Questions and Answers

Toyota Avalon Check Engine Q. Vincent, I like your site a bunch. It has been very informative and helpful. I have a 1995 Toyota Avalon, 3.0 Liter, Automatic transmission with about 97,000 miles. Recently, the "Check Engine" (MIL) light came on, and I took the car to a local auto repair shop for diagnosis. They told me it the "front left" O2 sensor needed replacing and estimated the cost at $246.00.

Times are tough now, so I put the repair on hold and decided to see if I could fix it. After some home work on the internet, I ordered an O2 sensor from Auto Medic Supply for $80.00, and replaced the O2 sensor located on the front manifold of the engine. It took about ten minutes, but the MILremains on.

Any suggestions? Did I replace the wrong sensor? Where are the other sensors located? Do I need to reset the computer? If so, how? Are there other possibilities? Is it harmful to run my car with the MIL on? I hate to take on the expense of a shop right now, unless it is necessary. Like I said, times are tough. Any help or advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Burt

A. It would have been a big help to know what code they got. A lot of O2 sensors get replaced simply because the code was mis-read.

There are three O2 sensors as shown below. If it was a bad O2 sensor it is possible you replaced the wrong one. If the MIL is still on, that means the problem still exists. If the problems was fixed, the light would go out. You can clear the codes by disconnecting the battery terminals or "EFI" fuse. Disconnecting the battery will also cause all memory systems, radio stations, time, etc. to be cleared as well.