In this guide, you will find instructions on how to change the Acura oxygen (O2) sensor.

Acuras that are equipped with a four-cylinder engine have two oxygen sensors, an upstream and a downstream sensor.

The upstream sensor is before the catalytic converter and downstream is after the catalytic converter.

Acuras that are equipped with the 3.5L engine have two catalytic converters and four O2 sensors.

In the following guide, you will find instructions on how to change the upstream oxygen sensor on Acura vehicles.

What you will need

Procedure

  1. Park your ACURA and open the hood. The following video shows you how to open the hood on your Acura. 
  2. Disconnect Negative Terminal. Locate the battery on the driver's side of the engine bay and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use a 10mm socket to loosen the nut on the black negative (-) cable and pull the cable away from the battery post. 
  3. Locate O2 Sensor. acura oxygen locationoxygen sensor replacement acura tl tlx
  4. Disconnect Sensor Press the connector and pull it away to unplug the oxygen sensor. ACURA model disconnect oxygen sensor wire harness applicable years: 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
  5. Place the oxygen sensor socket on the sensor and break it loose. Removing the oxygen sensor on an old ACURA may be difficult at first due to rust. If the sensor won't come off, spray penetrating oil near the threads and wait at least 15 minutes. ACURA model oxygen sensor socket
  6. Install the new oxygen sensor. Tighten the new ACURA oxygen sensor to the recommended torque using a torque wrench. Typical torque settings are provided below. 
  7. Connect the oxygen sensor wire harness by plugging it in until you hear it click. If you are using a universal oxygen sensor you will need to use the diagram that came with the sensor to find out which wires to splice. connect wire to finish install ACURA model oxygen sensor

This guide applies to Acura models such as CDX, CL, VSX, EL, ILX, Integra, Legend, MDX, NSX, RDX, RL RLX, RSX, SLX, TL TLX, TSX, Vigor, ZDX. Note that Acura vehicles can have up to four oxygen sensors.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms that you have a bad oxygen sensor are:

  • Check Engine Light is ON
  • A decrease in fuel economy
  • Engine Hesitation or misfire
  • Rough Idling

Acura Oxygen Sensor Replacement Cost

The cost to change the Acura oxygen sensor yourself ranges in the $30-$120. Changing the oxygen sensor at the dealer can cost between $250 and $600.

The typical cost to change an Acura oxygen sensor at auto repair shops ranges from $150-$350.

 

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