DPFE sensor melted

[kerstingm]

It appears my sensor went up in smoke, I mean it is toast. First question
when these go bad is this a common result, also will I do any damage to the engine if I drive it for a few days till I can get one?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! This sensor has a limited life span since it's very sensitive to moisture, and other factors. It's a good idea to replace it, and check the vacuum line going to it before installing a new one.

 

[kerstingm]

My concern is the harness below the sinsor is melted, I still need to check the wiring before I put the new one on. As far as the vacumm lines they are toast too. Any clue what would have caused this? Also do you know if I'm going cause any damage if I
drive with out it for a few days untill I can get one?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Maybe the old one shorted or moisture got into it. I don't think it will cause further damage. I'm sure that you are getting a check engine light with the old one. Am I correct?

 

[kerstingm]

It was raining yesterday when it happened, And yes my engine lite is on, but it's been on
for a while for a O2 sensor. I was just wondering about a short because of the way it just melted and now my fog lights won't shut off either. I hate vehical electrical problems
becuse of all of the different directions the wiring goes.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check this link for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164517

 

[kerstingm]

I was able to find a couple of sensors at the junk yard one aluminum, and one plastic.
The plastic one looks almost brand new. my question since my sensor and hoses were
burnt. does the left and right hose off of the manifold go to the corresponding tubes on the sensor? Also after reading more on this sensor I know why it went up in smoke.
apperently when the hose comes off it acks like a blow tourch.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Please explain what you mean by the hose being like a blow torch.

 

[cjones101812]

Please explain what you mean by the hose being like a blow torch.

i belive he said that cause that hose is connected directly to exhaust.

 

[cjones101812]

I was able to find a couple of sensors at the junk yard one aluminum, and one plastic.
The plastic one looks almost brand new. my question since my sensor and hoses were
burnt. does the left and right hose off of the manifold go to the corresponding tubes on the sensor? Also after reading more on this sensor I know why it went up in smoke.
apperently when the hose comes off it acks like a blow tourch.

the outer most tube (away from the electrical connector) goes to the hose closest to the exhaust on metal one. plastic is opposite

 

[cjones101812]

I was just wondering about a short because of the way it just melted and now my fog lights won't shut off either. I hate vehical electrical problems
becuse of all of the different directions the wiring goes.

i don't see how unless the heat shorted out the foglamp wiring.

will they shut off when high beams are on??

will they shut off when you pull the fog light relay??
will they shut off when you pull the fog light isolation relay??
will they shut off when you pull the park lamp relay??

 

[kerstingm]

Success I did not realize that there was one larger Id hose, so that was a
no brainer. I got the sensor installed last night removed the neg. battery cable for a few put it back on took it for a test drive, drove greate. This morning it did hessitae a few times but the check enginge light is staying off.
As far as the short and the fog lights not sure what that is, but I checked all of the wiring around the sensor. and I do not have a short and all of the wiring was good. I just think I have a problem with the fog lights them selves for right now they are unplug till I have some warm weather.
And on the other question about refering to a blow torch I read another thread here and it describe it that way.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!

 

[kerstingm]

One question the engine is still hesitating and a little jerky. Napa sold me fuel line
and I think the connection is a little loose on the sensor. Is fuel hose the right
kind of hose?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's only going to be used for vacuum, so it should be fine.

 

[kerstingm]

My engine is still really jerky, but the check engine lite has not come back on. I thought
it was a loose hose connection, but I put a clamp on it and it didn't help. Since I got the
sensor from the junk yard does this sound like it could be bad?

 

[manaen]

if it is bad it will throw a code after a few run cycles.

When was the last time the engine was tuned up?

 

[kerstingm]

Tune-up uh ummmm. Good question. I posted a thread under transmission (clutch problem) I'm starting to think my clutch is slipping. I've changed a few that were already bad but never actually had a vehical that it was going out on so I'm not sure of all of the
signs, but I have an Idea. also how hard is it to change the spark plugs? I've kind of looked a little they look like they're hidden.

 

[manaen]

changing the plugs is not hard once you get the routine down. The driver side just takes a few extension, universals and wrenchs in various combinations to remove and replace those plugs (driver side 15 minutes tops). The passenger side on the other hand is a little more difficult, the first time I did it it took me about 1 hour to replace 3 plugs. But now that I know how, it is much easier. Jack up the passenger side and remove the wheel, or just turn the wheel hard lock toward the driver side so the back of the wheel is sticking out. Then remove the rubber fender flap by pulling the little rubber clips out of the fender well. Once off you will be able to see the plugs and access them very easily. Once you figure it out you will be doing plug changes in 30 to 45 minutes for both sides.

Also don't skimp on the wires, those cheap wires are worthless and will last for the installation. If you need to later remove them the ends will probably pull if and need to be retired to the junk pile.

Don't forget the fuel filter, clean your MAF, and air filter. Also checking and cleaning the EGR and the PCV are great ideas

 

[kerstingm]

Thanks for the tips. I figured it wasn't going to be much harder then a Taurus. First time took me about 3 to 4 hours, by the time I got rid of it I do it in about 1. Practice makes perfect and saves that $1. I know I got a estement from one shop for $300 to change the just the plugs didn't even include the wires. Ya I'm going to jump all over that. NOT!!!.