Parts for your 2013 Honda Stream-Oxygen sensor

2013 Honda Stream oxygen sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2013 Honda Stream uses oxygen sensors. Technical sources including the Honda Stream RN6–RN9 service manual (Fuel & Emissions), Honda’s PGM-FI documentation, and OEM parts catalogues for the R18A and R20A petrol engines all list an upstream air–fuel ratio (A/F) sensor and a downstream oxygen sensor. These are integral to closed-loop fuel control and catalytic converter monitoring on this model.

On the 2013 Stream, there are typically two sensors: Sensor 1 (a wideband A/F sensor) in the exhaust manifold and Sensor 2 (a conventional O₂ sensor) after the catalytic converter. Together they help the ECU fine-tune the fuel mixture for smooth running, better economy, and cleaner emissions, while also checking the cat’s performance. When they’re healthy, drivers notice crisp throttle response and steady idle. When they’re tired or faulty, the car may feel doughy, drink more fuel, show a check engine light, or log codes such as P0134/P0135/P0138 or P0420.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to:

• Visually inspect sensor wiring and connectors for heat damage, rubbing, or corrosion.
• Check for exhaust leaks before the sensors, leaks can skew readings.
• Scan for pending DTCs and look at short/long-term fuel trims to catch sensors going lazy.

Replacement is usually condition-based rather than strictly time-based, but many techs see sensors ageing out around 160,000–200,000 km. If replacing, use the correct part for the engine code (R18A or R20A) and chassis (RN6–RN9). Stick with quality OEM-equivalent sensors (Denso/NTK) rather than universal splice-in types, the Stream’s wideband A/F sensor is sensitive to heater performance and calibration.

Fitting tips: allow the exhaust to cool but not stone-cold (a warm manifold helps release threads), use the supplied crush washer, apply the specified torque, and only use sensor-safe anti-seize if the manufacturer hasn’t pre-coated the threads. After installation, clear codes and complete a drive cycle so the ECU can relearn trims and re-check catalyst efficiency. Keeping the engine well serviced—clean air filter, no vacuum leaks, healthy ignition—extends sensor life and protects the catalytic converter, helping with WOF/rego compliance across NZ and Australia.

Popular questions

How many oxygen sensors does a 2013 Honda Stream have and where are they?
Most 2013 Streams have two: an upstream wideband A/F sensor in the exhaust manifold (Sensor 1) and a downstream O₂ sensor after the catalytic converter (Sensor 2) in the front pipe. Both are essential for fuelling accuracy and cat monitoring.

When should the oxygen sensors be replaced?
There’s no strict interval, but many are replaced between 160,000 and 200,000 km or when symptoms or fault codes appear. If trims are drifting, fuel economy drops, or a P0420 or A/F sensor code logs, testing and likely replacement is wise.

Can it be driven with a bad oxygen sensor?
Short trips are usually fine, but it can run rich, burn more fuel, and risk catalyst damage. It may also fail emissions-related checks for WOF/rego. It’s best to diagnose and sort it promptly.