Basically you by the kit w/ 3 different options for ~ $30 (I found the crow's foot option was best along w/ a few squirts of PB-Blaster). As long as you return entire kit w/in 30 days, they refund your $ completely. Even stated as tool loaner program on receipt and sales clerk also told me such. Net cost was just for a new Bosch sensor.
Good luck
To that point and my pleasant surprise... AdvancedAuto has an O2 tool 'loaner' program... sort of. Basically you by the kit w/ 3 different options for ~ $30 (I found the crow's foot option was best along w/ a few squirts of PB-Blaster). As long as you return entire kit w/in 30 days, they refund your $ completely. Even stated as tool loaner program on receipt and sales clerk also told me such. Net cost was just for a new Bosch sensor.
Good luck
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47BA (06-10-20)
05-12-12, 11:11 AM
#6
Lexus Champion
I wonder why Toyota put the sensor more inboard in '05, maybe it has to do with the VVT-i engine? Im not a contortionist so Im having a shop swap out both for me. And man for our trucks to be 1yr apart, you have alot of rust on your parts and frame, guess its that snow salt. 
'04
'05
'04
'05
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05-16-12, 10:23 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
05-22-12, 05:17 AM
#11
Lead Lap
P0031 points to Bank 1 Sensor 1 (same one just on driver's side - pre cat but it's on top or inside depending on MY). Doesn't mean sensor is bad (or good) - rather just that the issue is first being detected there.
So, first place to start is get a multi-meter and test O2 sensor itself. Well, actually the first place to start is check the wiring and plug for wear, fraying or rodent activity. Then check O2 sensor itself. If bad, replace w/ either a Denso or Bosch (both available at most auto parts stores) and make sure you get sensor w/ pigtail plug already attached. Let us know if it's not sensor or wiring so we can point you to further diagnosis...
Good luck
So, first place to start is get a multi-meter and test O2 sensor itself. Well, actually the first place to start is check the wiring and plug for wear, fraying or rodent activity. Then check O2 sensor itself. If bad, replace w/ either a Denso or Bosch (both available at most auto parts stores) and make sure you get sensor w/ pigtail plug already attached. Let us know if it's not sensor or wiring so we can point you to further diagnosis...
Good luck
05-22-12, 07:48 AM
#12
Driver
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CT
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Oh great.... i hope this doesn't turn out to be a huge expense.
2 Questions:
What did you mean by MY Boxstr?
What equipment should I use to test it? I feel like im not nearly as mechanically inclined as some of you guys on here haha and all I have is a basic battery tester with different settings for different voltages.
Thanks Guys!!
2 Questions:
What did you mean by MY Boxstr?
What equipment should I use to test it? I feel like im not nearly as mechanically inclined as some of you guys on here haha and all I have is a basic battery tester with different settings for different voltages.
Thanks Guys!!
05-22-12, 07:55 AM
#13
Lexus Champion
05-22-12, 08:36 AM
#14
Lead Lap
MY = Model Year
As RCsGX said, all that is needed is a multi-meter to test O2 sensor. You don't even need to remove senso, just disconnect molex plug and test pins on O2 plug side.
As RCsGX said, all that is needed is a multi-meter to test O2 sensor. You don't even need to remove senso, just disconnect molex plug and test pins on O2 plug side.
