Should O2 Sensors, Fuel Filter be replaced as part of regular maintenance schedule?

As the title states, is it generally recommended to replace the O2 sensors, and/or fuel filter as part of a good routine maintenance regimen?

If so, at what interval? under what conditions?

Toyota says no (or more precisely "doesn't say yes"), Some on this forum (see post #4) say yes. What do you think?


edit: if it's relevant, I have the 3.4L V6

 

Not sure if you have a 4 or 6cyl, but I've replaced the fuel filter 2x on my '03 3.4. Once at 90,000 and again at around 141,000.
The 3.4 isn't that difficult to replace (unless you have rust) because it's easy to access on the driver's side frame rail. I personally believe it's good maintenance to replace the fuel filter. Especially if you look at my post below (link).

I only replaced the upstream O2 sensor because I had a check engine light.

When I last changed my fuel filter..........
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ur-fuel-filter-03-3-4-more-pics-added.476590/

 

Ive never opened up a filter but thats what i would image it would be, i so far i have made it a 50-60K maintenance item on my cars, its just a cheap and relatively easy job to do. Though i haven't ever even thought of replacing the O2 sensor unless it fails.I guess i look at sensors as only being worth replacing when they fail and not a minute before.

 

I Also have the 3.4L, glad to know the fuel filter isn't a hard part to change out. Cost is the main deterrent for me, parts and supplies add up, especially for major maintenance intervals, After accounting for Synth Oil/Filter, Synth Diff, T-Case, Tranny Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Seafoam, Spark Plugs, Wires, etc, things start to add up. But your pictures make a pretty compelling case that changing out the fuel filter is worthwhile. An extra ~35 bucks might make me grumble but won't break the bank...

 

Yeah I would agree, unless the sensor is failing, or causing the truck not to pass smog, or showing some other obvious symptoms of failure/malfunction, I've never considered replacing O2 sensors as part of routine maintenance until I read the post I linked to. And I really don't want to start treating O2 sensors as maintenance items as they are not cheap.

 

I've had the same o2 sensor for 325k miles and am wondering the same thing. recently my gas mileage has significantly decreased. I've had a p0420 code for a long time and recently now a p0450 code. they might be unrelated (bad cat and bad evap pressure sensor respectively) or perhaps there is a connection.


reading articles online suggest that an o2 sensor may contribute to poor gas mileage, as much as a 40% decrease. they also suggest that a lazy o2 sensor might not trigger a code but still give poor gas mileage. some articles suggest that on OBDII vehicles should change the upstream o2 sensors at 100k mile intervals. since mine is 325k old i might try to replace it to hopefully solve my 420 code and mileage issues.

 

I never thought about changing the fuel filter on my old Nissan truck... until I chugged to
a stop at the side of the road... now I think changing them before they clog up (whenever
that is) is a good plan...

Reminds me: there's a button on our dash that overrides the clutch safety. My Nissan
didn't have that safety feature. When the fuel filter clogged and the truck stopped running,
I wasn't sufficiently off the road. Turning the key in first gear chugged me the rest of the
way off the road. I think of that whenever I look at the override button on the Tacoma dash...

-Mike

 

One of those things it really depends where you live.

Living in Eastern Pa Liquid Brine and lots of Salt for a 1/4" of snow .

Then it might just be my luck

Last fuel filter change was expensive as it was not coming off . both fuel lines and filter needed replaced.

O2 sensor pipe needed dropped and new bung welded in.

 

It is recommend to do it when the manual say when to do it But a lot of people wait until it fails. If you can afford it go ahead and do it. This could help you.

 

Thank you so much for posting this, super helpful. Is this from the Haynes repair manual? I didn't realize they posted a maintenance schedule in there. Looks like they recommend changing it out at 80K. The Scheduled Maintenance Guide that came with my Tacoma doesn't list the O2 sensors as maintenance items best I can tell. So I guess the replacement interval could be anywhere between 80k and sensor failure.

 

That's your own fault for trying to keep a vehicle for more than 5 years in the salt belt haha

 

I plan on changing the o2 sensors on my truck when the odometer reaches 80k !!!

 

I have been saving for a Newer Truck for 10 years now something more important seems to take the money once I get a few thousand saved.

Since the Divorce borrowing any money is all most impossible .

 

Lots of guys never check fuel mileage, the thinking is, “ it is what it is.”

......but keeping accurate track of fuel mileage can give you early warning signs of trouble.

 

You're welcome. That is from the Haynes manual. It's very helpful and worth if you like to do your own maintenance. I wish it was more detailed but I guess it'll do.

 

Regarding P0450 code: Try these simple steps first 1) Tighten your gas cap down as tight as you can (and then get the code cleared). If the code returns, 2) Buy a new TOYOTA gas cap and tighten it down as tight as you can.

A generic parts store gas cap was cheaper and solved my P0450, until it didn't. The more expensive OE Toyota cap has held up pretty well. Also, the Toyota cap stores in the filler door while you are filling the tank; the generic cap did not.

If you try this, let us know how it works out.

 

The 3.4l fuel filter is so easy and inexpensive to replace that it makes no sense not to, for the peace of mind. At this point the 'youngest' 1st gen is 15 years old so it can't hurt to replace the original fuel filter, even if you have low mileage.

O2 sensors don't need to be replaced unless you are throwing a code related to them...if they aren't throwing any codes then they're still functioning as they should. But I guess if you are one of the super-preventative maintenance types, you could replace them...they aren't terribly expensive and are easy to replace as well. Just make sure you get Denso sensors, and be sure to buy them from a reputable source. There are a lot of cheap fakes on websites like Amazon and especially ebay. Most auto parts stores carry them, it's worth the extra few $ in my opinion to buy them there.