This procedure guides you through removing and replacing the downstream oxygen sensor (sensor 2) located after the catalytic converter on the 1.5L turbocharged engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Downstream O2 Sensor (Sensor 2) × 1 — Honda OEM 36532-RBC-013 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Ensure engine and exhaust system are completely cold to touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Raise front of vehicle using approved lift points and support securely on jack stands
4. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature, then note any existing check engine light codes for comparison after repair
5. Turn off engine and disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent false fault codes during sensor replacement
6. Spray penetrating oil on sensor threads if sensor has been installed for extended period

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the downstream O2 sensor
   Position yourself under the vehicle near the center/passenger side. The downstream O2 sensor is mounted in the exhaust pipe after (downstream of) the catalytic converter. Trace the wiring harness from the sensor to locate the electrical connector which is typically clipped to the heat shield or chassis.
2. 2

   Disconnect sensor electrical connector
   Press the release tab on the O2 sensor connector and carefully pull apart the two halves. If the connector is stiff, gently work it side to side while pulling. Do not pull on the wiring itself. If the connector is secured to a bracket or heat shield with a clip, remove the clip first.
3. 3

   Remove old O2 sensor
   Using the O2 sensor socket and ratchet with extension, position the socket over the sensor body ensuring the wire passes through the slot in the socket. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. The sensor may be tight due to heat cycles and corrosion. If sensor is extremely stubborn, briefly heating the bung area with a heat gun (not torch) can help, but allow to cool before removal.
4. 4

   Clean sensor bung threads
   Once the old sensor is removed, use a wire brush to clean the threads in the exhaust pipe bung. Remove any carbon buildup, rust, or old anti-seize. Ensure threads are clean and undamaged. If threads are damaged, the exhaust pipe may need repair or replacement before proceeding.
5. 5

   Prepare new O2 sensor
   Remove new sensor from packaging carefully. Apply a thin, even coat of nickel-based anti-seize compound to the threads of the new sensor only. Do not allow any anti-seize to contact the sensor tip or element. Keep sensor tip clean and away from dirt or debris.
   Torque spec

   O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install new O2 sensor
   Thread the new sensor into the exhaust bung by hand, feeding the wire through carefully to avoid pinching. Thread in clockwise until hand-tight. Using the O2 sensor socket and torque wrench, tighten to specification. Do not over-tighten as this can damage the sensor or exhaust threads.
   Torque spec

   O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Route and connect wiring
   Route the sensor wiring along the original path, ensuring it does not contact hot exhaust components or moving suspension parts. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks into place securely. Reinstall any wiring clips or brackets to secure the harness to the heat shield or chassis.
8. 8

   Reconnect battery and clear codes
   Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle. The check engine light may illuminate briefly during initial startup as the system relearns sensor parameters. Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any existing O2 sensor fault codes if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Verify all wiring connections are secure and properly routed away from heat and moving parts
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely
3. Remove wheel chocks

Verification

• Start engine and verify no exhaust leaks are present at sensor location (listen for hissing sounds)
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify check engine light remains off
• Using OBD-II scanner, verify downstream O2 sensor is reporting voltage readings (typically fluctuating between 0.1-0.9V or steady around 0.45V depending on engine state)
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes through varied driving conditions to allow ECU to complete readiness monitors
• Re-scan for codes after test drive to confirm no new O2 sensor-related faults are present

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