is this mechanic ripping me off

[T4R_Bass]

01 runner
Never had any problems and I stay on top of all maintenance.

So my check engine light comes on for the first time ever. So did the vsc trac and vsc off lights.
I took it in to the shop I have been going to for years but they seem to be getting shadier every time.
100 dollars and a diagnose later they say its "Found p1135 Air / Fuel ratio off. Recommend replacement of the upstream oxygen sensor. VSC light possible link to the p1135code".

How important is it to replace this. I'm about to drive 3 hours out of town and as long as its not important, the check engine light doesn't bother me.
What does bother me is he quoted this repair at $575 and I have never even heard of a an upstream oxygen sensor. I guess its supposed to improve gas mileage or something. Anyone shed some light on this thanks

 

[<<<<]

If it is O2 sensor that's bad then only part cost $129.04 on Partznet.com, which means he charges you $445.96 for labor. Even at $100 per hour it shouldn't take 4.5 hours to replace O2 sensor. DIY or switch shops.

Partznet website 2001 TOYOTA 4RUNNER Parts - Conicelli Parts Center

 

[BlackWorksInc]

All OBDII vehicles (roughly 1996-newer) have an upstream O2 or AFR (Air/Fuel Ratio) Sensor and a downstream O2 Sensor. Often when one sensor goes out, the other is most likely not far behind. I would talk to the shop and see if the quote is including the replacement of more than one sensor. The previous poster is correct though, it should not take 4.5hrs to replace 1 sensor.

I would reccomend replacing the sensor(s) as they are a critical part of fuel management and will help the vehicle perform better and provide better mileage on a long trip like you are planning.

You could do the work yourself and save some money, O2 sensors are often not to bad to get off on a 4Runner.

 

[fourwd1]

If you're mechanically inclined, you can replace the sensor yourself. A direct replacement NGK or Denso one is about $75 online. Don't get a Bosch or other brand.

 

[Kalva]

:iagree:

IMHO anyone with a OBDII vehicle should invest in a OBDII reader just to keep the mechanics honest. I keep a cheep 40.00 reader in my glove box. When you get a CEL you can plug it in, see what the CEL is and check the forum on how to fix it so you are prepared for the shop managers phone call or if you want to tackle it yourself.

 

[BucknutBob]

The "upstream" O2 sensor is simply the one before the cat (upstream in the exhaust "stream"), whereas the downstream would be after the cat. When you see it, you'll realize how absurd that labor estimate is--imagine replacing a bolt, just with an electric plug attached.

 

[vipergrhd]

2 for the road

All OBDII vehicles (roughly 1996-newer) have an upstream O2 or AFR (Air/Fuel Ratio) Sensor and a downstream O2 Sensor. Often when one sensor goes out, the other is most likely not far behind. I would talk to the shop and see if the quote is including the replacement of more than one sensor. The previous poster is correct though, it should not take 4.5hrs to replace 1 sensor.

I would reccomend replacing the sensor(s) as they are a critical part of fuel management and will help the vehicle perform better and provide better mileage on a long trip like you are planning.

You could do the work yourself and save some money, O2 sensors are often not to bad to get off on a 4Runner.

He must have qouted you for 2 sensors since V6 engines have one for each bank.it won't hurt to inquire why he is charging you that much.

 

[fotorunner]

I replaced the upstream sensor on my 97 or rather had the shop do it, but it was something I'd been planning on and I'd been shooting a little penetrating oil on the nuts, sometimes those can be a problem if they're rusted badly. Once I saw how uncomplex it was I decided if it ever happened again to me I'd get the part and replace it myself.

For the quote he gave you he'd been have been replacing both. Sometimes Toyota's book quotes for stuff are insane.

 

[Jeff4runner]

01 runner
Never had any problems and I stay on top of all maintenance.

What does bother me is he quoted this repair at $575 and I have never even heard of a an upstream oxygen sensor. I guess its supposed to improve gas mileage or something. Anyone shed some light on this thanks

Ho-ly f***************. Rip-off to the extreme for a simple 02 sensor.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Ho-ly f***************. Rip-off to the extreme for a simple 02 sensor.

Seriously, $90 part and 30 mins max.

OP, go here to find the part number Oxygen / AFR Sensors - Underdog Racing Development

Google search the part number, amazon usually has good prices.