Hi, I am new to the lexus family. I am trying to get information regarding oxygen sensor problems with aftermarket midpipes. Problem started with CEL codes that came up on 05/25/2019. About 5 weeks prior to the CELs, I had a shop installed a brand new aftermarket exhaust (ARK GRIP catback exhaust) for my 2014 lexus IS350 RWD. The codes shown in my obd scanner had to do with problems on the maf sensors, coil ignitions, spark plugs, fuel injector, intake manifold leak, and possibly oxygen sensors. I checked the necessary. Spark plugs were fine, no air leak, so what was left was fuel injectors/oxygen sensors. So i had to take it to the dealer on 05/29/19 because my engine was idling very rough to the point which I Dealer called me today 06/05/19 saying sensors may be the cause of all CEL codes. The sent me pictures of the current state of the oxygen sensors. According to the certified tech who is dealing with my vehicle, the shop who installed the exhaust torched the heat shield/housing of the oxygen sensor in order to get access which may be the problem why the sensors are not reading what they are supposed to. My question to you guys is if anyone has experienced CEL codes regarding oxygen sensors where an aftermarket midpipe may be the problem? I have uploaded the CEL codes as well the oxygen sensors photos provided by the dealer. Thanks!

 

That shop did a bad job working on your car. With the right socket the sensor comes right off without having to touch the shield. From the looks of the sensor and the damage to housing I would not be surprised if they cooked the wiring to the plug.

I would fork the bill to the shop If the dealer wont cover the repair. The sensor, wiring and plug is one unit so they will need to change out the part.

 

Thank you for replying! Yeah i was thinking to forward the bill for the two sensors to the shop. If I may ask, do you own an aftermarket down pipe/midpipe and have had any problem with the sensors due to the swap? Thanks again!

 

My first midpipe swap on this car I decided to unscrew the sensor while the wiring was still plugged in and it cost me one sensor. When you unscrew the sensor the wiring gets turned to the point it tangles, cracks or cuts the wiring.

The proper way to remove it is to peel back the carpet next to the center console near the seat and the plug is really easy to get to. Unplug it and then remove the midpipe with the sensors still attached. Makes it way easier to get the proper torque to unscrew the sensors.