02 Sensor Question

[schoeney]

Hi all....newbie here....I have a 2000 V6 automatic. My daughter has it at college about 2000 miles away. The check engine light came on today so I told her to take it to Autozone and get the fault code so we know what is wrong.

It has 160,000 miles and we bought it new and have serviced it religously. I suspect 02 sensors but I don't really know how long they typically last or what they do....can anyone help?

I think there are 2 sensors, is that correct? Should I replace both t the same time? What is a fair price? Any reason I should not use a non Toyota dealer to do the work?

The catalytic converter was stolen and replaced about a month ago by a reputable shop. Could that be related?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[RS Dude]

I can almost guarantee you that you need new 02 sensors! They usually last between 80-120k miles, and the manual recommends replacing them every 60k miles. Replace both.
You can find excellent direct replacement sensors from Denso or Bosch in the price range of $50 -$80 each if you do it yourself (easy even for those not very mechanically inclined). At a Toyota dealer they will probably charge you a total of $300-400 to do the job.

My suggestion would be: Order the 02 sensors and have them shipped to your daughter. Have you daughter find a fellow male student to install them...there should be plenty of guys around her that have the ability to do the job.:guitar3:

 

[TheDurk]

If you are sure they are original, then they need to be changed. Otherwise, wait to get the exact code and maybe we can tell you which one to do first. I doubt you have gone this long on original sensors, but it's possible.

 

[schoeney]

Thanks for the input guys.