Oxygen sensor help, please!

[LukeBird]

I have the CEL on a the moment and used a friends OBDII scanner to get the code (P0031) which indicates the pre-cat O2 sensor is faulty. I assume the code can't relate to anything else, but obviously I only managed to get the info from online guides!

Found a few on eBay, out of these, I assume the only difference is having the plug wired onto the end and one without -

Without plug

With plug

I guess buying with makes sense, but beyond that they should just be 'plug and play', right?

[MX-5 Lazza]

I'd just give Autolink UK a call and get one from a known working car rather than buying new.

[LukeBird]

Really, I wouldn't have thought bothering with a secondhand one is worth it?

[scrwright]

http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/oxygen-sensor-mazda-mk25...

[MX-5 Lazza]

LukeBird said:

Really, I wouldn't have thought bothering with a secondhand one is worth it?

O2 sensor isn't a service part as such. Sometimes they fail for no good reason. They don't fail due to age, they can go on for years. Most early Mk1s will still be running on their original.
If you get a 2nd hand one from someone like Autolink or MX5 Heaven they will guarantee that it is a working item. If it doesn't work they will send you another one. There is then no reason why it won't last just as long as a brand new one.

[LukeBird]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll get onto a few local garages and see how much they quote for labour.

[MX-5 Lazza]

An exhaust place might be quicker & cheaper

[LukeBird]

Depends on whether the local ones to me can do an MOT as well as that needs doing. One reasonably local place that have done work before, I'm sure they'll be reasonable.

[Riknos]

Luke - Have you found where the O2 sensor is on the car? Whilst being a bit fiddly to get to, it is straight forward to replace - You'll kick yourself for paying for a garage to do it, once you've changed it yourself for free.

[LukeBird]

You have to remove the heat shield as far as I'm aware.
It doesn't look overly tricky, but I can't get access to a ramp at the moment and I doubt it's doable on axle stands.
It's a pain, but I think I'll just have to cough up the cash and get someone to do it. I'm hoping the friendly garage I used last time (run by a PHer) will do me a good deal.

[LukeBird]

Had the sensor done when the MOT was done today, (the sensor cost an hours labour) and it's now all fine.

The car failed MOT on a rusty sill though. Bugger!