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2001 LS430 O2 Sensor replacement costs

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Old 01-29-15, 10:29 AM
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calamons
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Default 2001 LS430 O2 Sensor replacement costs

Recently (03JAN15) purchased my 2nd 2001 LS430 UL. This one is Blue Onyx Pearl, Ecru Interior with 73,270 original miles. All maintenance records (Dealer maintained) were included with the sale and showed 60k mile service to have been performed in June of 2012. After driving the car for 3 weeks and 1100 miles the CEL came on this past Tuesday producing error codes p0135 (O2 sensor) & p1345 (CVVT - Valve Assembly, CAMSHAFT TIMING OIL CONTROL). After dealing with the same p1345 code in the "Millenium Silver Metallic" LS430 with 135k miles while on vacation this past March, I know first hand the expense of replacing this item and also that Sewell Lexus seems to have the best price on these replacements @ $93.15ea. However, I wasn't aware just how expensive the O2 sensors were until I began reading through previous CL posts and pricing them myself through my local parts warehouse(s), Lexus dealer, online sources and even Sewell Lexus. Now let me say that while it may be overkill, I am a big believer in replacing items in total or pairs to eliminate potential stress on the older / weaker components while keeping the non-defective item as a backup in case of emergency or need. That being stated, my searches, price matches, and haggling could only get me in to the upper $370's (before tax & shipping) to replace all 4 sensors until I saw another link here on CL for (www.carid.com). I viewed the site and am happy to report that I was able to purchase all 4 O2 sensors (DENSO OE w/ direct connect) for a shipped total of $269.76. They appear to be having a sale through the end of January 2015 for anyone that may be in similar need or know of someone who is.
Old 01-29-15, 12:28 PM
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BradTank
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I just see no reason to replace all 4 sensors at once.

I think you could definitely make a case to replace both the the upstream sensors if one is throwing an error code, but the downstream ones that are after the catalytic converter really don't do anything but tell the ECU either the cats are working or not within spec. Your car won't run any different with "fresh" downstream sensors.

I think I bought my Denso ones on Amazon for around $45 a piece.
Old 01-29-15, 12:58 PM
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Tom57
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Brad is spot-on correct. I replaced mine at around 135K miles and bought Denso on Amazon too.
Old 01-30-15, 07:41 AM
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calamons
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Definitely good points. The replacement of all 4 was at the encouragement of my technician as much due to age and utilization of the full time that I was paying for as anything else. My only previous experience with O2 sensors was on a 98 Maxima and after replacing one the other failed within 3 months. As far as purchasing from Amazon, the price after shipping and tax was comparable to CARiD but was from 2 vendors to get best price. Shipping to receive all 4 was going to be a little longer from Amazon so I went with expediting the repair.
Old 01-30-15, 08:07 AM
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Tom57
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The upstream are easier to replace too. The downstream are wired through floor under carpeting on driver and passenger sides.
Old 01-31-15, 10:44 PM
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KawiLex
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Sorry to hear your new LS is having issues at such a young age.

I have 157k on my 02 and I'm wondering if there is anything I can observe in the way the car runs that would tell me that I might want to replace both front sensors?
Old 02-01-15, 09:00 AM
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Tom57
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Originally Posted by KawiLex
I have 157k on my 02 and I'm wondering if there is anything I can observe in the way the car runs that would tell me that I might want to replace both front sensors?
I would replace them since symptoms are subtle and "check engine" light comes on only after the sensors no longer function within a spec range. For example, if it's running slightly too rich (but within tolerance), extra demands are put on the catalytic converters to burn the rich exhaust gas, and your gas mileage will be lower. O2 sensors are like spark plugs - you change the old spark plugs even though the car still runs, so you should do the same with the front 2 sensors.
Old 02-01-15, 09:05 AM
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Lavrishevo
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Agreed. Replace in pairs. Both pre and post cat. RockAuto also has Denso and Bosch for cheap.
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