I have a 2003 Nissan Xterra... The check engine light came on last month, and would go on and off, so I kinda figured it to be the gas cap... But now it stays on.

Does anyone have a reader to figure out which code is being tripped?

6/9/2012 1:25:41 PM

go to autozone or advance auto parts. they will read it for free. write the code(s) they tell you down and come back and post them here.

6/9/2012 1:26:50 PM

I was going to do that, for some reason I thought they charged

6/9/2012 1:28:35 PM

No, it is free

6/9/2012 5:43:59 PM

NMSJ

6/9/2012 5:57:29 PM

On those damn things the fuel level sending unit can trip a DTC, so have it scanned

6/9/2012 9:31:22 PM

I got it scanned it came back to a level two oxygen sensor

6/18/2012 1:07:02 PM

Damn...That's going to be a $100 part and 20 minutes of your time. So sorry to hear about your bad fortune.

(It could be a lot worse...Hope it's just the O2 sensor. )

6/18/2012 2:40:10 PM

well the problem is I don't know what sensor.. theres a front, rear, and a right...

6/18/2012 3:35:24 PM

Post the exact code...P0420 or whatever.

When one of mine failed the other went within 9 months. Sometimes it's easier just to do them both at the same time and get it over with.

These things are typical with an older vehicle. It's a small price to pay compared to making a monthly payment on a new ride if you can find the time to deal with it when they come up.

[Edited on June 18, 2012 at 3:55 PM. Reason : l]

6/18/2012 3:54:32 PM

is this something i could do on my own with somewhat limited tools and experience?

IE usually only do basic maintenance on my vehicle, which includes oil, brake pads, spark plugs, etc..

6/18/2012 4:43:53 PM

if you can reach the O2 sensor easily then it's pretty easy. depends on which bank and where its located.

6/18/2012 4:56:57 PM

^^ Remove two nuts, remove sensor, unplug sensor. Repeat in reverse.
Only a problem if the nuts/bolts are rusted all to hell.
Do it in the morning before you run your car and everything related to the exhaust is 900 degrees.

6/18/2012 5:03:12 PM

I can get both rear right and rear left from partsgeek.com for 110$ shipped... not bad?

6/18/2012 5:12:55 PM

What brand? Most people seem to think Denso sensors are better than Bosch. Other than that I'd say go for it.

6/18/2012 5:44:40 PM

Yeah it's denso

6/18/2012 6:44:01 PM

go for it. it'll come with a little anti-seize. put just a little on the threads. don't get it on the sensor head thing, though.

6/18/2012 7:02:11 PM

Will be my first O2 sensor swap. Will be good for me!

6/19/2012 9:22:22 PM

So this is slightly more difficult than I expected.... Anyone want to help? Name your hourly price and maybe we can knock this out quickly...

I'm trying to avoid dropping the drive shaft and taking a piece of the exhaust off to change both sensors. I lack the hand room and leverage

6/23/2012 7:52:13 PM

sometimes the easiest way to get the old one off is to just cut the wire so you can put a socket and a long ratchet or a pull handle on it

6/23/2012 11:58:28 PM

I actually got some loaner O2 sockets that have the relief slit in them...

6/24/2012 6:41:07 AM

sorry man, i'd come by and help you get it out if i was closer to raleigh

6/24/2012 8:55:36 AM

I'm in fuquay if that helps

6/24/2012 12:09:20 PM

i'm still over an hour away

6/24/2012 2:32:25 PM

still looking for help!

7/2/2012 9:09:17 PM