Toyota Oxygen Sensor

Your Toyota oxygen sensor is a sensitive part, designed to help to curb environmentally harmful emissions from being released by your vehicle into the atmosphere. It does this by measuring the amount of oxygen remaining in the exhaust after it leaves the combustion system and enters the exhaust system. If there is too much oxygen in the exhaust, your Toyota oxygen sensor signals the main computer of your vehicle, which then adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio in an effort to achieve a more efficient burn, one that will not leave too much oxygen, indicating that the burn was of poor quality and that there is an excess of other contaminants, as well. Because of the influence of your Toyota oxygen sensor on the air-to-fuel ratio, if it is malfunctioning or has failed, you're likely to experience certain symptoms relating to an imbalance in the combustion process. Among the symptoms typical of a Toyota oxygen sensor that is failing to communicate with the main computer of the vehicle are a noticeable reduction in fuel mileage, hesitation when pressing the fuel pedal, an unexpected surging of the engine, failure of emissions tests, and malfunctioning of the catalytic converter. If you need to replace your Toyota oxygen sensor, you'll find just what you need in our extensive online catalog or aftermarket parts and accessories. All you need to do to find the right Toyota oxygen sensor for your year and model is to enter your basic vehicle information, and the most suitable parts for your specific vehicle will be displayed for you to choose from. When you're ready to place your Toyota oxygen sensor order, you can use our secure online ordering system or you can place your order by telephone using our toll-free number.

1. I will be replacing my Toyota oxygen sensors soon. Are all sensors the same?

No, not all oxygen sensors are made the same. Each type is engineered to fit certain make, model, year, or sub-model usage and cannot be interchanged.

2. I want to test my Toyota oxygen sensors. What other methods can I use other than the testers available in the market?

The most recommended method to test the sensors is to use a scan instrument and a handy Digital Storage Oscilloscope (DSO) to check the sensor switching properties. With this scanning device connected to the assembly line diagnostics link, the link lets you check and observe the performance of not only the oxygen sensor but also all other sensors. In addition, other economical adapters can connect to a laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) that lets you use this approach. If you opt to use the testers available in the market, the results may not be as accurate but can still detect some failures in the sensors.

3. My car recently got into a minor accident and I am checking for damage in the engine and sensors. Though there is no illuminated engine light, is there another way to know if the sensor such as the oxygen sensor has been damaged?

Although there is usually a lighted engine light to indicate malfunction in the sensor, sensors such as the oxygen sensors that are not properly working may not trigger the engine light to light up. This will most likely bring a rich shift in the air fuel mixture and possibly damage the catalyst. Other than shock from the accident, antifreeze poisoning and silicone poisoning from wrong use of silicone gasket sealers, extreme oil consumption and leakage, as well as aged sensors are also common causes that may damage your car's oxygen sensors. You can visually inspect your car for these signs when performing a vehicle tune-up.

4. Do I need to replace my Toyota oxygen sensors every 50,000 miles?

Generally, it is better to replace your oxygen sensors as recommended in the corresponding mileage replacement intervals. Replacing the sensors may enhance your car's fuel economy by 10 to 15 percent and minimizes the risk of damaging the catalytic converter, reduces exhaust emissions, and makes sure your car engine delivers great performance. Still, if you opt not to replace your oxygen sensor since they have not gone bad, you might want to clean them instead.

5. After replacing the charcoal canister, my Toyota oxygen sensors and catalyst sensors are showing ‘not ready' and vehicle will not pass emissions. Will a drive test solve this problem?

After changing the canister, you can clear the codes so the monitors will reset. You can also disconnect the battery and go for a test drive. The computer basically needs to check certain factors first before displaying ‘ready'. Another method to solve this issue is to take one of the tests that is not concluding. If the test failed, see what trouble codes can be set and find the code enable criteria, which mainly lists what needs to be examined.