How to Repair the Oxygen Sensor in a Galant
by Justin Wash
The oxygen sensor in your Mitsubishi Galant calculates the amount of oxygen in the exhaust that is let out of the engine in an effort to determine the correct amount of fuel to use to keep the air-to-fuel ratio of the vehicle steady. If the oxygen sensor goes bad, often the "Check Engine" light will illuminate on the dashboard, the car will feel sluggish under acceleration and gas milage will suffer. If your oxygen sensor has gone bad, save some time and money by replacing it at home, to get your Galant back up and running as usual.
Step 1
Set the parking brake on your Galant so that it is not at risk of moving, as you will be working underneath the car. If the car has been driven recently, be sure that it has cooled off completely before you begin work.
Step 2
Locate the catalytic converter underneath the car, directly beneath the driver's seat. The oxygen sensor is a small object located just to the front of the catalytic converter, which should have two or three wires coming out of it, depending on the year of your car.
Step 3
Using a combination wrench or specialized oxygen sensor socket, loosen the nut around the base of the sensor. Pull the sensor away from the hole where it sits. Follow the wires of the oxygen sensor and disconnect them from the connector clip.
Step 4
Remove the new oxygen sensor from its packaging. Connect the wires of the new sensor to the connector clip to which the old wires were attached. Using a combination wrench or special oxygen sensor socket, tighten the new sensor in place where you removed the old one. Be sure to tighten it down so it will not rattle loose while driving.
Step 5
Start the car and take it for a short test drive. Take it slow at first, allowing the new sensor to warm up to running temperature (most sensors work best at around 600 degrees Fahrenheit). When the sensor warms up and begins working, the "Check Engine" light should turn off on the dashboard. If not, there are other issues that must be addressed. Take your car to a certified Mitsubishi mechanic.
References
Things You'll Need
- New oxygen sensor
- Basic wrench set
Writer Bio
Born and raised in St. Louis, Mo., Justin Wash began his professional writing career in 2004 with an online freelance copywriting business. Over the years, he has written for a myriad of clients including China-Vasion and The Executives Closet.
