Honda Repair: Electrical Problems Or O2 sensor, bart station, fuse box

Question
I've taken my 1996 Honda Civic in for check engine light diagnosis. I was told the that my O2 sensor needs replacing.  Although,the car was stolen a month ago,and was found at a neighboring city's bart station.  There appeared to be no apparent damage, but there is a hesitation on the inside lights coming on after turning on the headlights.  The mechanic indicates there is a problem w/the O2 sensor, but does not indicate a problem w/electrical system. In the process of the car being stolen, the party jammed the ignition switch in the acc position, then abandoned the care due to a dead battery. I would like to know what your thoughts are, and what is the general cost of replacing an O2 sensor.

Answer
It sounds like you have a couple different issues. If the check engine light is on & the PCM was scanned & it had a trouble code for an oxygen sensor, then it just means that there is a problem in that O2 sensor circuit. You probably have a worn out O2 sensor, but your mechanic needs to do the diagnosis on this trouble code before he replaces the O2 sensor. This part is around $225.00 from a dealer and not more than 1/2 hour labor to replace it.. Your mechanic also needs to check all the fuses to make sure they aren't blown. This model is bad about blowing a fuse in the dash fuse box that would indicate a faulty O2 sensor, but what is needed is wire repair. If he has Alldata, he can figure this out. As far as the ignition switch, it will need to be replaced. You can get it from the dealer inexpensive & a local locksmith can rekey the new ignition switch to match your original key.