From o2 sensor to engine replacement in 10 days?

When you change the O2 sensor make sure you visually inspect the plug and wiring in that area.

 

One of the Amazon reviews showed how to replace it from the top

 

Although I have to wonder if a "quickie" means of changing it without removing inverter etc. was how the current sensor wound up (apparently) leaking.

 

If I paid for this service, I would bring it back to the dealer and have them redo it. If it has to be towed in, I would have them cover it.

 

I think the dealer installed the sensors. Someone on Amazon talks about grinding down the outside of one of the wrenches to fit inside the sensor. That would be the cheapest way if you have access to a bench grinder.

 

I would insist on making an appointment to have their shop foreman available to assist you. That's the top service tech in their shop and there's no way he would not know there's a leak (if it's loud up front). A Jr. mechanic probably serviced your car and you just need someone higher up the chain.

But I can understand your dilemma, it's very unfortunate you are put in this position

 

We actually don't know if the part they installed is actually a working part. We are assuming it's not working because of the problems you're experiencing and that Toyota cars really don't like anything non Denso for sensors. But it also could be a perfectly good working part, just installed wrong.

Right now it's all assumptions, based on the loud noise and code thrown by the car. Hopefully that's it and it won't throw you a curve ball later

 

I would agree with @FantasticalMagicOne on not wanting to take the car to that dealership ever again. I understand that it would be a lot more convenient if dealerships were competent, responsible and cared about the quality of work they produce, but I have yet to meet such a dealer. I did know a few (two or three) indie mechanics that I trusted implicitly (after getting to know them and their work), however. If such a person is available to help, I would encourage to seek their help as this job seems a bit complicated (involving removal of inverter). Having said that, I would have no problems diving into something like that by myself and I have a feeling that the OP is of similar mind.

Someone who CARES about the result is worth more than someone who has more experience, but does not give a rat's a$$. Dealers are notoriously in the not giving a rat's a$$ category, especially the dealer in question (well proven by previous experience). It's better to get this done than to being "right" about dealer's incompetency, IMO. It would be very sweet to hear that the dealer suddenly realized their mistakes and done right by the customer, but I would not hold my breath for that and that is why I would go ahead and attempt the job myself.

Sounds like @FantasticalMagicOne feels confident in being able to do it and that is 90% of success right there. It's just nuts and bolts, after all, not brain surgery. There is plenty of info and there is this thread rich with advice. I am certain the outcome will be much better if she attempts the job herself than trying to get the dealer to do the right thing. I have way more confidence in her at this point than any mechanic at that dealership, including the foreman (who gave her the "dead engine" diagnosis).

@FantasticalMagicOne, if you feel this is something you are comfortable attempting, I will be your greatest fan and supporter. Go for it! You will have at least learned how to R&R an inverter on gen 2 Prius. But more likely, you will have resolved this ridiculous situation that is keeping at least a half dozen people on PC up at nights

 

A dealer does not have to be right in their diagnostics to recommend a service, that's the unfortunate part. Many times people will replace part after part chasing a problem, spend thousands of dollars and not get the results they are after. A service dept (whether it's a dealer or private shop) only has to put in a good faith effort in trying to repair your car. It's pretty sad

 

Another objective in a dealer service dept, besides taking all your hard earned money, is to scare you out of your car so you'll buy a new one.

Reading your previous post about not having the room to tighten the sensor if the inverter is not removed, I'm curious if this happened at your dealer service. Maybe when you get to the sensor, see if you can tighten it down (with a little torque, don't over do it) before removing it.

 

Here's a video for replacing the front O2 sensor. It will give you an overview of the process. Learn from this guys mistakes.

I did this job on one of my cars a few years ago. I remember it's not easy. A buddy loaned me a socket that he ground down so it would fit that stupid small heat shield. He told me the sensor could not be removed from the bottom. Being so challenged I proceeded to do so. ( I own lots of extensions, u joints, and ratchets.) I do remember starting the extension from the back side of the socket. Getting to the wire plug is also difficult.

Here's a video for the rear O2 sensor. Don't forget you still have the P0137 code for this sensor.