Honda Car Forum

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)?

Thank you !!!
-H

The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look under
engine, exhaust manifold).

If you can't wait for shipping, call around to some non-dealer import shops. I
have one locally that sells OEM Honda parts typically about in the middle of the
price range from an online purchase to a dealer price.

One resource for locating mechanics is the Car Talk site:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html . People post here with their
reviews of mechanics in the area. You go in with your zip code.

You might also want to check out a Chilton's manual from the library. If you're
handy, this might be a do-it-yourself job.

I plan to replace the oxygen sensor myself on my 1991 Civic (or at least give it
my best shot).


"Hermes" <eu@nowhere.com> wrote
> 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)?

"Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:AOqsc.7396$Tn6.189@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
> http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look
under
> engine, exhaust manifold).

Thanks for the info. It seems to be cheaper at www.thepartsbin.com. However,
under Honda -> 1998 -> CX -> Civic 1.6 CX/DX 3dr -> Fuel Injection ->
Oxygen Sensor -> Automatic there are three options:

1) Oxygen Sensor Bosch, price $63.19
2) Oxygen Sensor Denso, price $144.03
3) Oxygen Sensor OE Connector Bosch, $170.90

But on top of screen it shows "rear (at cat. outlet)". So, probably this
is not the one I want, right? I need to find the front one. Couldn't find it
at that
website... maybe you can spot it in there? And is the Denso brand
that much superior to Bosch? Why such a price disparity?

> If you can't wait for shipping, call around to some non-dealer import
shops. I
> have one locally that sells OEM Honda parts typically about in the middle
of the
> price range from an online purchase to a dealer price.
>
> One resource for locating mechanics is the Car Talk site:
> http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html . People post here with
their
> reviews of mechanics in the area. You go in with your zip code.

What a wonderful web resource!

> You might also want to check out a Chilton's manual from the library. If
you're
> handy, this might be a do-it-yourself job.

Hmm, I have a Haynes manual at home, will take a look at it when I get there
tonight.

> I plan to replace the oxygen sensor myself on my 1991 Civic (or at least
give it
> my best shot).

Thank you very much for the suggestions, I really appreciate!
-H

The beauty of the OEM O2 sensor is that it has the right connector and
plugs right in to the existing wiring harness. The $63.19 Bosch is a
generic unit, and you need to cut the wires of the original one and
splice onto the new one. It comes with a somewhat bulky set of splices
to do the job.

For a good mechanic in the SF Bay area, go to Steve Smith Autoservice
(http://www.smittylube.com) in Mountain View.

Hermes wrote:
>
> "Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:AOqsc.7396$Tn6.189@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
> > http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look
> under
> > engine, exhaust manifold).
>
> Thanks for the info. It seems to be cheaper at www.thepartsbin.com. However,
> under Honda -> 1998 -> CX -> Civic 1.6 CX/DX 3dr -> Fuel Injection ->
> Oxygen Sensor -> Automatic there are three options:
>
> 1) Oxygen Sensor Bosch, price $63.19
> 2) Oxygen Sensor Denso, price $144.03
> 3) Oxygen Sensor OE Connector Bosch, $170.90
>
> But on top of screen it shows "rear (at cat. outlet)". So, probably this
> is not the one I want, right? I need to find the front one. Couldn't find it
> at that
> website... maybe you can spot it in there? And is the Denso brand
> that much superior to Bosch? Why such a price disparity?
>
> > If you can't wait for shipping, call around to some non-dealer import
> shops. I
> > have one locally that sells OEM Honda parts typically about in the middle
> of the
> > price range from an online purchase to a dealer price.
> >
> > One resource for locating mechanics is the Car Talk site:
> > http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html . People post here with
> their
> > reviews of mechanics in the area. You go in with your zip code.
>
> What a wonderful web resource!
>
> > You might also want to check out a Chilton's manual from the library. If
> you're
> > handy, this might be a do-it-yourself job.
>
> Hmm, I have a Haynes manual at home, will take a look at it when I get there
> tonight.
>
> > I plan to replace the oxygen sensor myself on my 1991 Civic (or at least
> give it
> > my best shot).
>
> Thank you very much for the suggestions, I really appreciate!
> -H

FYI, the slhonda.com website gave me the part number for the oxygen
sensor I need ($159 in there); then I went to prostreetonline.com
and ordered a compatible OEM for $88. Once I get it I'll take it
somewhere to install... hopefully a friend I have will be able to do that;
if not, Steve Smith was willing to do the job even if I bring the part
myself
- something other mechanics weren't willing to do.

Thanks guys for the sugestions!
My fingers are crossed...
-H

"Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:40B25F7F.593F69B8@junkmail.com...
> The beauty of the OEM O2 sensor is that it has the right connector and
> plugs right in to the existing wiring harness. The $63.19 Bosch is a
> generic unit, and you need to cut the wires of the original one and
> splice onto the new one. It comes with a somewhat bulky set of splices
> to do the job.
>
> For a good mechanic in the SF Bay area, go to Steve Smith Autoservice
> (http://www.smittylube.com) in Mountain View.
>
> Hermes wrote:
> >
> > "Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> > news:AOqsc.7396$Tn6.189@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > > The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
> > > http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look
> > under
> > > engine, exhaust manifold).
> >
> > Thanks for the info. It seems to be cheaper at www.thepartsbin.com.
However,
> > under Honda -> 1998 -> CX -> Civic 1.6 CX/DX 3dr -> Fuel Injection ->
> > Oxygen Sensor -> Automatic there are three options:
> >
> > 1) Oxygen Sensor Bosch, price $63.19
> > 2) Oxygen Sensor Denso, price $144.03
> > 3) Oxygen Sensor OE Connector Bosch, $170.90
> >
> > But on top of screen it shows "rear (at cat. outlet)". So, probably this
> > is not the one I want, right? I need to find the front one. Couldn't
find it
> > at that
> > website... maybe you can spot it in there? And is the Denso brand
> > that much superior to Bosch? Why such a price disparity?
> >
> > > If you can't wait for shipping, call around to some non-dealer import
> > shops. I
> > > have one locally that sells OEM Honda parts typically about in the
middle
> > of the
> > > price range from an online purchase to a dealer price.
> > >
> > > One resource for locating mechanics is the Car Talk site:
> > > http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html . People post here with
> > their
> > > reviews of mechanics in the area. You go in with your zip code.
> >
> > What a wonderful web resource!
> >
> > > You might also want to check out a Chilton's manual from the library.
If
> > you're
> > > handy, this might be a do-it-yourself job.
> >
> > Hmm, I have a Haynes manual at home, will take a look at it when I get
there
> > tonight.
> >
> > > I plan to replace the oxygen sensor myself on my 1991 Civic (or at
least
> > give it
> > > my best shot).
> >
> > Thank you very much for the suggestions, I really appreciate!
> > -H

Hermes, did you check to see whether this is covered under the Federal emissions
warranty or California emissions warranty? The dealer is *supposed* to know
this.

For example, see http://www.auto-extended-warranty.com/basics/emmisions/ :
"In California, the time/mileage period of the design and defect provision
exceeds federal standards, remaining in effect for seven years or 70,000 miles,
whichever occurs first, and the time/mileage period of the performance warranty
remains in effect for three years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first."

Mention this warranty, and make your dealer's service department explain why
your car is or is not covered.

More below.

"Hermes" <eu@nowhere.com> wrote
> "Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote
> > The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
> > http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look
> under
> > engine, exhaust manifold).
>
> Thanks for the info. It seems to be cheaper at www.thepartsbin.com. However,
> under Honda -> 1998 -> CX -> Civic 1.6 CX/DX 3dr -> Fuel Injection ->
> Oxygen Sensor -> Automatic there are three options:
>
> 1) Oxygen Sensor Bosch, price $63.19
> 2) Oxygen Sensor Denso, price $144.03
> 3) Oxygen Sensor OE Connector Bosch, $170.90
>
> But on top of screen it shows "rear (at cat. outlet)". So, probably this
> is not the one I want, right?

I agree these appear to be for the rear and so are not what you want.

I have looked up parts at the "thepartsbin" site in the past, and it seems like
this company simply does not carry as many parts as other sites. You could call
them and double check that they do not carry the front O2 sensor. Alternatively,
here's another site with what appears to be really good bargains:
https://www.automedicsupply.com/inde...et=&ref=Google . It lists two OEM
front Oxygen sensors by Walker and Denso for your car for under $80 each. It has
photos of each sensor. Notice that the universal oxygen sensor for your car is
as Randolph said: You'd have to do some splicing.

I'm just doing a little surfing to find these, in preparation for when I have to
change mine out.

I think if I were you I might call the dealer and also ask who makes the OEM
oxygen sensor they want to sell you. Maybe they'll give you an opinion as to
whether they like Walker or Denso. I really don't know. OTOH, these are not
complicated devices. Barring anyone else commenting on this, I bet you'll be
just fine with either the Walker or Denso. Groups.googling for both didn't turn
up anything negative. I did see a warning about Non-OEM oxygen sensors: Don't
buy them. (I don't feel this way about all non-OEM parts. Probably most of them,
though, after learning the hard way.)

snip
> Thank you very much for the suggestions, I really appreciate!

You're welcome. How many miles are on your Civic? What were the symptoms for
your front oxygen sensor failing? (I have an idea but I'm still interested in
your specific experience.)

"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.

"Hermes" <eu@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:Ncrsc.60174$hH.1094247@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> "Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote in message
> news:AOqsc.7396$Tn6.189@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> > The part sells for $151 + shipping at Majestic online auto parts,
> > http://tinyurl.com/24l62 and $160 + shipping at www.slhonda.com (look
> under
> > engine, exhaust manifold).
>
> Thanks for the info. It seems to be cheaper at www.thepartsbin.com.
However,
> under Honda -> 1998 -> CX -> Civic 1.6 CX/DX 3dr -> Fuel Injection ->
> Oxygen Sensor -> Automatic there are three options:
>
> 1) Oxygen Sensor Bosch, price $63.19
> 2) Oxygen Sensor Denso, price $144.03

is that w/ OE connector too?

> 3) Oxygen Sensor OE Connector Bosch, $170.90

at that price point, id spend the extra and spring for OEM/dealer. bosch
reputation is spotty, at best. some stuff is good, some isnt. whats the
warranty on the bosch? i might risk it for a "lifetime warranty" autozone
one, if there is such a thing.

BTW: when i tried autozone, kragen, and pep boys NONE of them had the sensor
in stock! made me feel a *little* better about going to the dealer. they had
it, double-checked the part number, and i had it changed within `5 mins of
getting back home.
>
> But on top of screen it shows "rear (at cat. outlet)". So, probably this
> is not the one I want, right? I need to find the front one. Couldn't find
it
> at that
> website... maybe you can spot it in there? And is the Denso brand
> that much superior to Bosch? Why such a price disparity?

denso is the shit... they supply to honda. get the dealer/OEM one, and
everything is exactly the same, right up to the rubber grommet that fits in
the wire holder. and it comes with anti-sieze on it.

and YES- you need the top/front one... not bottom/rear. if you have an
ohmmeter yo9u can check it yourself... the 2 bottom wires(black) of the 4 in
the plug. should read between 15 and 40(IIRC) ohms. mine read nada! meaning?
the heater element inside was burned out.

>
> > If you can't wait for shipping, call around to some non-dealer import
> shops. I
> > have one locally that sells OEM Honda parts typically about in the
middle
> of the
> > price range from an online purchase to a dealer price.
> >
> > One resource for locating mechanics is the Car Talk site:
> > http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/find.html . People post here with
> their
> > reviews of mechanics in the area. You go in with your zip code.
>
> What a wonderful web resource!
>
> > You might also want to check out a Chilton's manual from the library. If
> you're
> > handy, this might be a do-it-yourself job.
>
> Hmm, I have a Haynes manual at home, will take a look at it when I get
there
> tonight.

you dont even need as oxygen sensor socket... just a regular combination
socket, once you get the heat shield off.

"Hermes" <eu@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:ztvsc.61566$hH.1116292@bgtnsc04-news.ops.worldnet.att.net...
> FYI, the slhonda.com website gave me the part number for the oxygen
> sensor I need ($159 in there); then I went to prostreetonline.com
> and ordered a compatible OEM for $88. Once I get it I'll take it
> somewhere to install... hopefully a friend I have will be able to do that;
> if not, Steve Smith was willing to do the job even if I bring the part
> myself
> - something other mechanics weren't willing to do.

dude... its a piece of cake! unplug the old one, undo the 2 heat shield
bolts, unscrew the O2 sensor.

"Caroline" <caroline10027remove@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:kKvsc.8905$be.4594@newsread2.news.pas.earthli nk.net...
> Hermes, did you check to see whether this is covered under the Federal
emissions
> warranty or California emissions warranty? The dealer is *supposed* to
know
> this.
>
> For example, see http://www.auto-extended-warranty.com/basics/emmisions/ :
> "In California, the time/mileage period of the design and defect provision
> exceeds federal standards, remaining in effect for seven years or 70,000
miles,
> whichever occurs first, and the time/mileage period of the performance
warranty
> remains in effect for three years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs
first."
>
> Mention this warranty, and make your dealer's service department explain
why
> your car is or is not covered.

Hey, nice try! My car is six years old but has 83,000 miles on it, so it
is not covered by that warranty. Thanks anyway.

-H