How long does it take to replace an oxygen sensor? A certified mechanic will generally need around 20-40 minutes to complete the job. Your mechanic will first perform a preliminary inspection to diagnose the issue, then follow through with the replacement.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my oxygen sensor replacement and how much do those parts cost?

An oxygen sensor replacement usually requires minimal parts, but check your owner’s manual or consult a professional mechanic for a comprehensive list of parts.

Oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor measures oxygen levels in exhaust gasses and communicates the information to your vehicle’s computer. The oxygen sensor is the main component of this replacement, and replacement parts will cost you anywhere from $40 to over $100.

You can purchase oxygen sensor parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three recommended brands for oxygen sensor parts are Bosch, Denso, and NGK, but the right parts and brands for your vehicle will vary based on its year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

While OEM parts are typically more expensive, they are more reliable and often come with a warranty. On the other hand, aftermarket parts will help you save money and get the job done for less, but you might experience issues sooner than with OEM parts.

Whichever route you choose, make sure to consult your owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic to ensure you purchase replacement oxygen sensor parts that fit your vehicle.

Where can I buy parts for my oxygen sensor replacement?

You can find oxygen sensor replacement parts at the dealership or manufacturer, auto body shops like AutoZone, or online retailers such as Amazon or eBay.

Keep in mind: The dealership/manufacturer will only sell OEM parts, while online retailers will only have aftermarket parts available. If you’d like to see both, try auto body shops or auto parts shops.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my oxygen sensor replaced?

Finding the right automotive repair shop to complete your oxygen sensor replacement can be difficult, but Jerry's

GarageGuard™

is here to help. GarageGuard™ can compare prices from over 2,500 vetted auto repair shops and provide fair price estimates* based on their real hourly labor rates.

With Jerry's GarageGuard™, you can see real reviews from customers and even find out whether or not diagnostic fees are included in the service cost.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare automotive repair quotes in your area.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

102 Reviews

Zippy Lube

707 N Englewood Dr., Raleigh, NC

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (765) 362-3371

113 Reviews

Goodyear Auto Service - Depew

4972 Transit Rd, Depew, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (716) 685-3971

104 Reviews

Import Auto Service

6540 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 569-2332

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my oxygen sensor?

Your mechanic will follow these general steps when replacing your oxygen sensor:

Preparation: Your mechanic will prepare the necessary tools and jack up your vehicle to access the oxygen sensor.

Disconnect the electrical connector: Your mechanic will disconnect the electrical connector from the oxygen sensor.

Remove the oxygen sensor: Using a wrench or socket, your mechanic will remove the faulty oxygen sensor from your vehicle.

Install a new oxygen sensor: Your mechanic will insert the new oxygen sensor and secure it in place.

Reconnect the electrical connector: Your mechanic will reconnect the wiring harness connector to the oxygen sensor.

After the replacement, your mechanic will start the vehicle and clear any error codes using an OBD-II scan tool.

What happens if I don’t replace my oxygen sensor?

Oxygen sensors are vital to your engine’s overall performance and health—not to mention they help reduce emissions to protect the environment. Without a properly functioning oxygen sensor, you could encounter issues with your engine such as:

Reduced engine performance

Stalling

Misfires

Engine failure

Increased emissions

Emissions test failure

Keep in mind: Some states, like California and Illinois, require a successful emissions test to take to the roads and renew your registration, so it’s important to replace your oxygen sensor as soon as possible to avoid fines or delayed renewal.

What is an oxygen sensor?

The oxygen sensor—sometimes referred to as an o2 sensor—measures oxygen levels in the exhaust gases as they exit the engine and then sends the information to the powertrain control module (PCM). The PCM uses the information, along with information from the

mass airflow (MAF)

and manifold temperature pressure (MAP) sensors, to determine the right air-to-fuel ratio for your engine.

The sensor, located in the vehicle’s exhaust system near the catalytic converter, helps with engine timing efficiency, which lowers emissions released by the vehicle.

When should I replace the oxygen sensor on my car?

You should replace your oxygen sensor immediately when you notice the following warning signs:

Illuminated check engine light

Poor gas mileage

Rotten egg smell or black smoke coming from the exhaust

Rough idle

Misfires

How often should an oxygen sensor be replaced?

Oxygen sensors are meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle, so you won’t find them listed anywhere when it comes to regular car maintenance. However, they are susceptible to wear and tear, so you should periodically monitor your sensor and take your vehicle to a mechanic if you suspect you have a faulty oxygen sensor.

Can I replace my oxygen sensor myself?

While it is possible to replace your vehicle’s oxygen sensor at home, the job requires knowledge of your vehicle’s engine and electrical components.

If you have ample experience with DIY auto repair, you can complete the replacement, but most drivers should take their vehicle to a mechanic for an oxygen sensor replacement.

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FAQs

Can I drive with a bad oxygen sensor?

You should avoid driving with a bad oxygen sensor. Your oxygen sensor is important to the health of your engine and the environment, and without a properly functioning sensor, you could encounter poor engine performance, engine damage, and increased emissions. So, it’s important to get an o2 sensor replacement before you’re stuck with even higher repair costs.

What are the signs of a bad oxygen sensor?

Faulty oxygen sensor symptoms include:

Illuminated check engine light

Decreased fuel efficiency

Rotten egg smell or black smoke coming from the exhaust

Rough idle

Misfires

You might also see trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner.

What happens if my oxygen sensor goes bad?

When your oxygen sensor fails, your vehicle won’t know the air-fuel ratio in your engine, which could lead to the following issues:

Illuminated check engine light

Poor gas mileage

Rotten egg smell or black smoke coming from the exhaust

Rough idle

Misfires

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.