How to Check Honda Oxygen Sensors

Air pollution problems have led to higher standards for cars to reduce emissions. Since the early 1980s, the Bosch oxygen sensor has been standard equipment on many vehicles, including Honda. Know how to check Honda oxygen sensors to keep your emissions down.

Get Car Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to diagnose or fix a problem with your car? I’ve read the manual so you don’t have to. Select your make, model, and year, then ask away!
*
*

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. [1]
    • A rich fuel mixing with little oxygen in the exhaust leads to a typical voltage of 0.8 to 0.9 through the sensor's platinum electrodes.
    • A lean fuel mixture with more oxygen in the exhausts causes the voltage to drop 0.1 to 0.3 volts.
    • A balanced air and fuel mixture averages around 0.45 volts.
  2. [2] Honda oxygen sensors usually last at least 50,000 miles (80,000 km), but older cars, or contaminated sensors, may affect their ability to reduce emissions. The sensors should be checked at these intervals:
    • Unheated oxygen sensors (1976 to early 1990 models): Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (48,000 to 80,000 km).
    • The first generation of heated oxygen sensors (mid-1980s to mid-1990s): Every 60,000 miles (97,000 km).
    • The second generation of heated oxygen sensors (since the mid-1990s): Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
    Advertisement
    • Some vehicles introduced two Bosch oxygen sensors on V6 and V8 engines in the late 1980s.
    • The number of Honda oxygen sensors doubled when Onboard Diagnostics II was developed in the mid-1990s.
    • Check for extra oxygen sensors near the catalytic converter.
  4. Test your Bosch oxygen sensors if you've been using leaded gasoline, have a problem with coolant leaks or frequently add oil to your car.
    • A Honda oxygen sensor may fail if it becomes contaminated by silicone (from gasket sealers), phosphorus or lead.
    • Check oxygen sensors for other causes of failure, including mechanical stress or environmental factors such as road splash.
    • Emissions test failure.
    • Drivability issues, such as hesitation.
    • Increased fuel consumption.
    • Analog voltmeters don't work well enough to check oxygen sensors.
    • Check the connections and repeat the process if you don't see a change in the voltage.
    • You may need to rev the engine a few times.
    • Look for several cross counts (passing the 0.45 volt mark) per second. This indicates closed looped operation and tells you the engine is warm enough. [3]
  11. If this occurs, the Honda oxygen sensor is good. [4]
    • If the voltage stays steady below 0.45, it is steady low.
    • If the voltage stays steady above 0.45, it is steady high. Allow air to enter the PCV valve. If this moves the voltage to less than 0.3, the sensor is probably good.
    • Reattach and repeat the steps.
    • You have a bad oxygen sensor if there are still no rapid voltage changes.
    13. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    My Honda Accord 2004 has a Maintenance Required light on the dashboard. I've had it serviced, but the lights is still on. What does it mean?
    Community Answer
    Most auto parts stores will check diagnostic codes for free or small charge. You can also purchase a tool to read the codes yourself (I have an OBD II reader from Harbor Freight; it cost about $40 and works just fine). A quick check will tell you if there is a problem, and if you made the repair, you will usually have to clear the fault code for the dash light to go off.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do I check the A/C in my Honda Odyssey?
    Community Answer
    There are several reasons for A/C to be inoperative. You'll need to determine if it's just low on Freon/R3, if it is a belt, if the compressor is seized, or if it's a fuse/relay inop. Some auto parts stores may be able to help you determine this, otherwise you can take it to a mechanic to diagnose the problem so you can decide how to proceed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You can save at least $100 per year on fuel costs and reduce emissions into the environment when the Honda oxygen sensor is in good working order.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Beware of replacing Bosch oxygen sensors with 3- or 4-wire universal oxygen sensors. An incorrect installation can damage the oxygen sensor or the car's computer.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 3
      • Ignoring oxygen sensor failure can damage the catalytic converter and lead to stalling and poor performance.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Digital voltmeter


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Siphon Gas
      How to
      Know When a Muffler Is Broken
      How to
      Install an Exhaust System
      How to
      Change a Fuel Filter
      Step-by-Step Methods for Adjusting a Carburetor
      How to
      Replace the Fuel Injectors in Your Vehicle
      What Causes White Smoke from Your Muffler (or Engine Bay)?
      How to
      Replace a Catalytic Converter
      How to
      Test Fuel Injectors
      Replacing the Battery in a Honda Key Fob: Step-by-Step Guide
      Has Your Catalytic Converter Been Stolen? How to Tell and What to Do If It Has Been
      How to
      Clean a Fuel Filter
      How to
      Patch an Exhaust Pipe
      How to
      Check Your Fuel Pump
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.meineke.com/blog/oxygen-sensor/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLhqTG0iBVU
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKsS6AELPuM
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvKZ2GDYEz4
      5. http://www.autohausaz.com/honda-auto-parts/honda-emissions-oxygen-sensors.html
      6. http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/maintenance/4219927

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 91,580 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement