How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor on a 2013 Honda Accord
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, safety tips, and reset guidance for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor on a 2013 Honda Accord
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, safety tips, and reset guidance for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
🔧 Oxygen Sensor - Replacement
On your Accord V6, there are multiple oxygen sensors, so the exact access point depends on which one you are replacing. The sensor itself is threaded into the exhaust and must be removed carefully to avoid damaging the exhaust threads or the wiring harness.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Let the exhaust cool completely before starting. The exhaust and sensor can burn you badly.
- Use jack stands if you need access from underneath. Never rely on a jack alone.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable if you will be working near the starter, alternator wiring, or want to clear codes safely after repair.
- Do not twist the sensor by the wire. That can ruin the harness.
- If the sensor is seized, use penetrating oil and work it slowly. Forcing it can strip the exhaust bung.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Oxygen sensor socket 22mm
- 3/8-inch ratchet
- 3-inch extension
- Penetrating oil
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Safety glasses
- Mechanic gloves
- Torque wrench
- Wire brush
- OBD-II scan tool
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Oxygen sensor - Qty: 1
- Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1
- Replacement sensor clip or retainer - Qty: 1 if damaged
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- If the sensor is on the front bank, access may be easier from above. If it is a rear bank or downstream sensor, access is usually easier from underneath.
- Let the exhaust cool fully before touching anything.
- If your scan tool has live data, note the fault code before clearing it.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Raise the vehicle if needed
- Use the floor jack to lift the car at the correct jacking point.
- Support it with jack stands before going underneath.
- Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
Step 2: Find the sensor
- Locate the faulty oxygen sensor on the exhaust or manifold.
- Trace the sensor wire to its connector.
- Follow the wire before unplugging it.
Step 3: Unplug the sensor connector
- Release the connector lock by hand.
- If needed, use your fingers to press the tab and disconnect it.
- Do not pull on the wire.
Step 4: Loosen the sensor
- Spray penetrating oil at the sensor threads and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Use the oxygen sensor socket 22mm with a 3/8-inch ratchet and 3-inch extension to break the sensor loose.
- Turn counterclockwise to remove it.
- Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs) on installation.
Step 5: Compare the old and new sensor
- Make sure the new sensor matches the old one.
- Check that the connector and wire length are the same.
- If the new sensor does not have thread coating, apply a tiny amount of anti-seize compound to the threads only.
Step 6: Install the new sensor
- Thread the sensor in by hand first.
- Use the oxygen sensor socket 22mm to tighten it.
- Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
- Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
Step 7: Secure the harness
- Make sure the wire is clipped back into its retainers.
- Keep it away from the exhaust and moving parts.
- Hot exhaust can melt the harness fast.
✅ After Repair
- Use the OBD-II scan tool to clear the fault code.
- Start the engine and check for exhaust leaks.
- Watch live data if your scan tool supports it to confirm the sensor responds normally.
- Take a short test drive so the ECU can run its monitor again.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$550 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)
You Save: $190-$370 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
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