O2 sensor warranty

[nkx1]

Hi guys, I've been a member here for 1 1/2 years, but haven't posted for a while. Good to see the site is still going strong.

I have a '99 V6 with 45K miles (bought it certified used), and while I was driving around today, my check engine light came on. Took the car to the dealer (Buena Park Toyota), and they said the 2 front O2 sensors need replacing, for about $520.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem and had it covered under warranty? The service guy said that the warranty only covers powertrain, not emissions. Then I called my local mechanic that I use for oil changes, etc., and he said that in California, the emission system is covered for 7yrs/70K miles. Can anyone help? $520 is a lot of money to me right now, because I am currently not working.

**Also, what are the consequences of driving around with a non-working O2 sensor?

Thanks!

[DavPak]

warranty on O2 sensor: 3yrs/36K
did you purchase an extended warranty? if so, call 1-800-228-8559, talk to customer service and they can tell you if your plan covers O2 sensors, however, most plans do not cover it.

[Turbosolara]

go to the other dealer and see what problem it is. the chance that both sensor went out in such low miles are rare

[Yanks0114]

I didn't know we have two front O2 sensors?

I see one in the front bank of headers, one in the rear, and one by the cat. Am I missing something?

[slingshot]

My 99 V6SE had an O2 sensor go with a check engine light at only 40,000 miles and four years old. I didn't have the extended warranty and had to pay up the big bucks. The dealer didn't say for sure if it would have been covered under the extended warranty. That really would have sucked even more if I had bought the warranty and it was not covered. Why does this car seem to have early dying O2 sensors?
Dave

[Turbosolara]

i think only california version has two A/F ratio sensor. sometimes just simply take out the A/F sensor and clean the head with a cleaner, it will fix the problem. Or check your air filter see if it is very dirty or unproperly installed. Or reset the ECU and let it idle for 10 minutes and see what happen

[Stock Solara SEV6]

Did they tell you what the codes were that set off the check engine light - the actual numbers? I would think there would be a separate code for each sensor.
The sensors are around $100 - $125 each and are usually not to hard to change yourself. You need to purchase a special socket to make it easier (AutoZone has them).
I thought they were covered as an emissions item, but I guess they aren't based on the previous post.

[nkx1]

Thanks for the responses guys. Please keep posting with any other info you might have!

I reset the ECU by disconnecting the negative battery terminal, and the check engine light went off. I drove around for about 20 mins today, and it still hasn't come back on. I think I'll just leave it, and hope for the best.

Also, if the sensor is dirty, how do I take it out to clean it?

[offthahook]

My Solara has 70 K on it and the previous owner did replace the O2 sensor at 48K. Seems like there would be an aftermarket part that would be cheaper then OEM. That special socket will help to not crack off the old sensor's top. Struts mounts and that O2 sensor seem to fail early on the Solara. I dunno about warranty coverage; I tend to doubt it though.

[ericatdallas]

My brake sensor went out and they said the same thing for me. I have the extended warranty and the dealer called to make sure they were telling me t
the truth.

I got so much maintenance to do. I've ignored J-Lo too long