Should I replace my own oxygen sensor if i have a Check Engine Light and Code P2195?

Question

My 2003 focus lx 2.0L L4 SOHC ~18,000 miles has had the engine light so i went to autozone to read the code. Autozone obd2 printout says "P2195 lack of heated oxygen sensor- Bank 1 Sensor 1 HO2S11 switch- sensor indicates lean."

Autozone said "Your car is burning more fuel. It's a common problem. It's usually the 1st sensor to go out. It's possibe to DIY. It looks like a spark plug in the exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter by exhaust manifold."

I checked with Herko Automotive Group and they said "For your car 2003 FORD FOCUS 2.0L L4 SOHC in the position sensor 1 (Upstream) you need the oxygen sensor number SG1813."

How reliable is this advice from autozone & herko? Should i just replace the sensor or what's the next likeliest fix for this?

I think I see where the bank 1 sensor 1 is located in front of the engine, but can someone post a pic highlighting the location?

Answer 1

since installing new 02 sensor engine light has not reappeared after clearing w/obd2 device and torque free app. TOTAL COST= ~$27

7 31 13 ordered Koolertron F-12 ELM 327 OBDII PC Car Diagnostic Scanner Electronics EggDeal via amazon $9.50 to use w/android smartphone torque free app to read & clear obd codes

8 10 12 friend sprayed hoses he knew to be for emissions in engine w/water from spray bottle while car running and it didn't choke or stall. ws able to get o2 sensor loosened w/ 22 mm wrench. (if can't get off 02 sensor without removing heat shield then nuts on heat sheild need 10mm wrench). friend didn't think we had any vacuum leaks but thinks should replace vacuum gas pod as he heard funny noise in it but we're going to replace 02 sensor first since that's what autozone recommended & since there aren't any vacuum leaks.

8 11 13 bought new o2 sensor to replace bank1 sensor1 NEW PREMIUM HIGH PERFORMANCE O2 OXYGEN SENSOR FORD LINCOLN MERCURY GA24302 ebay 380658246257 $16

8 15 13 rcd o2 sensor & rcd obd2 bluetooth scanner

8 18 13 used obd2 scanner w/torque app to clear engine code

8 19 13 ws abl to twist off o2 sensor by hand (as it was already loosened w/ 22" wrench when was at friends 8/10). picked up anti seize lubricant at autozone $1.39 which i applied to threads of sensor (*careful not to get on head of sensor) b4 screwing on by hand then tightning slightly w/wrench

9 6 13 it's been almost 3 weeks and engine light has not reappeared

Answer 2

The diagnostic trouble code is not to be looked at as a root cause of the system failure. (example. Replacing a blown fuse is NOT a solution) In all cases there are multiple components that can cause the same code to trigger. For instance, a possible vacuum leak, or EGR problems, and even a PCV issue, could all show o2 sensor readings with tendencies towards lean.

With that being said checks should be done to ensure that problem isn't elsewhere and that you're replacing the correct part the first time and now just blindly throwing parts at a car. But, if you feel like rolling the dice and hoping that it is actually the oxygen sensor then feel free to replace it.

Bank 1 Sensor 1 is located before the Catalytic Converter. The one after the Converter is Bank 1 Sensor 2