Changing Oxygen Sensor
 

I need your help.

I've never changed an oxygen sensor and read that they last about 100k. Is that true?

Any particular brand better than another?

What's the proper amount of torque to apply?

Is this a good oxygen sensor wrench to use?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/O2-Oxygen-S...ss!94131!US!-1

Thanks!

How is the cars MPG and performance? Typically a failing O2 sensor will effect MPG and or performance.

If MPG, performance is OK and no check light suggest doing nothing.

Suggest Denso brand which seems to do better with Toyota ECU's.

Get a sensor that is called a "direct" fit and not one called "universal" fit. Direct fit wiring plugs right into chassis wiring, while universal may need some installer wiring work.

Many times there is not enough part access to use a torque wrench. Many just snug the unit down best guess. If you have service info, it will list the torque.

A new part should come with a new gasket plus special high temp thread lube.

The removal tool used depends on which sensor is being changed.

This could be an offset tool such as below:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-ei...nch-97177.html

Or a socket tool.
https://www.harborfreight.com/78-in-...ket-69022.html

Get and use the right tool. The old sensor threads could be frozen, The right tool makes damaging the sensor wrench flats less likely resulting in a better chance of removal.

Thanks.

Since I've had the car over the past 4 years, the mileage has always been deplorable at around 18 mpg city/freeway, if only freeway about 24 mpg. This is my first automatic Toyota and first Camry. All my other Toyota (3 Tercels and 1 Corolla) were stick shifts and I got 24-40 mpg. However, with the Camry, it's always passed smog just fine, but idle is rough/car shakes.

I was able to remove the upper oxygen sensor. It looks white all over (see these photos):

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cam...54d4ceee91.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cam...787aeb0b91.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cam...46b36bd104.jpg
There are no check-engine lights, there's no oil in the coolant, no coolant in the oil, no white smoke from the tail pipe, and no check engine light at the moment.

The replacement oxygen sensor won't come for a week, so I need to reinstall it in the mean time. Can I clean it off, or should I leave it as is? Why does it look white?

Thanks

White color is OK. Perhaps fuel additives.

Just reinstall the old one.

Disconnect the sensor and determine if the engine idles any better.

Any vacuum leaks?

Thanks. Will check for vacuum leaks.