Kia Oxygen O2 Sensor Replacement DIY
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on changing the oxygen sensor on Kia vehicles.
Replacing the O2 sensor in Kia vehicles is easy; you can reset the check engine light once it is fixed.
Symptoms
When the oxygen sensor fails on your Kia, you may notice one or all of the following issues:
- Check Engine Light is ON
- A decrease in fuel economy
- Engine hesitation or misfire
- Rough engine idle
Getting started
Before you start replacing the oxygen sensor, we need to identify which one to replace. Two oxygen sensors are on 2.0T and 2.4 L four-cylinder Kia engines. One is upstream of the catalytic converter, and one is downstream.
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The following tutorial will show you how to replace the upstream sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 1). The procedure is the same for the downstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 2). By getting under the car, you will find it easier to access the O2 sensor for the downstream sensor.
The pictures below were taken on a 2016 Kia Optima equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine, the same engine used in other Kia models and Hyundai Sonata. Owners of Kia Forte, Optima, Rio, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Sedona, Soul, and Borrego will find this guide helpful.
What you will need
- Oxygen Sensor Socket
- Kia Oxygen Sensor
- Ratchet Wrench
How to Replace Kia O2 Oxygen Sensor
- Start by turning off the ignition. Next, open the hood. We recommend disconnecting the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the upstream oxygen sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1.
- Disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical wire.
- Remove the oxygen sensor using an oxygen sensor socket. To remove the sensor, you need to turn the ratchet counterclockwise. The old sensor may be stuck. If so, use penetrating fluid to loosen up the stuck sensor.
- Install the new oxygen sensor on your Kia.
- You can plug the new sensor directly into the electrical socket using a Kia OEM oxygen sensor. Using a universal O2 sensor, you will need to splice and connect the wires.
- Install the new oxygen sensor and torque it to the proper specification.
Are you looking to save money by replacing the oxygen sensor on your Kia or Hyundai? We have published many repair guides on Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Don’t forget to review the popular article on reading and diagnosing modern vehicles yourself.
Torque Specifications
- Oxygen Sensor: 45 ~ 49 N.m (30 ~ 35 lb-ft)
Fault Codes
This is a list of fault codes related to oxygen sensors. Note that the oxygen sensor may not always be the problem. For example, you may have other issues, like a bad wiring harness. You can read these codes using an OBD-II code reader and clear them once you repair them.
Here is a partial list of Oxygen Sensor related fault codes.
| P0130 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0131 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0132 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0133 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0134 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0135 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1) |
| P0136 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| P0137 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| P0138 O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| P0139 O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| P0140 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
| P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) |
* There may be other codes that point to a bad Oxygen Sensor.
Resetting the Fault Code
The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes on every control module of your Kia Vehicle. This can help you easily pinpoint the exact fault in your vehicle. Having this powerful tool can not just read and clear fault codes in your Kia but also perform bi-directional tests to help in diagnosing different concerns and problems.
Specifications
HO2S [Bank 1/Sensor 1]
| Item | Specification |
| Heater Resistance (?) | 2.5 ~ 4.0 [20?C(68?F)] |
HO2S [Bank 1/Sensor 2]
| A/F Ratio (?) | Output Voltage(V) |
| RICH | Approx. 0.9 |
| LEAN | Approx. 0.04 |
| Item | Specification |
| Heater Resistance (?) |
3.3 ~ 4.1 [21 C(69.8 F)] |
Are the o2 sensors for a 2020 kia interchangeable for manifold to cat converter if not what is the difference
where is the upstream O2 sensor on a 2009 Kia Sedona?
Hey
You wouldn’t need anything accept for the above mentioned tools and a simple screwdriver
I got a 2002 Kia Sportage 4×4 downstream 02 sensor po141 keeps coming back put two new 02 sensor in same thing want is the problem
So, I replaced both O2 sensors on my 06 Spectra. But after about 2 weeks, I got the same error. Sensor 2. What do you all recommend I do?
If I were to go to Auto zone to get these tools myself for the OEM, what tools would I ask for?
Trying to replace 2013 Kia Soul 4cyl both o2 sensors.
Thanks!
I was quoted $230 for replacing the O2 sensor in my optima. It was so easy to replace following this guide. Thanks a lot.