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Old 09-05-2004, 11:31 AM   #1
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Contemplating O2 sensor replacement

My "sensor" light is on, I from what I have learned it is the O2 sensors. Is it just one of the sensors or both? Has anyone replaced them? I have the urge to do so, because I'd imagine the Max will funtion better with new ones. My 97 Max's performance improved with new O2 sensors.
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Used to have:
'97 SE -Blue LED interior lights, full bra, converted PIAA XTreme 9007, PIAA 1100x driving lights, rain guards, sunroof deflector

Now have:
1987 GXE - Blue LED Auto Climate, Clear bumper lenses, Pioneer Premier HU, Kenwood Excelon Amp, Phillips Hi-Vis bulbs, Modified 9007 headlamp housings. Re-wired corner lights.
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Old 09-05-2004, 02:07 PM   #2
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There is only one o2 sensor on this car. What is the mileage on your car? The sensor light is program to turn on every 30k miles to have you check/clean the o2 sensor. But after 90k miles, the sensor likght is suppose to be disconnected as it isn't neccessary to check the o2 sensor then (dunno why they do this...but they do). A new o2 sensor may help as well.

S
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02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-05-2004, 05:24 PM   #3
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yeah, sarin is right. that light really has nothing to do with the oxygen sensor. even if it goes bad, the light will never come on. its soul purpose is to remind you to check/replace the sensor. I'd just disconnect the harness at the mileage counter.
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Old 09-07-2004, 11:12 AM   #4
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I will install the new O2 sensor (Bosch) Thursday, and will post the results.
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-Joe

Used to have:
'97 SE -Blue LED interior lights, full bra, converted PIAA XTreme 9007, PIAA 1100x driving lights, rain guards, sunroof deflector

Now have:
1987 GXE - Blue LED Auto Climate, Clear bumper lenses, Pioneer Premier HU, Kenwood Excelon Amp, Phillips Hi-Vis bulbs, Modified 9007 headlamp housings. Re-wired corner lights.
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Old 09-07-2004, 12:25 PM   #5
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Cool, good luck.

S
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-Sarin

02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-07-2004, 03:05 PM   #6
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(_8*(l)Homer---where did you get that o2 sensor, I'll probably need to pick one up myself---the part number would be helpful.

thanks!
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Old 09-07-2004, 05:30 PM   #7
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You might try www.sparkplugs.com...that's where I got mine. You just input all the information about your car and it will pull it up.

S
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-Sarin

02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-07-2004, 05:36 PM   #8
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I ordered mine form NAPA. That's where I get all my parts. If they don't have it there, they can get it by 7 a.m. the next day.

The O2 sensor cost 54.99 and I'll have it Wednesday, plus it's OEM.


-Joe
__________________
-Joe

Used to have:
'97 SE -Blue LED interior lights, full bra, converted PIAA XTreme 9007, PIAA 1100x driving lights, rain guards, sunroof deflector

Now have:
1987 GXE - Blue LED Auto Climate, Clear bumper lenses, Pioneer Premier HU, Kenwood Excelon Amp, Phillips Hi-Vis bulbs, Modified 9007 headlamp housings. Re-wired corner lights.
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Old 09-08-2004, 07:29 PM   #9
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I just replaced the O2 sensor on my 87 last weekend. It failed it's annual emissions test. I put a new catalytic converter on it too. It passed with flying colors. I got a Bosch O2 sensor from AutoZone. It was $41.99 and is identical to the original. The part number is 13276. It has the same exact plug on it, no splicing wires or anything like that. It even had the proper anti-seize applied to the threads. It's a 5 minute job. I'm curious to see how it affects the gas mileage. It was getting about 18 MPG city since we've had it.
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Old 09-08-2004, 07:33 PM   #10
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You can reset that sensor light if you want. You press the reset button on the relay which is located behind the front passenger kick panel. It's attached to the hinge pillar area behind the kick panel.
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Old 09-08-2004, 08:40 PM   #11
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Well, if the car has more than 90k miles, might as well disconnect the light. Then you don't have to worry about it resetting it down the road.

S
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-Sarin

02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-08-2004, 09:15 PM   #12
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yeah, you may as well. that light is about useless.

I test drove an 87 stanza a few months back and I had to explain what the SENSOR and the stop/tail warning lights meant.
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Old 09-09-2004, 09:27 AM   #13
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Well, I replaced the O2 sensor today, and it seems the car runs far smoother (at idle) than before. Kinda a pain in the arse to replace because I had to remove the plastic underguard thing and access it from underneath. It was worth it though.


-Joe
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Old 09-09-2004, 12:40 PM   #14
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is there a specified interval for replacing the 02 sensor? my car's 10 years old and I'm pretty sure the sensor is original cos it has the nissan symbol stamped into it. if it's not throwing a code and causing the check engine light to come on, how do you know if it's time to replace it? since I cleaned the carbon out of the throttle body and seafoamed it, and put the iridium plugs in, it idles and accelerates like a charm. and the light spark knock has been eliminated.

Dan
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Old 09-09-2004, 12:56 PM   #15
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60k I think. So every five years. With all that stuff you did a new 02 would probably make a world of difference. Thats cool that you put the iridiums in. Are they cooler plugs? Is the gap bigger? Hows the MPG?
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Old 09-09-2004, 03:11 PM   #16
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It should be checked every 30k miles....as for actually replacing it, I don't think there is really a predefined recommendation from Nissan, hence the 30k checkup. I could be wrong though.

S
__________________
-Sarin

02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-09-2004, 03:25 PM   #17
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As far as I know, NO manufacturer has a preset service interval for the O2 sensor, other than to check it every X miles.
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Old 09-09-2004, 05:21 PM   #18
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with the iridiums, I no longer get a spark knock when I use the cheap gas. it idles and accelerates like a new engine, and has a lot more power than I'd expect from a 1.6L engine. but then again, it's a nissan, and they've always built efficient engines. the iridiums are pre-gapped like the platinums are. I'll get an accurate MPG when I finish burning this tank of gas and that all depends on how you drive too. When the light turns green, I like to GO. generally I get about 310-320 miles to the tank, which is upsetting cos with my 1990 accord I could get over 400. ohh well, I'd take this over any honda any day.

Dan
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"Low riders are for little boys who can't get it up."
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Old 09-09-2004, 05:35 PM   #19
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I think your Accord had a bigger fuel tank though (could be wrong....but it is a sentra....they don't have huge fuel tanks).

S
__________________
-Sarin

02 GLE - Majestic Blue/Frost Leather
6k D2R HID - AE/Clear Headlights - 3k HID fogs w/Lexus Capsules - Exterior LED's - AE Tails
Smoked Sidemarkers - 15% tint - G35 Coupe 18's - Short Ram Intake

Past:
86 SE - MOTM
97 GXE SC'er - RIP 10/12/08

http://www.nwmaxima.com
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Old 09-09-2004, 06:47 PM   #20
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good point, good point, didn't even think of that.

Dan
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