96, 5.0 V8, Check Engine from O2 sensors

[rmccullough]

About 5 years ago the Check Engine light came on in my '96 Explorer Limited, V8, 4DR, 2WD with 185k miles. I took it in to a local shop and the mechanic said my O2 sensors were bad.

He cleaned them before putting them back in and told me that they will probly start acting up again in a couple months but that new sensors at the time were $150 each and my explorer takes 4 of them. The check engine light stayed off for about 3-6 months but came back on. Its on all the time now.

I have pretty much just ignored the check engine light ever since.

My explorer runs fine, but I think its time to try and fix the check engine light.

I have a couple questions.

1) Are the sensors cheaper now? I have seen the bosch ones on ebay for about $35 shipped and last I checked at a parts place they were about $100.

2) Are the sensors easy to replace? I have been told they are easy, but I have never taken a good look at them.

3) Is it worth it? Should I just continue to drive it with the light on rather than spend $400 on sensors + installation for a car that is probly not worth more than $3k.

 

[CDW6212R]

My 98 had a slow response O2 code appear about 1.5 years ago. My code hasn't greatly hurt performance, but the fuel mileage may be down because of it.

The aftermarket sensors I think are about $50 each, the Ford parts I can get for under about $80 each. I bought the four from Ford last Winter, and then haven't driven my truck enough since then to make me put them in.

I'd suggest replacing them whether you keep it or sell it. The change in value to not have the codes would be worth more than the parts cost. By the sounds of it you have enough mileage on the truck that new sensors may save you some gas.

I'm planning to swap my engine over the Winter, and I will eliminate my rear sensors. I would be glad to sell you the two rear Ford sensors that I still have new.

Check around and see what your choices cost you there. Some people swear that the Ford sensors are better, others say no difference. Send me a message if you are interested in these two. Plus if you do want the Ford sensors instead of the others, I can likely get the front two cheaper for you. I could sell you all four, buying two more of the front O2's. Regards,

 

[bluesman2333]

1- about $50.00 2- just use a 7/8" open end most of the time depending on the vehicle and location, some need a special socket 3- any time the CEL is on means that the engine is running out of spec and all kinds of bad things can happen, including killing the cat converters or valves.

 

[CDW6212R]

Yes, do have the codes checked, many parts stores will do that free. They don't have the best code diagnostic tools, but they often help. Things could have changed, you may have a completely unrelated code. Good luck,

 

[rmccullough]

Yes, do have the codes checked, many parts stores will do that free. They don't have the best code diagnostic tools, but they often help. Things could have changed, you may have a completely unrelated code. Good luck,

I had thought of that. This is another reason why I feel its time to replace the O2 sensors.

I didn't know that parts stores would run the diag for free. I will have to call NAPA here in town and ask them about that.

So the sensors are easy to replace? Do I just need a jack/stands and the open ended socket? I do have a manual in my garage somewhere. I just need to dig out the box it is in (top shelf somewhere I think).

 

[Rottie]

Has anyone ever tried something like this for the rears:
http://home.kc.rr.com/newshore/Cars/Info/MilElim.html

 

[Four0Sport]

when my mother owned my 97 5.0L the light came on for the o2 sensors. she took it to ford who checked them and said they were fine, and repogrammed? the ECU twice (they even put a sticker on the headlamp cover saying this vehicle has been reprogrammed). since i've owned it the CEL comes on prbly twice a month for bank 1 sensor 1 ckt slow repsonse. i turn the light off cause i cant tell a difference in performance although i know it has to be affecting my gas mileage. i crawled up under the truck to remove the sensor and i see no way to get a wrench or o2 socket on it. i cant even find where the wires lead to. maybe it was the rush of blood to my head or being upside down on cold concrete. i just dont know. im also interested in the rear o2 delete.. how does that work? any help is appreciated.

 

[rmccullough]

Side question, when I moved to Montana I had 2 of the Cats removed (1 from each side). I believe there is still 1 cat on each side of the exhaust. I also had a turbo muffler installed. Will this affect the O2 sensors when I get them replaced? Do I need the computer reprogrammed for the new profile?

 

[rizzjc]

On my '97 V8 I had to remove the center console and the access panel in the floor to get to the passenger secondary O2 sensor. Not hard once you know how to remove the console. My carpet was already cut from a previous job, so I didn't have to pull it all up. Others have been able to do it without going this route (i.e. from underneath). Driver side is easy to get to from under - no need for jacks if you can slide under. Primaries are a little tougher I think, and more expensive, but I didn't do those. I think I paid around $50 each for genuine Ford parts from fastpartsnetwork.com, a forum sponsor.

 

[CDW6212R]

The hardest part about changing those will be breaking them loose. There are O2 sensor sockets, but a real good opened end wrench is usually the best method. Use that kind of socket if you cannot get a wrench on a sensor.

Be sure to spray the base of the sensors with a penetrant long before you start on them.
If you have had two of the cats removed it won't affect the PCM or sensors, if it was the rear two. A programming of the PCM can gain you as much or more as all of the other modifications. It is becoming much more common, we have some good Explorer owners who can do the programming. Ask James Henson about how short or long of a process it might be. Regards,

 

[frickea86]

Just an FYI, i believe Bosch is the only one that has the contract for Fords O2 sensors. I've never seen another brand yet that wasn't made by Bosch. All I know is that Bosch is what comes from factory and if you go to ford they hand you a Bosch O2 sensor. I paid $70 a piece for mine at autozone.