Things You'll Need:
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands (if necessary)
- Goggles
- Box-end wrench or ratchet and sensor socket
- Anti-seize compound
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Step 1
Find the oxygen sensor you want to replace. The easiest way is to follow the exhaust pipe connected to the exhaust manifold. The upstream sensor will be located along the front exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter. The downstream sensor is found right after the catalytic converter on the back exhaust pipe. The sensor's body is cylindrical in shape, about the size of a spark plug, and has a pigtail electrical wire.
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Step 2
Start the engine and let it idle for four minutes to bring the engine to operating temperature, then turn off the engine. This will help to ease the threads off the exhaust pipe and avoid damage to the pipe.
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Step 3
Raise the front of your Grand Am using a floor jack, and support it on two jack stands if necessary.
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Step 4
Put on your goggles if you are going to be working underneath the car, and unplug the sensor electrical connector.
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Step 5
Unscrew the oxygen sensor using a box-end wrench or ratchet and oxygen-sensor socket.
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Step 1
Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the threads of the new oxygen sensor, making sure not to get any compound on the tip of the sensor.
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Step 2
Start the sensor by hand to avoid thread damage.
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Step 3
Tighten the oxygen sensor using the box-end wrench or ratchet and oxygen-sensor socket.
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Step 4
Plug in the sensor electrical connector.
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Step 5
Lower the vehicle.
