Replacing lambda/oxygen sensor

[markjuby]

My 2002 XJ8 3.2 Executive has recently passed 100,000 miles. Around the same time the Check Engine warning light came on. A cheap code reader revealed a code of P1647, indicating the pre-cat sensor on the passenger side had failed.

She went in for an MOT and 100,000 mile service with a local Independent Jaguar garage in mid-January. She sailed through the MOT and the garage confirmed that it was indeed that sensor.

My problem seems to be persuading the garage to do the work. They were initially to source a non-Jaguar sensor, to save money. After two weeks they seem to have forgotten all about it. I have found the part, number LNE 1684 BB, on Ebay for £118 delivered.

Is it really that difficult to fit? After reading extensively on the net, the commonly held view is that this particular sensor "is a pig" to replace. Remembering that I have limited tools and resources, and probably less mechanical aptitude is it something I should take on?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as always.

Thanks

Mark

[robv12]

I think a call to David Marks, 0115 982 2808, would be in order here for fitting advice, then take it from there based on Davids comments

I have had no experience of doing one of these my self, old XJ40 ones were bad enough!!

[Gary220262]

Hi Mark, From what you say about limited tools and resources i would leave it to a local independent who should be able to do the job reasonably, i had the same one done on my old X308 done for just over £100 if my mind serves me right towards the end of last year (post on here not long ago if you check), it is indeed a pig (drivers side a lot easier) to do and as with anything involving exhausts it is very easy to shear nuts etc. you say you checked it with a cheap code reader ? it may be worth cleaning MAF Sensor and checking again as from experience it seems to throw up same code on the cheaper OBD readers, hope this helps, Gary

[markjuby]

Thank you Robv12 and Gary.

I will certainly check the MAF Sensor first, but it seems that this is a job I should leave to the experts.

Mark

[markjuby]

Just to finish this thread off, both nearside sensors have now been replaced by a local garage specialising in Jaguars/Daimlers. While it took some time to book the car in for the work, partly due to the snow, they did a fine job and charged me £90 plus VAT. I reckon that was money well spent. If anyone wants the details of a reliable Independent Jaguar specialist in West Sussex - let me know.

[Gary220262]

Great news Mark, glad your all sorted.

Gary

[ptjs1]

Mark,

Glad you've got it sorted! As the person who originally stated that the passenger side pre-cat sensor is a pig to replace, I stand by what I said! If you have limited experience and skills, you made the right choice in going to a good independent.

From experience, having good lambda sensors on an X308 can make a huge difference to fuel consumption.

Enjoy the car now!

Paul

[RichardSEL]

Thought I'd tag on the end of this venerable thread...

Have previously had P0420 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1), that cleared. But now, just a few hundred miles later, got another EML that won't clear with hard resets. Have done two courses of Cataclean if cat blocks on this '01MY 3.2L 121k miler were to blame.

Just in case (not yet had it confirmed) either / or both of my pre- or post CAT sensors have had it, was just checking availability and costs at Gendan:
http://www.gendan.co.uk/oxygen_lambda_s ... prepostdef

They list both pre- and post sensors there but go onto list the rear as for my VIN range but 290bhp not 240. Is this a typo?

[ptjs1]

Richard,

Probably just a typo. The 4.0 has 290bhp, but I'm pretty sure the 3.2 and 4.0 N/A engines use the same sensor (just check the Jaguar parts website to confirm).

I always had good service from Gendan. I used one of their universal sensors on my 4.0 x308 about 6 years ago and just soldered in the wires to my existing plug. Worked well and made a huge improvement to my mpg.

Paul