Your 2000 Oldsmobile Alero is equipped with an oxygen sensor that regulates and maintains engine emissions by controlling the amount of oxygen within the exhaust as it passes through and leaves the engine. If the oxygen sensor fails, you will notice more gas consumption, and your vehicle will fail a required emissions test. It's important to replace the oxygen sensor to ensure your Alero runs efficiently and clean.
Place the Alero in park and turn the engine off. Allow the Alero to cool for 20 minutes. It's ideal to remove the oxygen sensor while it's still slightly warm so this gives components enough time to cool to the optimum temperature.
Open the hood of the Alero and locate the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is on the passenger side of the Alero on the exhaust manifold. The sensor is a small white rubber plug-looking component.
Loosen and remove the oxygen sensor with a socket wrench combined with an oxygen sensor socket or a 22 mm socket. Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the sensor. Lift the sensor off of the exhaust manifold.
Place a new oxygen sensor onto the exhaust manifold and push it into place. The sensor is designed to plug into position; you will hear a click once it's secured in place. Close the hood of the Alero.
