How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor on a 99 Chevy Cavalier

The 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier came standard with a 115-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and had a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine available in the Z24 models. Both engines utilized two emissions sensors in the exhaust system: a heated oxygen sensor and a catalyst monitor sensor. The heated oxygen sensor measures the amount of pollutants coming from the engine as exhaust leaves the engine. The Cavalier's computer then compares this reading to the reading from the catalyst monitor to determine if the catalytic converter is operating correctly. Replacing this sensor is a relatively quick job, but it requires a specialty tool.

Instructions

1

Locate the oxygen sensor on the side of the exhaust manifold, just above the flange connecting it to the rest of the exhaust system. Trace the oxygen sensor wire away from the sensor until you come to where it connects to the Cavalier's wiring.

2

Press the locking button on the wiring harness and separate the oxygen sensor wiring harness from the Cavalier's wiring harness.

3

Remove the oxygen sensor from the manifold, using a ratchet and oxygen sensor socket. If the sensor seems stuck in the manifold, apply heat to connection point between the sensor and the manifold, using a propane torch.

4

Coat the threads of the new oxygen sensor with an anti-seize chemical, if not pre-coated, and hand-tighten the sensor into the exhaust manifold. Tighten the oxygen sensor to 30 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket. Plug the oxygen sensor's wiring harness into the Cavalier's wiring harness.