Oxygen sensors are found on all modern cars, and are found on most Toyotas built since the mid 1980’s. The Toyota Tercel oxygen sensors, like those of all vehicles with such devices, are located on the exhaust. While all cars will have a sensor mounted on the exhaust forward of the catalytic converter, some will also have a second sensor mounted behind it, as well.

An oxygen sensor detects the ratio of oxygen to exhaust gases, and communicates with the computer, which will adjust the ratio of fuel to air in the combustion chamber to achieve the most efficient combustion of fuel. The sensor is two wires with metals, and it uses a reaction to generate voltage.

The strength of the voltage generated indicates the amount of oxygen, and the sensor measures the energy. The oxygen sensor does not measure as well when it is cold, the engines tend to run rich until they come up to temperature. Some vehicles have an oxygen sensor that contains a heating element that allows the sensor to come up to temperature before the exhaust gases reach full operating temperature, allowing the computer to lean out the fuel to air mixture sooner, which delivers better fuel economy. A stumbling engine, or one with poor fuel economy, may indicate a failing oxygen sensor. If your Toyota Tercel’s oxygen sensor is failing, you should replace it as soon as possible to preserve the engine and maintain engine performance.You can order a new Toyota Tercel oxygen sensor from our catalogue, and order it anytime, using our convenient online order system.