How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor on a Nissan Pathfinder
by Christian Killian
Replacing the oxygen sensors on your Nissan Pathfinder requires a special socket designed to remove and install the sensors. The oxygen sensors are a critical part of the engine management system and the car's computer depends on the reading from them to determine whether the engine is running rich or lean. The oxygen sensors can be purchased from the dealership if you want OEM parts, or they are also available from any auto parts store as aftermarket replacement parts.
Step 1
Raise the front of the truck with a jack and support it with jack stands placed under the frame. Locate the two oxygen sensors in the exhaust system. There is one in the front right exhaust pipe and one in the front left exhaust pipe. They are both slightly down stream from the exhaust manifolds.
Step 2
Locate the wiring harness connector on the end of the sensor. Disconnect the connector and lay the harness aside.
Step 3
Remove the oxygen sensor with an oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet, turning the sensor counterclockwise to loosen it. Lift it out of the threaded insert in the exhaust pipe and discard it.
Step 4
Thread the new sensor into the exhaust pipe fitting and tighten it with the oxygen sensor socket and a ratchet. Plug the electrical connector into the wiring harness connector on the truck.
Step 5
Move to the second sensor and repeat the process to replace it as well. Support the truck with your jack and remove the jack stands, then lower the truck to the ground.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Ratchet
- Oxygen sensor socket
Warnings
- Make sure to allow time for the exhaust to cool if you have driven the truck recently. The exhaust gets very hot and severe burns can occur if you try to work without allowing it to fully cool.
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
