Nissan Altima Oxygen Sensor Replacement (2013-2018) Upstream and Downstream
About this video
Check engine light on with an oxygen sensor code? Before you buy a sensor, make sure the sensor is actually the problem. An ASE certified mechanic shows how to read the code, identify which sensor it is pointing at, confirm the fault with live data, and replace it the right way.
SAFETY FIRST
Exhaust components get extremely hot and stay hot. Let the vehicle cool completely before you touch anything, support the car on jack stands on level concrete, and wear eye protection when working under the exhaust. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before unplugging sensor connectors, and never run the engine in an enclosed space.
WHAT WE COVER
What an oxygen sensor does and the difference between an upstream air fuel ratio sensor and a downstream oxygen sensor
Decoding bank 1, bank 2, sensor 1, and sensor 2 so you buy and replace the correct one
Reading codes and freeze frame data with a scan tool
Watching live data to tell a lazy or dead sensor from a real exhaust leak, vacuum leak, or failing catalytic converter
Why a P0420 is usually not a bad sensor and what to check first
Locating the sensor and getting a wrench on it, including the socket options when space is tight
Breaking loose a seized sensor without rounding it or snapping it off in the bung
Penetrating oil, heat, and what to do if the threads come out with the sensor
Anti seize on the threads only and keeping it off the sensor tip
Routing the new harness clear of the exhaust and seating the connector
Clearing codes, running the drive cycle, and confirming readiness monitors complete
SYMPTOMS YOU MAY NOTICE
Check engine light on with no obvious change in how the car drives
Poor fuel economy and more frequent fill ups
Rough idle, hesitation, or surging at steady speed
Rotten egg or sulfur smell from the exhaust
Black smoke or a rich fuel smell
Failed emissions test or readiness monitors that will not set
Engine running rich or lean with fuel trims far off
Light that keeps coming back after a reset
RELATED FAULT CODES
Oxygen sensor and air fuel ratio sensor codes such as P0130 through P0141 for bank 1 sensors 1 and 2, P0150 through P0161 for bank 2, P0030 through P0038 and P0050 through P0058 for sensor heater circuits, and P2A00 or P2A03 for air fuel ratio sensor range and performance. Related codes include P0171 and P0174 lean, P0172 and P0175 rich, and P0420 and P0430 catalytic converter efficiency, which often get blamed on a sensor that is actually reporting a real problem.
DOES THIS APPLY TO MY CAR
Recorded on a 2018 Nissan Altima, fifth generation L33, sold 2013-2018 in the US with the facelift covering 2016-2018. It applies to 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Altima models with the 2.5L QR25DE four cylinder, which has one bank, and the 3.5L VQ35DE V6, which has two banks and four sensors. The QR25DE is also found in the Nissan Rogue, Sentra, X-Trail, and Frontier, and the VQ35DE is found in the Nissan Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, 350Z, and Infiniti G35, M35, and FX35, so the sensor locations and the procedure carry over to those vehicles. The Altima is sold as the Nissan Teana in many markets. The diagnostic method applies to every OBD2 vehicle from 1996 and newer, any make, including Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description are provided for educational purposes only. Vehicle repair carries risk of injury and property damage. You are responsible for your own safety and for any work performed on your vehicle.
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