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Down Stream O2 Sensor

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by tkc100, Oct 25, 2024.

  1. tkc100

    tkc100 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    It has finally started to cool down enough that I can do some work on my little blue Prius.

    I am getting ready to install a “CAT” guard on the car. It will block access to the downstream O2 sensor and make it much more difficult to change. Hopefully it will also make it much more difficult to steal the catalytic converter. I have two questions that perhaps someone in the community can answer.

    What is the normal life expectancy of the downstream O2 sensor? How often, or if ever is it necessary to change it?

    Would you change the O2 sensor even though it is operational now before installing the cat guard, taking into account that it will take an additional 2+ hours to do after the installation?
     
    #1 tkc100, Oct 25, 2024
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Are they still having problems in Arizona with generation 2 and 3 Prius catalytic converters being stolen like wildfires? If not I would forgo the converter plate if my own my own home and wherever I'm living I can forego the converter plate unless they're going to cut it out at my job which could be possible that some jobs I'm in a protected lot generally at work so they got to get past security to do that. So it just depends on your situation usually for your O2 sensors you will get a code O2 sensors can last a real good long time especially if your engine's not really burning oil and things like that they can last 300 plus thousand miles You can look in your freeze frame data from your capable scanner and see that everything looks fairly reasonable as far as the voltage just go and all of that and leave it alone The sawzall will make short work of your catalytic converter plate they'll just cut behind it and cut in front of it down the whole mess comes but don't take my word for it
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Oct 25, 2024
  3. tkc100

    tkc100 Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I purchased this vehicle a little over a year ago or perhaps it was a little less than a year ago, but in any event, I shopped around for about six months. There is no used car market here in Yuma for Priuses, so I had expanded my search to San Diego Tucson and Phoenix. I was surprised to find so many cars for sale that had had their catalytic converter stolen. I am not talking about a couple but a lot. My approach to owning a vehicle is reasonable precautions and good insurance. However even with insurance it would cost me a minimum of $500 to have the CAT replaced. The Cat Guard plate was $75 on eBay. Is it a sure thing, does it make it impossible to steal the CAT, of course not. But in my opinion, it is worth $75. Thanks for your comment on the O2 sensor.
     
    #3 tkc100, Oct 25, 2024
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    IMHO, you'll need both a tremor switch alarm system and a CAT shield to deter them. You can turn the tremor switch all the way down to prevent false alarms, but sensitive enough to trigger when they start jacking up your car to get to the CAT. Install the CAT shield with tamper-proof stainless steel screws - as long as you have the correct bit, it can easily be removed. Just like storing your mag wheel locks in the glove box. If a shield & alarm doesn't deter them, nothing will. They'll probably smash up the car in frustration.
    I did a simple $30 alarm on my girl friend old Honda; she hasn't had any issues since. They botched stealing her car. I had to replace the entire steering column lock assembly and plastic coverings. Luckily they didn't cut any wires.

    Hope this helps.
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Oct 25, 2024
  5. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    #5 SFO, Nov 2, 2024
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