how to replace honda element o2 sensors

How to Replace Honda Element Oxygen Sensor

Do you have your check engine light on? Have you put it on an obd2 scanner and got p0420 code? Is this preventing you from passing your state’s emission testing? Chances are, you need to replace your o2 sensors.

So what is an o2 sensor? How does it work? What is it for?

Let’s take a deeper look into this essential part of your cars emission system.

There are 2 oxygen sensor’s on your Honda Element. There is an upstream and a downstream o2 sensor attached to your Element’s Catalytic Convertor. The upstream one takes a reading of your car’s carbon emissions and then the exhaust passes through through the catalytic convertor and the downstream o2 takes another reading to make sure your car’s catalytic convertor is filtering properly.

honda element o2 sensor
honda element 02 oxygen sensor part blowout diagram oxygen sensor

How to diagnose faulty o2 sensor

After years of use these o2 sensors acquire carbon buildup and cannot get a proper reading resulting in a check engine light and your car burning more fuel than necessary. In this guide I want to walk you through the process of replacing an o2 sensor.

The first step is always to diagnose the problem. There is no use replacing parts if they have not gone bad right? No one likes spending money they don’t have to.

So how do we diagnose a bad o2 sensor?

1. The Obvious

– A check engine light is illuminated on your dashboard

If you do not have a OBD2 Reader you can buy one here, or take your car to O’Reilly Auto Parts or your favorite parts store for a FREE diagnostic check.
If you car is throwing a P0420 code you know that your o2 sensor is the culprit.

2. You notice gas mileage is suffering

– A bad o2 sensor often results in a loss of gas mileage as a failing sensor will tell your Element’s computer to burn more fuel (running rich)

3. Rough Idling and/or Misfiring

– A faulty o2 sensor can result in your engine’s overall performance to suffer and can cause noticeable shaking at idle and misfiring of a cylinder.

If you notice any of these symptoms it is well advised to take your car in to get a free OBD2 diagnostic check. You can also BUY ONE HERE.

Buy Honda element oxygen sensors

how to replace honda element o2 oxygen sensors product

Get your oxygen sensors Here

Tools to help complete the job

OBD2 Code Reader Scanner Tool

buy 0bd2 scanner

honda element oxygen sensor removal tool 1

buy o2 removal tool

honda element oxygen sensor removal tool 2

buy 02 removal tool

Honda Element Toaster Stickers Click Here
Honda Element Toaster Shirt

REplacing oxygen sensor guide

Now that your car has been diagnosed, the replacement parts are in hand and you have the proper tools, its time to begin the replacement of your Honda Element Oxygen Sensor.

I always start with unplugging the old part first, so if we are replacing the downstream (towards the rear of the car) start by following the wires out the the o2 sensor and find it’s plug. There is a small tab that needs to be pressed down and then pulled away from the inner part of the plug. Once it is unplugged lets grab our new o2 removal tool and begin to loosen the sensor out of the catalytic convertor. It helps if the exhaust system is warm. If you are having trouble it is advised to apply heat to the area to help break the threads apart.

  • Unplug oxygen Sensor

    follow wires out of oxygen sensor and into the plug. to disconnect, press the tab and pull apart

  • Unbolt oxygen Sensor

    It's easier to do this to a warm exhaust system, if not, applying heat to the threaded area may help. Grab your o2 sensor tool and remove old o2 sensor

  • Install New oxygen sensor

    Follow the directions in reverse order to install everything again. 

How to Replace Honda Element oxygen sensor

Play Video

Learn how to replace your oxygen sensor from this video!

This video is a great guide but you do not have to remove that shield if you buy a o2 sensor removal tool. But he is correct, you can use an adjustable wrench or a 22mm wrench to remove the sensor.

I hope this guide helps you get the confidence to replace your Honda Element Oxygen Sensor

If you have any questions please leave them below!

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