O2 Sensor Accord

Hi Everyone,

I own a 1990 Accord EXR ( has only one o2 sensor on the exhaust pipe)
The check engine light came on and I retrieved code 43 from
the LED on the ECU. This tells me the O2 sensor failure.
The light is usually on all the time, but when there is heavy rain
and I start the car while its still warm the light stays off . Does anyone
understand how the sensor works?
Is sometimes referred to as a heater-sensor?

Thank You,
JC

 

It is not referred to as a heater sensor, but rather as a heated Oozygen
sensor (as opposed to the kind that is not heated). The sensor sits in
the exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter and measures the amount
of oxygen left in the exhaust. The leaner the fuel/air mixture is, the
more oxygen will be left in the exhaust. The ECU will then control the
air/fuel mixture based on the input from the oxygen sensor so that you
have the correct mixture. There must be a small amount of oxygen in the
exhaust for the catalytic converter to work.

One problem is that the oxygen sensor does not work right until it
reaches a fairly high temperature. For that reason most cars use an
oxygen sensor with a small built-in heating element to bring it up to
temperature quickly. Thus the term heated oxygen sensor.

It is very simple for the ECU to detect when the heating element breaks.
The O2 sensor in my '94 Civic lasted about 95k miles before it broke,
and the failure was a dead heating element.

Many cars also have an additional oxygen sensor after the cat.

 

You have to replace it. There is no fix. Otherwise gas mileage and your
catalytic converter will be suffering a lot.

I would get one from AutoZone or Advance Auto Parts (universal type -
without connector), possibly boxed as a Bosch O2 sensor, however made by
either Denso or NGK. Strip wires using enclosed stripping weatherproof kit,
attach your old connector and you are done. I 've done it once on my 92
Civic after getting code 43. OEM type made by Denso (however boxed as
Bosch), exactly the same as if you would buy it from Honda dealer was like
$160. I got exactly the same sensor but without connector for $75 in Advance
AP. Saved some money

Dimmi

 

I got a Bosch replacement for my civic, $80 WITH the connector, no need to
mess with the connector.

 

ok, price will depend on the year and model. However, I know that Bosch
simply doesn't manufacture O2 sensors for several Hondas. They simply rebox
Denso's or NGK's product.

 

Thank's everyone!
JC

 

Do you need to heat it with a torch to remove it?

 

depends on how bad it is. I only used 17 mm deep socket with a 1.5'
extension bar. It broke loose right away.

if you decide to use a torch, then apply flame ONLY to the exhaust PIPE
(manifold) for a short period of time, but not to the sensor. You want pipe
to expand, not a sensor.

dimmi

 

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JC,
To remove an O2 sensor, you'd be heating the nipple it sits in, not the
sensor. You want the nipple to get larger, so the sensor will be looser.
Some people say you can alos get it ALL hot, then cool the sensor with
ice to make it shrink.

'Curly'
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