Hows it going everyone noob over here, flame on lol
I recently purchased an 04 rx8 with 85k, im in Atlanta Ga where they have the stupid emission law. my car wont pass because the check engine light is on.
I took the car to mazda and they pulled up the bank 1 sensor 2 as the CEL and told me that for the downstream sensor it would be $492 parts and labor. when i talked to the previous owner (used car dealership) they told me they installed a universal one and that basically did nothing for me as my car still wont pass the test.
I figured i would try to go the more cost efficient way for this one as i just purchased new brakes/tires/headlights and am running a little low on funds. i ordered a bosch direct fit 02 sensor and i'll be putting it in as soon as i get it probably monday or tuesday.. do you guys think that will be good enough for now?
again i apreciate the help!

-Leo

 

The sensor is about $125 or so...and about 5 minutes work to change.....

The downstream sensor isn't to critical and an aftermarket one should woork fine,,,likely about $60.

Any mechanic could change it...take it to you neighborhood muffler shop

Do you have a CAT...that likely is your problem

 

How recently did you buy the car? Is the stupid part of the law that a used car dealer can sell a car that won't pass inspection?

Since Mazda diagnosed that sensor as the problem, it's certainly worth doing it yourself and saving the dealer markup and labor. I presume Bosch lists the sensor you ordered as being for the RX-8.

Ken

 

well in Ga its illegal for the dealer to do that, so im gonna see if i can get in contact with one of the used car gov board and at least report them. i know its not going to do me any good, but at least they'll get looked into.. yeah i bought the bosch direct fit since the one thats in it right now is a universal one thats not really doing anything.

 

very simple to do yourself. you can youtube how to change a oxygen sensor or how to change a o2 sensor and you should get plenty of videos showing exactly everything you need to do. its plug and play super easy

 

Important note ... the rear O2 sensor is very easy to change not the front


Unless you have arms of rubber and fingers with the strength of super man.
Which you'll likely need as most front O2 sensors do not come out easily.

Oh and another common problem is it will strip the threads on the removal .. the threads in the manifold that is!
So if you can try and apply liquid wrench a couple times over a 24hour period.

 

this is true he does have a good point, watch the threads!
its his bank 1 sensor 2 (which is the downstream/rear sensor), so he's good