A couple of weeks ago my 01 tacoma engine light came on. Stayed on and then went back off before the day was over. Now it has came on again. Got a code reading of P1135. I called a toyota service dept. to find out what it was and the price for fixing it. They said it would be the Bank 1, Sensor 1, air flow sensor. Without labor, the price of the sensor would be 235.00 dollars. Labor would be 85.00. So I would be looking at 320.00 total. I then called another toyota service dept. and told them the code. I was told that it was probably the 02 sensor and could get it fixed for around 250.00 or 275.00 total. There's a bit of difference here and apparently a difference in an OXYGEN SENSOR and a AIR SENSOR.
I'm asking advice on this from ya'll. Getting told 2 different stories and the price does matter to me. Realizing that labor alone costs an arm and a leg at toyota service, I would like to get this fixed elsewhere and buy the part for the mechanic to fix it. How do I even know what part to buy now that I'm getting 2 different stories ?
Any good advice is appreciated. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I'm not able to look up that code right now, but check out this article on our site:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/4Runner/tech/O2_Sensor/

You got the correct explanation. Since your error code is 1135 vs 135, that indicates your vehicle is a California spec compliant vehicle and uses as the first exhaust gas sensor, what is commonly referred to as an A/F sensor (meaning it is a wideband sensor which gives a more precise measurement of the O2 level in the exhaust), as opposed to the narrowband sensors (which are a bit more like an on/off switch in operation) and are used on non California compliant vehicles and are commonly referred to as an O2 sensor.

The fact that the guy said "bank 1 sensor 1" in the phrase also confirms he was referring to the exhaust sensor. The "bank 1 sensor 1" is the standardized wording that was defined in federal law that mandated OBDII (On Board Diagnostic generation II) back in 1996.

The bank 1 (and 2) refers to the exhaust bank, for example, a V-8 if it used dual catalytic converters (one cat on each cylinder bank), bank 1 would refer to the left exhaust bank and 2 for the right side. Sensor 1 is always the sensor in front of catalytic converter. Sensor 2 is downstream of the last catalytic converter.

No such terminology is used with Mass Air Flow sensors or MAFs.

Before spending the money I would least check the wiring on the sensor to make sure that has been no damage (do you off road or run mud with the vehicle?) The 1135/135 code says the sensor heater has gone open (or wiring open or shorted)

Assuming no visible damage, then go ahead and replace the sensor.

Make sure you give the dealer your VIN number to confirm your vehicle is a California compliant vehicle so you get the correct sensor.

I would guess that the $235.00 quoted is about right now a day for an A/F sensor. They are considerably more expensive than O2 sensors, and its been 5 years since I quoted the $138.00 for an O2 sensor in the above referenced article.

Thanks Dandeman, As for your question, no, I don't do off-road.
I had an oil change less than 1 week before my engine light came on the first time. (just thought I'd mention)
Do you think I should just go ahead and let toyota change this sensor for me ? At least it would be guaranteeds with their work and 12 months on part ( I think) whereas with another mechanic, nothing would be guaranteed, right ?

For 85 bucks, I'd let them change it..

On some of the Toyotas,(not sure about the Tacoma) getting to the plug on the sensor 1 is a real pain... It has a very secure clip that makes it hard to get it apart, especially in a tight location. On the manual transmission Toyotas, you have to actually remove part of the console between the seats and unbolt a cover on the floor to get access to the plug.

If you plan on changing it yourself,
URDUSA.com and sparkplugs.com sell NGK or Denso sensors for a great price (under $100 bucks).
BTW dont buy a bosch sensor!

Thanks everyone on your feedback. I guess I'll go ahead and take it to toyota to be fixed. Being female, I'm not mechanically inclined and don't work on vehicles even though I have been know to do oil changes in the past.
I appreciate everyone's input on my situation. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />