Dealer says primary O2 sensor bad

[weslich]

A couple of days ago the CEL came on and when I read the codes I got P1166 & P1167. The service magager at the Honda dealer said for sure it's the primary O2 sensor causing the codes. The dealer price for the part is $353.76. I really want to stick with the original Honda part. Has anyone had any luck ordering genuine Honda parts from online stores? I have seen prices for the sensor at less than $200, but would like to make sure the supplier is reputable before ordering the part and having problems later.

[gilbertguy]

When mine failed I used a Bosch LAF(Lean Air Fuel) O2 sensor from Amazon for $176. Replaced it myself with no issues and has been working great. Just make sure you get the 5 wire sensor and not the common 4 wire.

[gsfent]

At least 2 Honda dealers I am aware of discount prices, Majestic Honda and Bernardi Honda. Both tack on "handling fees", and shipping but no sales tax. Make sure you are comparing "out the door" prices.

Regards,
Jerry

[weslich]

Gilbert, what model year and which transmission do you have? I have been told that the type of sensor depends on that. The dealer looked it up and told me I needed the part number 36531-PHM-A21. They didn't mention if it was a 5 wire or 4 wire.

[gilbertguy]

I have a 2000 manual transmission with 245,000 on it. When I bought it in August the guy had been driving it for 2 years with the Check Engine Light on and the life time MPG read 47. I'm guessing it could never go into lean burn because the LAF sensor was bad. Since I replaced it I reset the life time MPG and now I'm running at 63 MPG for the time that I've owned the vehicle. Here is the link for the sensor that I got: Amazon.com: Bosch 15393 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment: Automotive: Reviews, Prices & more

Good luck and let us know how it comes out for you!

[02insight]

order from g1parts.com . They are slightly cheaper than majestic honda, and offer free shipping on certain items. You end up having to pay tax, but it still ends up being cheaper. Part 36531-PHM-A21, from g1parts, ends up being $235 after tax, free shipping, or you can pickup from them from the Honda dealership in kingwood (59@kingwood dr.). They usually have the parts in a day or two as well. Very good service, I highly recommend them.

Or you could get it from majestichonda, where the total would end up being $242.57... no tax, but high shipping and handling charges, plus you have to wait longer for it to arrive in the mail.

The MT and CVT sensors have different part numbers. 2000-mid 2001 used the 5-wire sensor, but then switched to a 4-wire A/F sensor. I think that part number is correct. Mine is also a 4 wire, 2002 5spd.

[weslich]

Just a follow-up to my O2 sensor problem. Ordered Part #36531-PHM-A21 through g1parts.com which in reality is Sterling McCall Honda in Kingwood just north of Houston. I could have had the part shipped directly to my house, but put it in will-call and picked it up the next day. I drove to the dealership and actually pulled the old sensor right there in the parking lot and took it inside to make sure it was the very exact sensor I needed. It was, so I installed it and was on my way. I got a little sputtering at first getting on the freeway going back to work, but it soon smoothed out and began to get good gas mileage again. During the 10 mile trip back to work I got 117.9 mpg while I was struggling to get 75 mpg with the bad sensor. CEL went off after a few miles without having to reset. Problem solved. Thanks Musa for all your help.

[LapuRizal]

Originally Posted by gilbertguy

I have a 2000 manual transmission with 245,000 on it. When I bought it in August the guy had been driving it for 2 years with the Check Engine Light on and the life time MPG read 47. I'm guessing it could never go into lean burn because the LAF sensor was bad. Since I replaced it I reset the life time MPG and now I'm running at 63 MPG for the time that I've owned the vehicle. Here is the link for the sensor that I got: Amazon.com: Bosch 15393 Oxygen Sensor, OE Type Fitment: Automotive: Reviews, Prices & more

Good luck and let us know how it comes out for you!

My mechanic said my check engine light was also this front O2 sensor. I was wondering if this Bosch one is plug and play or do I got to splice? Also, I tried looking at majestic and g1 and could not for the life of me figure out where this part is located. I have a 2000 Insight. Thanks.

[weslich]

Lapu, it's so easy. Under the hood, passenger side, behind the motor, a little low, screwed into the catalytic converter is a spark plug size sensor with a wire connector plugged into the top of it. That's the upstream or primary O2 sensor. You'll need a 22mm O2 sensor socket & a ratchet wrench. Mine came right out, no problem. It's easy to reach too. I went with the Honda Denso sensor because I didn't want to worry about an off-brand sensor not allowing the lean burn mode to work right. Mine works perfectly. Paid a little more, but no worries. 02insight has a hook-up with G1 Parts. Send him a PM & you can use his link. Good luck!

[02insight]

Originally Posted by LapuRizal

My mechanic said my check engine light was also this front O2 sensor. I was wondering if this Bosch one is plug and play or do I got to splice? Also, I tried looking at majestic and g1 and could not for the life of me figure out where this part is located. I have a 2000 Insight. Thanks.

If it is the primary A/F O2 Sensor that you need, then it will be the 5-wire type for the year 2000. Part# is 36531-PHM-A02

Part# 17 on this page: Honda Automotive Parts

It is about $280 from the dealer.

If you do a little cross-referencing, you can see its actually an NTK 24301 sensor which is available here for only $180:
NTK 24301

Or for only $136 on amazon:
Amazon.com: NGK 24301 Oxygen Sensor - NGK/NTK Packaging: Automotive

This thread discusses this issue about trying to get the right sensor.
2000 owners in need of an upper 2 sensor: BEWARE!