Replacing o2 sensor on 97 - do I have Cali model?

[JohnOfTheJungle]

I want to replace my o2 sensors since my runner has 175k and it’s probably never been done.

When researching it seems that the Cali models use a different o2 sensor.

So I checked out my emissions sticker under the hood and it says it meets federal and Cali regulations. But then I checked underneath and I’m damn near certain I only have 1 cat.

From reading here it seems that they didn’t start using 2 cats on Cali models til 99’. So, do I have a legit Cali model that requires me to buy a special o2, etc etc? Or can I just buy the normal o2?

It’s also possible the hood has been replaced. I know it’s been in a minor accident according to the CarFax and most of the right side front end components had been replaced with Moog (vs OEM on left side).

Appreciate the help.




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[kball]

You have a Federal so you need an o2 sensor, not an air fuel ratio sensor.

 

[JohnOfTheJungle]

You have a Federal so you need an o2 sensor, not an air fuel ratio sensor.

Thanks. So I’m guessing the air fuel ratio sensor didn’t start getting used until 99 when they went with the 2 cat Cali model?



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[kball]

Thanks. So I’m guessing the air fuel ratio sensor didn’t start getting used until 99 when they went with the 2 cat Cali model?



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Exactly!

 

[JohnOfTheJungle]

Just in case anyone comes across this thread looking for info I replaced my front (upstream) o2 sensor with DENSO 2344162 from RockAuto.

It was a real pain to get those nuts loose from the studs with all the corrosion. Lots of torch then pblaster, then torch, then vise grips, but it worked.

Then after I took it off I found that part of an old o2 sensor was crusted and corroded onto the exhaust pipe underneath the current o2 sensor. So I had to scrape that one off as well and file down the flange of the exhaust pipe so the gasket would sit flat.

Once I got it all hooked up I immediately drove the next day on a 1,200 mile road trip and it performed flawlessly. No CEL, and I hit 19.8 MPG (up from 17.5 MPG) on the highway from NY through PA.

MPG did get worse once I got in the mountains of WV, so I wouldn't conclusively say that the o2 sensor has helped yet. Also the last time I took a long highway trip was in VT (at 17.5 MPG) and it was on winter gas, so not really apples to apples.

 

[mtbtim]

[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I just did an 02 sensor swap on my 98 yesterday. Video will be out soon. Hopefully my mpg improves because that's why I did it. No CELs. On my 98, I'm running BFG All-Terrain P265/75/R16s and I have aftermarket bumpers, skids, and rock rails so I'm heavier. But, I still think I should be getting better than around 15mpg because my 2000 loaded down with gear can get over 20mpg consistently.

 

[JohnOfTheJungle]

[MENTION=102606]infamousRNR[/MENTION] and I just did an 02 sensor swap on my 98 yesterday. Video will be out soon. Hopefully my mpg improves because that's why I did it. No CELs. On my 98, I'm running BFG All-Terrain P265/75/R16s and I have aftermarket bumpers, skids, and rock rails so I'm heavier. But, I still think I should be getting better than around 15mpg because my 2000 loaded down with gear can get over 20mpg consistently.

Interested to see what happens to your MPG. Is that 15 MPG hwy?

I’m running same size tires as you also with a bumper, but no sliders and stock skids, didn’t have any CEL either. I was getting about 10-12 MPG in Brooklyn city driving, would love to see that improve.


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[mtbtim]

Interested to see what happens to your MPG. Is that 15 MPG hwy?

I’m running same size tires as you also with a bumper, but no sliders and stock skids, didn’t have any CEL either. I was getting about 10-12 MPG in Brooklyn city driving, would love to see that improve.


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It was a mix of highway and city but mostly highway. I just did 120 miles of highway driving and the prognosis looks good. I'm at a half tank. When I'm at empty, I usually can fill up with around 14 gallons. So, if I got 240 out of a tank, I'd now be at 17 mpg. I'm going to give it a few tanks of fuel before I make judgement on how much of an improvement I've made with my mpg.