🔧 HR-V - Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Upstream + Downstream)

On your HR-V there are two oxygen sensors: the upstream air/fuel ratio sensor (Sensor 1) on the exhaust manifold, and the downstream oxygen sensor (Sensor 2) after the catalytic converter. Replacing both is mostly unplug-and-unscrew, but access and heat are the main challenges.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Exhaust parts get extremely hot—work on a fully cool engine and exhaust.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands; never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep sensor tips clean—do not touch the sensing end or get oil/grease on it.
• ⚠️ Disconnecting the battery may reset idle learned values; the engine may idle rough briefly afterward.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Floor jack (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set
• 22mm oxygen sensor socket (slotted)
• Torque wrench (10–100 Nm range)
• Trim clip remover
• Flathead screwdriver
• Penetrating oil
• OBD-II scan tool (basic) (specialty)
• 10mm socket

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Upstream air/fuel ratio sensor (Sensor 1) - Qty: 1
• Downstream oxygen sensor (Sensor 2) - Qty: 1
• Anti-seize compound (sensor-safe) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Let the exhaust cool completely (at least 1 hour after driving).
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
• If you’ll replace the downstream sensor, raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it on jack stands at proper lift points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate both sensors

• Open the hood and locate the upstream sensor on the exhaust manifold area (Sensor 1).
• Under the vehicle, locate the downstream sensor after the catalytic converter (Sensor 2).
• Take a photo of connector routing first.

Step 2: Unplug the upstream sensor connector (Sensor 1)

• Find the upstream sensor’s electrical connector near the engine.
• Release any harness clips using a trim clip remover or flathead screwdriver.
• Press the connector lock tab and separate the connector by hand (do not pull on the wires).

Step 3: Remove the upstream sensor (Sensor 1)

• Spray the sensor threads area with penetrating oil and wait 5–10 minutes.
• Install the 22mm oxygen sensor socket (slotted) over the sensor (this special socket has a slot so the wire can pass through).
• Use a 3/8" drive ratchet and 3/8" drive extension to loosen and remove the sensor.

Step 4: Install the new upstream sensor (Sensor 1)

• Compare old vs new sensor connectors and wire length before installing.
• If the new sensor threads are not pre-coated, apply a tiny amount of anti-seize compound (sensor-safe) to the threads only (keep it off the sensor tip).
• Thread the sensor in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with the 22mm oxygen sensor socket (slotted) and torque wrench: Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the electrical connector and re-secure any clips by hand or with a trim clip remover.

Step 5: Unplug the downstream sensor connector (Sensor 2)

• Safely get under the vehicle (supported by jack stands).
• Locate the downstream sensor connector on the body/floor area near the exhaust.
• Release clips using a trim clip remover or flathead screwdriver, then disconnect the connector by hand.

Step 6: Remove the downstream sensor (Sensor 2)

• Spray the sensor threads area with penetrating oil and wait 5–10 minutes.
• Use the 22mm oxygen sensor socket (slotted) with a 3/8" drive ratchet and 3/8" drive extension to loosen and remove the sensor.

Step 7: Install the new downstream sensor (Sensor 2)

• If the new sensor threads are not pre-coated, apply a small amount of anti-seize compound (sensor-safe) to the threads only.
• Start the sensor by hand until fully seated.
• Tighten with the 22mm oxygen sensor socket (slotted) and torque wrench: Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Route the harness exactly like the original, away from the exhaust, and re-clip it using a trim clip remover.
• Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Reconnect battery and lower the vehicle

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle safely using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Use an OBD-II scan tool (basic) (specialty) to clear any stored codes.
• Start the engine and let it idle 3–5 minutes; listen for exhaust leaks and make sure no wires are near hot exhaust.
• Test drive 10–15 minutes with mixed city speeds; re-scan to confirm no codes return.
• If the idle is a little odd after battery disconnect, drive normally for a short trip so the ECM can re-learn.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$750 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$420 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$330 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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