1997 Toyota Camry V6 Upstream Oxygen (O2) Sensors Remove & Replace

The removal and replacement of the two Upstream oxygen sensors on a 1997 Toyota Camry V6 in excruciating detail.
PB Blaster: amzn.to/30CKr7n
Upstream sensor (located before catalytic converter): www.autozone.c...
Downstream sensor (located after catalytic converter): www.autozone.c...

[@bobnewman1810]

Thank you Joe for all of your hints. That rear connector is tough. It looked unlikely, but indeed I was able to get my big 'ole hand in there the way you described and push the button on the connector. I used long needle nose pliers in my left hand to reach in from the other side of the cross member and tug on the wires. Hint: Once disconnected, cut the lead off at the sensor so you don't have that in the way when removing it. An exhaust bracket blocked my sensor socket from working on the front one. I used a 7/8" box end wrench instead. To torque the front one, I used a 7/8" crows feet on my torque wrench. Torque is 32 ft-lb. Reduce by 10% if using a crows feet. The Denso sensors came with anti-seize compound. I used a small amount of it.

[@FloridaJoe3]

Thank you for all the useful input. You could totally "teach this class" now. Glad it went well and excited about the money you saved. Happy motoring!

[@user-ne7qv5gt3k]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@FloridaJoe3]

Thank you for commenting. I hope the video was helpful.

[@CoinHuntingDrew]

For the rear, you don’t need to go down under. If you take the air intake hose off the engine, there’s MORE then enough room to unplug the o2 from the top, get a 22MM wrench and slide it down the o2 sensor wire, and get it to crack loose. Then twist it out. Also helps if you let the engine run for about 30 seconds to get slightly warm. No need for blaster imo

[@FloridaJoe3]

Excellent suggestion. Thank you for commenting. These kinds of comments are what makes KZbin great.

[@krabby4456]

hooooolllly man sensor 2 was seized hard for me lol what a pain the change but thanks for the tips!

[@FloridaJoe3]

Hate it when that happens. I hope you got it out OK. You just have to keep trying things until it gives. Good luck.

[@neverwasthere]

I have codes P0150 and P0153 on my 1997 Toyota Camry 3.0L V6 just like yours. The code scanner says the B2S1 has slow response issue. The B2S1 is right on the front manifold in the front of the engine next to the radiator, easy to access. I measured the resistance of the O2 sensor heater to be 14.8 Ohms ( specs: 11-16 ohms). I replaced the sensor with a new Denso 234-4622 OEM one anyway since I have a spare one from two weeks ago. I then deleted the codes with code scanner. The same code comes back after driving for 57 miles in two days. It also comes with codes P0130 and P0133 today, indicating B1S1 also has slow response, too. The B1S1 is located between the engine and the firewall. I knew the B1S1 is new because I replaced the B1S1 two weeks ago when it had code P0130. It was the O2 sensor heater showing open. So now the codes P0150/P0153 for B2S1 and code P0130/P0133 for B1S1 show up the same time again even after two new Denso OEM oxygen sensors B2S1 and B1S1 installed, . What is the common cause for this? A background info, I had code P0402 last week. I replaced the EGR valve. During which I found a broken off connector of the vacuum switch connected to the EGR. I had to replace the vacuum switch as well (from Advance auto parts, not Denso). I deleted codes with code scanner afterwards. But now I have P0402 shows up along with P0150/P0153 and P0130/P0133.

[@FloridaJoe3]

Wow! You did everything that should have cleared up the problem. I guess I would give it a couple of weeks to see if it will go away on its own (not sure if the computer has to retrain itself with any of this). Then I would want to check connectors and wiring for corrosion or damage. Also, maybe go back and check the integrity of the new parts. Good luck with it and kudos to you for taking such good care of your 97 Camry.

[@neverwasthere]

I solved the problem of simultaneously P0130/P0133 and P0150/P0153 codes showing up. I found another broken VSV next to the VSV which is directly connected to the EGR valve. The two stubs with rubber hoses connected to broken off from the VSV body. This VSV has one side connects to the Throttle Body and another to the Charcoal Canister. This VSV's part # is 90910-12150. After replaced this VSV, the codes P0130/P0133 and P0150/P0153 are gone. This also eliminates the code P0402. The lesson learned from this is that P0133/P0153 of Oxygen sensor slow response is related to the vacuum leak, rather than the oxygen sensors themselves. Bye Bye EGR, there aren't any state inspection required after 2024.

[@ilya8918]

Thanks a lot!

[@FloridaJoe3]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[@sachsgs2509]

You can just use an adjustable crush wrench and a little PB and make sure the engine is hot.

[@FloridaJoe3]

Absolutely, once I've rounded off the edges, the channel locks come out. If that fails the vise grips come out.

[@sachsgs2509]

@@FloridaJoe3 I'm sorry my bad, not channel lock but an adjustable crush wrench. The one by the firewall you can get it loose with the c wrench from above and then you can use the socket that you used to get it off...

[@berryngo1363]

Thanks

[@FloridaJoe3]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@huyentu5185]

Hello just wondering which one is upstream sensor

[@FloridaJoe3]

The two on the exhaust manifold are upstream and the one past the catalytic converter is the downstream. Good luck with yours.

[@huyentu5185]

@@FloridaJoe3 I getting a code p0420 at least 5 years after I reset code go away and code come back again how do I know which oxygen sensor is bad 389000 miles on a car Thx

[@FloridaJoe3]

@@huyentu5185 Wow! 389K miles. Good job! A quick Google search showed "P0420 trouble code indicates that the catalytic converter isn't functioning efficiently". Is it possible that your catalytic converter is the problem?

[@adhaadirakhman5555]

what you use exygen sensor? Because i see different new and old sensor for Camry XV30 can used for XV20 V6 3.0 ?

[@FloridaJoe3]

I'm not sure what you're asking but I can tell you that I just went to the parts store and trusted them to give me the correct part. It sounds like maybe you're ordering the part online. I'm not sure what to tell you. Good luck with it.

[@jjextinguisher]

Have you had to replace knock sensors yet? How many many does your 97 have? I got 140k on our 97 camry v6

[@FloridaJoe3]

I have never replaced a knock sensor but if I ever do, I will certainly make a video. Good luck with yours.

[@jjextinguisher]

@@FloridaJoe3 thanks Joe!

[@Tat2daddy1]

Help please!!! I have a 99 V6 Camry LE. I’ve been told that the car has 4 o2 sensors. For the life of me I cannot find the 4th!! I’ve located the front 2. 1 at the front of manifold. The 2nd at the firewall. And the 3rd one at passenger side between muffler and catalytic converter…where is the 4th

[@FloridaJoe3]

I'm so glad to hear that you didn't find a fourth. There are only three as far as I know. One at the output of each exhaust manifold plus one downstream after the catalytic converter for a total of three. Good luck with your repair.

[@Tat2daddy1]

Thank You so much for the clarification. I thought I was losing my mind!!!

[@gaberivenburg8201]

Probably a dumb question but are the 97 and 2001 v6 le camrys the same? I have a 2001 that need an upstream o2 and wanna make sure I follow the right process I can’t exactly find 2001 guides anywhere and just wanna make sure

[@FloridaJoe3]

The general process will be the same. Find the sensors and replace them. However, the location and number of sensors may be different. Good luck with it.

[@herowillrose3198]

The one on back- near fire wall, what do you called that? Bank 1 or Bank 2? Also, the one on the front near radiator? Bank 1 or Bank 2? Please help your viewers better understanding each sensor bank locations? Thanks.

[@FloridaJoe3]

I Googled it and found that bank 1 sensor 1 is in the back by the firewall. Bank 2 sensor 1 is in the front nearer the radiator. Good luck. Sorry your Google is broke.

[@Rogvall]

what were the symptoms you see to decide replace both sensors? My Camry looks good but I passed the ODBII and I found error in both banks.

[@FloridaJoe3]

I was seeing the Check Engine light constantly and then checked OBDII and saw the code. There were no other obvious symptoms. I assume I was probably getting worse mileage and emissions.

[@williamavery1758]

Ok I have a 1998 Toyota Camry V6 3.0 I'm getting P1155 since we have the same engine which sencer is that the one right when you open the hood or the one under the car

[@FloridaJoe3]

The P1155 message should specify which sensor it is (upstream A or B or downstream). You'll have to find a manual page to or google the upstream A and B definitions. Good luck with it.

[@herowillrose3198]

Confused, which sensor you replaced? Bank 1, sensor 2?

[@FloridaJoe3]

I believe I replaced both of the upstream sensors. But I also certainly understand how confusing it can be. There are two sensors, one for each exhaust manifold and figuring out which is which takes some Google work. Good luck with it.

[@FloridaJoe3]

As far as I remember, I replaced both of them.

[@BabyGangsterIsMe]

i have a question. Are they the same part for the front and the rear?

[@FloridaJoe3]

I don't know any reason why they couldn't be the same but I would ask the part's store folks just to be sure. Good luck with it.

[@tamluong5470]

May I know the part number of those sensors that you replaced?

[@FloridaJoe3]

I though I mentioned the part numbers in the video or in the comments. If not, I can't help you. Sorry.

[@LuisPerez-bk3cm]

Question how many O2 sensors does a 97 toyota camry le v6 have ?

[@FloridaJoe3]

It has three. Two upstream (one on each exhaust manifold outlet) and one downstream.

[@RusHnRelaX]

Growing up poor sorta speak having if I had to guess between my gf siblings parents and I roughly 30-40 cars that my dad and I mainly and a few others worked on to keep them going until they couldn't anymore & the way my mom/2 sisters/gf dgaf just driving them like they were indestructible with the forever excuse "I thought it always made that sound, I didn't see any smoke until I slowed down, (water temp gauge) I really thought I had full tank of gas, is it my fault you didn't finish fixing it before I had to go somewhere, I wasn't racing the engine speeding I got here before you cause I had all green lights, the reason I didn't hear anything cause my fav song was on & I turned it up, yes I kept driving after the car started shaking because I thought it was an earthquake not the car, (my personal fav) ok yea I knew something was wrong but I drove it home because I wasn't getting stuck all the way out there" Anyhow thought those excuses would make you laugh but the only 2 cars that they could not destroy full break make quit were the Altima which yes got rid of it eventually from an upgrade not from it dying & 🥁🥁 a 97 Toyota avalon xls v6 both those cars were passed around to everyone to use literally nonstop all day everyday and you know cars & there computers have to adjust their sensors etc from 1 person to the next between acceleration & braking alone which multiple driving habits & neglect is what destroys cars most..... Lmao yes I know I typed a bunch of bs & could've just said reliable car but what fun is that & that being said I'm dam proud to say 15 years later inheriting the Toyota from my family and driving it 2500 miles across the country to it's new home with server leakage of multiple oils and water etc and getting to the end of TLC I had to put into it. It has org. Motor/ transmission hoses and 99% of the rest of it is org. Very little besides gaskets & fluids has been changed this S.O.B. switches gears accelerates like a brand new car does and is reaching 400,000 miles on it🤯😳 driving every make except for the rich people ones there was no other that can take an azz whooping overheat multiple occasions drive bone dry of oil for days at a time etc etc etc and still be in perfect running order.... a ditzy girl Sons 1st beater Tight budget Lifetime partner Consumer fixable Gold digger destroyer You purchase that Toyota/ multiple models, Lexus es300 whatever you want just make sure you got the "1mz-fe DOH cam 24 valve 3000 V6" under the hood and keep up light maintenance with fluids & unlike any other vehicles your grandchildren's great grandsons daughter's husband's son-in-law granddaughter will be driving that same car & by then she will probably think the car is a brand new classic due to the odometer being at 999,999 miles when you're about 2 miles away from where she is to drop it off lmao well regardless of everything written up there I hope it was legible and entertaining take care or should I say take car lol

[@FloridaJoe3]

Well, you definitely win the longest comment prize. Thank you for writing and affirming what I have always thought about Toyotas. I have a Highlander and hope to put a few hundred thousand on it. Love my Toyotas. 😊