How to Bypass Oxygen Sensors

Bypassing an oxygen sensor--also called an O2 sensor--can only be done using a dummy O2 sensor. Oxygen sensors are part of the vehicle's emissions control system and it may or may not be legal to replace the O2 sensor with a dummy sensor. If you use your vehicle for off-road racing or you are experienced with engine tuning, you may want to bypass the oxygen sensor so that you can more effectively tune the engine without worrying about throwing a system error and a check engine light code.

Things You'll Need

  • Dummy O2 sensor
  • O2 sensor removal tool
  • Jack
  • 2 jack stands
  • Raise your vehicle onto jack stands. Jack up the vehicle using the front jack point, which is normally located behind the radiator.

  • Place jack stands underneath the front pinch welds located underneath the front doors (underneath the vehicle) and lower the vehicle onto the stands.

  • Remove the electrical plug from the O2 sensors underneath the vehicle. They are normally located on the catalytic converter. There may be one before and one after the converter.

  • Remove the oxygen sensor from the vehicle by turning it counterclockwise with an O2 sensor removal tool.

  • Insert a new dummy O2 sensor and reconnect the electrical plug to the O2 sensor.