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'03 Town&Country: oxygen sensor location

35K views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  Sunvanse 
#1 ·
I have a '03 Town & Country with the check engine light on.
The diagnostic code is:

P0135 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

I know its before the cat but where is it located? Also, any tips on replacing would be nice.

Thank you.
 
#3 ·
Sensor 1 means it is the one before the cat. There is only 1 precat sensor on our vans unlike some other vehicles. You will have to get at the sensor from the bottom which is not a horrible job. But not a walk in the park either.
 
#4 ·
I replaced both my 02 sensor in my van w/ over 120k on it at the time.If you have a set of ramps to drive up it will make your life easier.I would also use a flare wrench of the size of 02 I believe its 7/8 inch so you dont strip it out.Aside from where they are located mine did not give me any problems coming out.:biggrin:
 
#5 ·
I replaced both of my O2 sensors recently. I replaced the front one from the top, when I had the wiper cowl off. It's very easy to get to with the cowl removed. If you haven't changed your spark plugs recently, you may want to remove the cowl and replace them and the O2 sensor at the same time.
 
#7 ·
Good advice. :thumb:
 
#6 ·
That code P0135 is for the upstream oxygen sensor, heater failure. The heater is for cold starts to get the engine to run less rich. The upstream oxygen sensor is on the exhaust manifold. Open your hood and look for a vertical part with what looks like a spring on it plus a wire going somewhere, I believe to your right.

Manuals may say take it out from underneath. From the top is a "piece of cake" though if you take out the wiper tray. A Mechanic I know says that's the best way to tackle it. Without a hoist I wouldn't even think about doing it from underneath.

There's a special socket available with a slit in it to allow for the wire (makes it easier). The O2 sensors come with anti-seize already on them.

As to taking the wiper tray off, here's a Post on that.
 
#8 ·
I replaced mine from the top without removing the cowl. Purchased Bosch O2 sensor at Auto Zone, "borrowed" socket (you pay for it but refund your $$ when you return it) Used a ratchet with enough extensions to clear the top of engine. Could not get it to budge initially, took it for a ride to heat things up, was then able to turn ratchet. Was easier than I thought.
 
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