Replacing a KIA Spectra Oxygen Sensor

by Randy Bobzien

Your 2009 Kia Spectra has two oxygen sensors. One sensor is located under the hood on the exhaust manifold and is referred to as the "upstream sensor" or "Sensor No. 1." The other sensor is located under the vehicle to the rear of the catalytic converter and is referred to as the "downstream sensor" or "Sensor No. 2." Depending on your fault codes or symptoms you may be replacing one or both sensors.

Removal

Step 1

Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and place jack stands under the flats on the subframe rails. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Spray the sensor base with some penetrating oil and let soak for five minutes.

Step 2

Slide the oxygen sensor wiring harness from the connector bracket. Disconnect the oxygen sensor connector from the engine wiring. If replacing the upstream oxygen sensor the bolts from the heat shield. Lift the shield from the engine and route the wiring through the hole for the oxygen sensor.

Step 3

Remove the oxygen sensor from the exhaust using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet.

Installation

Step 1

Install the oxygen sensor washer supplied with the sensor and apply a small dab of anti-seize compound to the threads of the oxygen sensor if not done so by the manufacturer. Ensure that you don't get anti-seize compound on the tip of the oxygen sensor.

Step 2

Install the oxygen sensor into the threaded mount on the exhaust. Tighten the sensor to between 22-36 foot-pounds with a torque wrench and oxygen sensor socket.

Step 3

If you're replacing the front oxygen sensor, guide the sensor pigtail through the hole in the heat shield, then install the heat shield. Tighten the heat shield bolts 12-16 foot-pounds. Connect the oxygen sensor wiring to the engine wiring harness. Slide the connector onto the bracket. Lower the vehicle onto the ground.

Things You'll Need

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