"Hermes" <eu@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:W%psc.23469$fF3.596048@bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> The dealer tells me I have to replace my front oxygen sensor and
> wants to charge me $225 for the part and $110/hour labor. What
> a rip off! Does anyone know a cheaper way to do that? Does anyone
> have a reliable mechanical service shop to recommend in the SF
> Bay Area (peninsula)?

is the engine check light on?
did it give a code P0135?
was the light reset a few times and still came back on?

been through the same exact thing a month ago... same year, same car. even
paid $100 for the code/reader/resetter at pep boys. neat toy!

reset the code and it would go out for a week, then a day, then it wouldnt
reset. checked the helm manual, and the resistance between the 2 black wires
on the bottom of the plug was *zero*. so i bit the bullet, and went
OEM/dealer with the sensor. same price as your dealer. took about 10
minutes... plug and play. easier than changing a spark plug.

if you can wait, and want a better price, try

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

there are cheaper sensors out there that involve splicing wires and using
the original plug. i didnt feel like going that route, since the car isnt
that old and its the first thing thats gone wrong with it.

your call... but good luck! and yes, its the one in the exhaust manifold.
the bottom one is still ok, harder to get to also.