How to Replace an Oxygen Sensor in an Oldsmobile Silhouette
by Dan Ferrell
Your Oldsmobile Silhouette comes equipped with two Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) to keep vehicle emissions under control. Once the sensors have passed their service life, emissions begin to increase, which may affect fuel consumption and engine performance as well.
Removing the Oxygen Sensor
Step 1
Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature to facilitate oxygen sensor removal (see Warnings).
Step 2
Turn off the engine.
Step 3
Open the hood and locate the oxygen sensors you want to replace on your Oldsmobile Silhouette. Follow the exhaust pipe connected to the exhaust manifold. The upper stream sensor is threaded onto the exhaust pipe, right before the catalytic converter. The downstream sensor is threaded to the exhaust pipe right after the catalytic converter.
Step 4
Raise the vehicle using a floor jack.
Step 5
Support the vehicle on 2 jack stands.
Step 6
Unplug the oxygen sensor electrical connector.
Step 7
Unscrew the oxygen sensor using a box-end wrench or a ratchet and oxygen sensor socket.
Step 8
Remove the sensor from the vehicle.
Installing the Oxygen Sensor
Step 1
Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new oxygen sensor. Make sure to keep the sensor's tip free of compound, dirt and grease.
Step 2
Start the new sensor on the exhaust pipe by hand to avoid damage to the threads.
Step 3
Tighten the sensor.
Step 4
Connect the oxygen sensor electrical connector.
Step 5
Replace the other sensor, if necessary, following steps 6, from the previous section, through step 4 of this section.
Step 6
Lower the vehicle.
Tips
- Consult your owner's manual or vehicle service manual to identify or locate components. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Box-end wrench
- Ratchet and oxygen sensor socket
- Anti-seize compound
Warnings
- It may be difficult to replace an oxygen sensor with the engine at 120 degrees F (48 degrees C) or lower. Trying to force the sensor free may damage the threads and result in costly repairs. However, it only takes a few minutes for the exhaust system and related components in your vehicle to reach very high temperatures. Whenever working under these conditions on your car, use caution to avoid skin burns and other injuries.
Writer Bio
Since 2003 Dan Ferrell has contributed general and consumer-oriented news to television and the Web. His work has appeared in Texas, New Mexico and Miami and on various websites. Ferrell is a certified automation and control technician from the Advanced Technology Center in El Paso, Texas.
