How do you replace oxygen sensors on 2000 olds silhouette?

Answer 1

There are four Oxygen sensors for this vehicle. There are two before and two after the catalytic converter. One each on the left and right side of the engine as you face the front of the vehicle as if you are sitting in the driver's seat. I have a 1998 Infiniti QX4 which is the same engine type as the 1999 Infiniti QX4.

Items needed:

1) 4 Oxygen Sensors: Best to get the direct fit version This is the simplest so you do not cut and splice wires which may be confusing if you are a do it yourselfer as well as not to have any bad connections. You can obtain the part from an auto parts store or on line, as I did. If you order on line pay attention to obtaining the four correct parts (2 before left and right) and (2 after left and right) of the catalytic converter. The cost of the sensors range from around $165 to $280. Some manufactures include the wire clips so read what it comes with. Do not remove the sensors from the boxes, like a kid with a new toy, as you will need to know which part goes were later. Your order form or sales part form may let you know what part number goes where. If this is not the case, for you, when you remove the part from the vehicle measure the length of cable and compare the electrical connections shape and match them.

2) Rent at your local parts store an Oxygen Sensor socket kit. Which consist of 3 tools. You will need two of the three tools. Cost is a down payment of $10 - $20 which is usually returned when you give back the tools. You can buy the kit for around $25.00.

3) Packet of Wire Ties 4 inches in length and about 1/8 inch wide if the clips were not included with your sensors. I found that I needed the ties anyway.

4) Socket set with a flexible ratchet head, pliers, wire cutter, (#10, #11, #12) small open and box end wrenches and a large flat bladed screw driver.

5) A wire coat hanger that will be destroyed.

6) Flash light as needed

Procedure:

Disconnect Battery, set brake to prevent car rolling.

Remove and replace one sensor at a time. Unfortunately there is not much room behind the engine and the cab just do your best and take your time.

Start with the easiest: Remove the passenger side before catalytic converter sensor. Find the sensor, it is in plain view; follow the wire to the connection location at the passenger side top of engine. All four of the connections are within 4 inches of each other on the passenger side top of engine.

There is a clip on the under side of the connector. Pull down gently, just a little, on the clip while sliding the connector that is part of the wiring harness away from the connector (toward front of engine). It should come off easily. Once off jiggle and slide forward (toward front of engine) the sensor connector off a metal tab.

Now follow the disconnected connector and wire to the wire clip that holds the sensor wire to a secured attachment point. Use the pliers and flat bladed screw driver to remove the clip from the attachment point.

Use your rented Oxygen Sensor socket and flexible head ratchet to remove the Oxygen sensor. (Remember lefty loosy, righty tighty).

Replace with the new sensor, fish the wire and connector following the same route it came out of. Slide the new connector on the metal tab and push the connector that is attached to the wiring harness onto the new connector until you feel or hear a click. Connect the wire clip onto the wire and then on the attachment point. If you do not have clips use the wire ties until firm and clip off the excess.

Second (Harder) but on the same side: Remove and replace the passenger side after catalytic converter sensor using the same procedure as above. You will need the second tool that came with the rental kit as there is not room for the large socket. This is where you will need the hanger to fish the new connector up from under the vehicle. Be careful not to pull too hard and disconnect the wires from the connector. I could not remove one of the wire ties that is above the exhaust so I had to clip the old sensor wire and use wire ties to secure the new sensor wire to the old portion of the wire as high as possible away from anything hot.

Third (Easy): Remove and replace driver's side after catalytic converter sensor using the second method. There is more room and two clips where I used the flat bladed screw driver and pliers. This electrical connection is a few inches away from the first pair. Just follow the wire from the old of course.

Fourth (HARD or What a Pain!): You will be removing and replacing the driver's side before catalytic converter sensor. You will need two hands for this and there is very little room from the dip stick area. Remove dip stick, remove rubber breather tubing from one connection point (hard to describe location but it is just above dip stick tube). You may need to unclip the acceleration cable from its three holding clips. Put a rag or cloth over the dip stick tube so you don't cut your self. That will be the area that your left hand will go down to the sensor (it is very tight). Next to the wheel wall and the cab wall is an electrical sensor. Remove the two bolts connecting this to the wall with the number 10 and 12 wrenches. Push the sensor out of the way. Fish your socket and flex wrench down this hole (next to the cab wall) with your right arm. Remove the old oxygen sensor. You may need to use your left hand down that tight area. Be very careful not to cut yourself at the dip stick tube is sharp. Replace with the new sensor and follow all the procedures above. Reconnect electrical sensor that was next to the cab wall, reclip the acceleration cable if removed, replace dip stick, and reconnect rubber breather tube.

Reconnect Battery and pick up tools. Total time is about 2 to 2.5 hours. Start vehicle.

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility if this procedure does not work for you or any damage to your vehicle. It is best to consult with a professional mechanic or purchase a repair manual. As a DIYer this method worked for me I hope it works for you.

Answer 2

The oxygen sensor on a 2000 Silhouette is mounted to the exhaust system. To replace it raise the vehicle and safely secure it. Make sure the engine is cold. The sensor is thread in to the exhaust pipe. Loosen the sensor and unplug it. Replace the sensor.

Answer 3

The 1996 Buick LeSabre oxygen sensor is located on the air cleaner housing. Remove the vacuum hose. Pull the sensor out. Reverse the process to install the new sensor.