i need to replace both o2 sensors for vehicle listed above. so is it front left and back left o2 sensors?

I need to replace both o2 sensors for vehicle listed above. so is it front left and back left o2 sensors that I would need to buy?

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there:

Typically when an issue comes up with O2 sensors, it’s either the front bank (before the catalytic converter) or the rear bank (after). It’s very rare that all need to be replaced. However, the quickest and most effective way to determine which is faulty and need to be replaced is to have one of our professional mechanics complete a check engine light is on inspection. This service will allow them to determine which one is bad, and if you’d like, we can replace that O2 sensor for you.

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It is best to replace O2 sensors in pairs. For example, if you replace the downstream left sensor, you should also replace the downstream right. However, on most vehicles produced since 1996, replacing one sensor (especially the front engine monitoring sensor) will cause the ECU to set a code for the other sensors.
The downstream sensor is a heated oxygen sensor and reads the emissions after the catalytic converter. They both function the same but are different enough that they cannot be swapped.
Modern vehicles with V-6 or V-8 engines could have as many as four O2 sensors — one located in each cylinder bank and one after each catalytic converter. If either the oxygen sensor in the cylinder block or the one for the catalytic converter fails, your vehicle could experience serious engine problems.
Every catalytic converter is required to have a couple of oxygen sensors. So if you have a single exhaust system, you probably have one catalytic converter and, thus, two oxygen sensors. Cars with double exhaust pipes, meanwhile, will be fitted with a total of four oxygen sensors.
The oxygen or lambda sensor is one of the most important and one of the most misunderstood components of a modern fuel injection system.
Bank One is always the bank where cylinder number one is located. On the Corvette it will always be the driver side. Bank Two is the passenger side. Sensor 1 on Corvettes is always the sensor that is closest to the exhaust port of the engine.
Depending on the engine design, vehicles can have multiple oxygen sensors, sometimes on both sides of the engine. Reading the trouble codes will tell you exactly which sensor is in need of replacing — either the upstream (top) or downstream (bottom) sensor — and on what bank (side) of the engine.
If you remove the oxygen sensors from your vehicle, you will ruin the efficiency of the engine, thus consuming around 10 to 20 percent more gas than otherwise required, and also cause early failure of many components such as the spark plugs.
A failed downstream O2 sensor should not affect FE. If it is used for setting fuel trim, then its probably under a transient condition.
Sensor 1 is the sensor closest to the engine. Sensor 2 is the downstream oxygen sensor. It is always going to be located after the catalytic converter. Its job is to monitor the oxygen content exiting the catalytic converter in order to determine if it is operating efficiently.
2 into 1 exhausts can offer a better balanced airflow in your engine which can result in more torque and a smoother idle.
Generally, oxygen (O2) sensors last about 30,000-to-50,000 miles if you have an older car. Newer sensors can go 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced. University Auto Repair lists six signs below that your vehicle`s oxygen sensor is dying.
The short answer is yes. The air flow to the engine or the manifold pressure is measured to determine the correct amount of fuel to be injected. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen left after combustion for emissions and also to keep the engine running efficiently.
Poor Fuel Economy

The oxygen sensor can affect how much fuel your vehicle`s engine burns. By measuring oxygen levels in the exhaust, the O2 sensor helps to ensure your automobile meters and delivers the correct amount of fuel depending on the demands you place on the engine.

A vehicle`s (bank 1, sensor 1) O2 sensor will be located ahead or upstream of the catalytic converter on the bank which corresponds to the engine`s first cylinder. This is due to the fact that bank 1 is representative of an engine`s #1 cylinder, while sensor 1 serves as an upstream designation.
P0162: O2 sensor circuit malfunction (bank 2, sensor 3)
The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust fumes. If it is not working properly, it can cause the computer to incorrectly adjust the air/fuel mixture, which can lead to reduced acceleration.
There are two types of O2 sensors; a narrowband, and a wideband style — each has a different measurement ability. The narrowband O2 sensor has a limited range of AFR measurement, and can only send a signal to the ECU while it`s in the closed-loop AFR range.
MALFUNCTIONING AND FAILED SENSORS Oxygen sensors can fail when the sensor`s ceramic element is exposed to certain types of silicone compounds or when an oil-burning engine leads to the sensor becoming oil-fouled. Also, a small amount of tetra-ethyl lead in the gasoline can kill an oxygen sensor.
The simple and cheap O2 (Lambda) sensor eliminators are usually just disconnecting the O2 sensor signal to the ECU, and they only contain a smal resistor for the heating circuit to avoid a fault warning in the dashboard.
Input from the downstream O2 sensor(s) is used to detect any problems with the converter(s), and to fine-tune fuel trim. If a fault occurs in an O2 sensor or its internal heater or wiring circuit, the OBD II system should detect the problem, set one or more fault codes and turn on the Check Engine light.
If you remove your downstream O2 sensor, the system for emissions control might not work properly, and your car could emit more pollutants than permitted by law. This means that your vehicle could fail the emissions test and need to be repaired to be able to pass.
Yes, a bad spark plug can confuse your car`s internal computer and trigger the O2 sensor code.
Each oxygen sensor has its own unique characteristics specific to its application. One generic oxygen sensor that may appear to be the same cannot be used to replace a range of these specific oxygen sensors.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

i need to replace both o2 sensors for vehicle listed above. so is it front left and back left o2 sensors?
ANSWER : Hi there:

Typically when an issue comes up with O2 sensors, it’s either the front bank (before the catalytic converter) or the rear bank (after). It’s very rare that all need to be replaced. However, the quickest and most effective way to determine which is faulty and need to be replaced is to have one of our professional mechanics complete a check engine light is on inspection. This service will allow them to determine which one is bad, and if you’d like, we can replace that O2 sensor for you.

check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

Check Engine light comes on, mechanic replaced o2 sensor but light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi there:

If the mechanic completed the O2 sensor replacement, reset the codes and the error code was triggered again, it is possible that the catalytic converter is damaged and needs to be replaced. However, it’s also very common for the electrical harnesses that power these sensors to become frayed, damaged or faulty; which can also trigger the check engine light. It’s not advisable to drive a vehicle with a damaged catalytic converter for extended periods of time, as it can cause damage to internal engine components.

I have a p0171 code on my ford ranger 2.5 and have replaced fuel filter maf sensor, iac sensor, fixed vacuum leaks, replaced fuel
ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

Need to replace front left CV axle, do I need to replace the CV boot as well?
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The damage done to the unit will dictate what exactly needs to be done. If the entire CV axle on one side or the other needs to be replaced, then the entire shaft is typically replaced at once, including the boots. If you need to replace part of the assembly, the boots are serviceable separately on a need be basis. In that case, you would need to know if you were replacing the inner (closest to the middle of the vehicle) or outer (closer to the tire) boot. Once you have made those determinations, corrective action can be taken. For more help with diagnostics or the repair, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

I got the code P0133, 1/1 sensor voltage is weavering at about .7 v, and left side of engine running rich.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the wiring to the oxygen sensors and see if they are broken or shorted to ground. If the wiring looks good, then check the mass air flow sensor (MAF) and see if the MAF sensor is dirty, the harness is not plugged in, check for any open air inlets between the sensor and the throttle body, or if the sensor is working properly. If the sensor is not working properly, then I recommend replacing the MAF sensor. If you need further assistance with your engine running rich, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

I was told by my mechanic I needed to replace the front left wheel bearing over a month ago, how long can I wait to replace it?
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 2006 Audi A4 Quattro. As the bearing gets noisy, you will notice the noise get louder and you may get to a point of the wheel seizing or wobbling on the highway. Of course, this can lead to very dangerous driving situations, so you will want to have the wheel bearing replacement done sooner than later.