2002 Toyota Camry Logo
Posted on Aug 28, 2008
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Check Engine Light - 02 Sensor bad

We have a cheap diagnostic machine for the cars and it says 02 sensor is bad. How do we know which one it is...it has four. Do we need to take is somewhere to get a detail diagnostic or is there another way?

  • Anonymous Sep 24, 2008

    I have about the same problem. Approx every 3 weeks (1000 miles approx) my check engine light comes on. I stop at the station (this week for the 4th time this summer) and the little tester reads catiletic (? on spelling) converter. The station manager today told me that most likely it is not the actual converter but the oxygen sensors. ISN'T there a way they can tell exactly or it is true this is just trial and error -?- He suggested that I change the oxygen sensors, but it is approx. $450 to change both and that sound like a lot on a question if that is it or not. I do know, on these 2002 Toyota Camry's, that parts are not cheap. Should this be my first step? And ... are they hard to change. My hubby is a handy man to some extent and if this is something he can do in the shop, we might do at home OR is it like most things on the Toyota's ... better off having it done professionally. Any advise would be appreciated. I've also thought of just letting it go, but think that is probably not the best route ???? - up in the air -

  • sweepsfrenzy Apr 24, 2009

    I have the same problem with my 2002 Camry. I took it to my mechanic months ago for the check engine light and he advised me to stop buying gas from Kroger (sorry Kroger!). He said Camry's start to get tempermental when they get older and the gas I was putting into the car was probably not good quality. I tested his theory and (sure enough) when I put gas in the car from Kroger the light would come on every time. The light has remained off for 6 months (buy gas from Texaco now), but has started to come on again. It usually comes on after I have been on the interstate for over and hour. It throws the code for O2 sensor but when the mechanic tests the O2 sensor itself- it always shows no problem. I have 150K miles on the car and would like to run it into the ground before I get a new one. This Camry gets 29 mpg in THE CITY! You can't beat that with a stick. Anyway-- try gas from different gas stations and see if that solves the problem. I am a total car idiot, but maybe my mechanic is right-- so I thought I would pass this info on....

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Usually the first O2 sensor inline is the one that's bad.it's the one right off the exaust manifold. this is due to the extreme heat. it get's. but before you go and replace it check to make sure that the plug it's self is not bad

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Hi there, you can go to autozone and get them to pull the code and find out witch one it is it will usually say (this is the order the o2 sensor are in o2s1bank1, o2s1bank2,o2s1bank3, and 02s2bank1)or the o2 sensors are working and something else might be causing it to set a code

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Hi there. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a baseline voltage of about 450 mV average on the oxygen sensor signal circuit. When cold, the PCM detects the the internal resistance of the sensor is high. As the sensor warms up the resistance is lowered and it starts producing voltage based on the oxygen content in the exhaust. When the PCM determines that the time it took for the sensor to warm up is greater than one minute or that the voltage is inactive (not reading outside 391-491 mV it views the sensor as inactive or open and sets the failure code. The most common fix is to replace the oxygen sensor. But that doesn't rule out the possibility of a rusted exhaust pipe, inspect wiring & connector(s) for problems, excessive amperage blowing heater fuse (still requires replacement of sensor but also replacement of blown fuse), and/or replacing the PCM (only as last resort after all other possibilities are covered). Gimme a call in the morning and good luck.

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