Check engine Light code

[gss]

Check engine light came on my 1996 Explorer w/4.0L a couple days ago. Did a search here but decided I needed a trouble code, went to Schucks today and did a scan and got the following:
Code displayed was: P153 Bank 2 Sensor 1. I am assuming this an oxygen sensor. Where would it be located and what does it take to change it. Engines seems to be running ok.

 

[mrboyle]

Bank 2 sensor 1 would be the upper (closest to the engine) sensor on the driver side.

 

[gss]

Thanks, I found it in the Ford service manual in the exhaust system, but it doesn't say how to get it out. The front heated sensor is listed as Part# 9F472. At the top of boxed instructions, it calls for a oxygen sensor wrench, (TP4P-9472-A) but only talks about using it on the rear sensor. Will I need this to get the front one out? It's been raining here all day so haven't tried to get under the rig yet.
The componet location view shows 4 sensors, is that correct?

 

[Billy177]

i just used an regular wrench and worked fine i forget the size though but other than that just change it like a spark plug

 

[gss]

Thanks Billy177, will do when I go buy one. Where would be "cheapest" place other than dealer! "OUCH"

 

[Electrohacker]

I got my sensor replaced by a local mechanic.. only cost $120 something total... $60 something for the part $50 for labor... not too bad

 

[Billy177]

i know autozone has em for $50

 

[griggs]

About O2 sensor wrenches. Usually just a box or open end wrench does just fine. On some applications there is no other way to get a sensor out (and back in with the wires of course) than with an O2 sensor wrench. I put it off for many years but finially got stuck (on a 95 Taurus SHO). Got one at NAPA for about $12. Worth every penny for that job.

 

[gss]

Thanks for all the replies. I had put a bottle of Chevron Techron in the gas tank a couple of days ago and lo & behold, while driving down the road this AM the light went away, maybe? the Techron cleared it up. My wife had a 91 Mustang that the light kept coming on and I added the Techron and it would go away for several months, then would have to repeat the process. Guess I will wait and see what transpires. I am mechanically inclined and like to work on simple projects in my old age if not too complicated.

 

[Electrohacker]

I had an o2 sensor go off because of badd gass once. I dropped in some stp cleaner and it went away

 

[Billy177]

if ti is original i would replace it anyways it will pay for its self in gas milage 10X over

 

[gss]

I don't think it is the orginial because I got a service manual and an electrical & vacuum troubleshooting manual with the vehicle and all the sensors are highlighted when I went looking through them for the first time. I would suspect this has happened before.
The last time when the light went on and it really ran rough (when my daughter still owned it) it turned out to be a cracked head. Ouch! spendy fix.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Gss, the P0153 code is a "slow response" code. That means the O2 sensor filiments are probably covered with carbon. That's why the Techron cleared the code for a time; it actually cleaned the filiments, but it won't last. An O2 sensor replacement would be a more permanent fix.

I've never heard of anyone sucessfully cleaning an O2 sensor, but this post got me to thinking. I wonder if swishing the O2 in some pure Techron would work to restore them to working order?

 

[gss]

Might be worth a try. Like I said, I fought this with my wife's mustang. They would check it for $65 a pop and tell me nothing was wrong, reset the light and she would get about 2-3 miles down the road before it came back on, couple bottles of Techron and if fixed the problem. I found that AM/PM (ARCO) gas was the worst offender and would bring on the light the quickest. Stopped using it and the problem stopped. We get our gas at Costco now and I am told it is coming from the Equilon (?) plant at Anacortes WA, it has to be Shell or Texaco gas as they are one and the same now.

 

[thecos2002]

ODB II Code Reader

The local Autozone parts store here in California has started encouraging the use and return of their ODB II Code Scanner. The Acton tester is easy to use and gives full description of the findings rather than just the code.

They don't even charge for the "rental". Because you really buying it and returning it when your done. Great deal.

 

[gss]

Well, I think I found out what caused the light to come. Costco here in Bellingham just started buying thier bulk gas from BP, which is the same as the AM/PM gas. They say that it is not the same formula as AM/PM and does not have the alcohol in it. They do not have thier pumps posted for alcohol which state law requires. I just wonder what make BP gas so bad that it will trigger the Oxygen senson lights on Ford engines??? I ran 25 gallon through my 200 hp mercury outboard engine yesterday and seemed to do ok. My wife drives a Ford van with the same engine and she is filling up at Costco also, if her light starts to come on in the van, then I will know it is the gas.