O2 sensor access

[tanker]

I have another newbie_ ish question for the members here. This is for a 1996 Explorer with V6 4.0; Manual trans.

I've read the threads and suggestions regarding O2 sensors; how they work and how to test them - all of this great info. I recently had a CEL pop up
and with my code reader I found it to be " P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2 "

The odd thing about this ( in my mind anyway) is that this error popped up
not more 200 miles after I'd had the dealer replace a fuel injector; at the same time a bunch of regular maintenance items done ( it was a rather large bill :-( ). I believe in coincidences but I have to admit I wonder if the current error was something either due to or covered up by the failed injector?

Anyway I would like to have a go at removing this sensor myself, testing it and replacing it before I approach the dealer regarding additional work.

My question is, not having done work under the Explorer before: what is the best way to get to it? I changed the O2 sensor on my miata and have a specialty socket for that size but don't know if this one is the same. I have limited ability to raise the car so I may not be able to consider doing it myself.
( Rhino Ramps ) This is usually why I have work done for me on the Explorer- my tools are more suited to smaller cars. If this sensor is on the "other" side of the cat I don't know how I'll get the thing raised high enough to work on it. I know from the Miata 02 sensor experience they aren't always that easy to get out.

Murphy's law of difficultly clearly states the part that is hard to get to is disproportionately hard to get out.

Jerry

 

[bobflood]

Bank 1 Sensor 2 should be on right side, rear of the cat. On my '97 5.0L, all four O2 sensor plugs are tucked up on top of the transmission. I have access to a lift, but not too bad to replace on ground if you can squirm under there far enough.

 

[tanker]

Bank 1 Sensor 2 should be on right side, rear of the cat. On my '97 5.0L, all four O2 sensor plugs are tucked up on top of the transmission. I have access to a lift, but not too bad to replace on ground if you can squirm under there far enough.

Thanks for your reply.

Yep it was right there as the photos I've seen show and as you say.

Actually I feel pretty silly posting the question as I hadn't really taken a good look-see beforehand. I bought a Denso direct replacement at a local parts house. Today I crawled under the car and pretty easily unplugged and
unscrewed the old one and replaced it with the new. I made sure that I put the non seize goo on the threads, ensured the sensor cable wasn't touching anything and that was it. Took me about 30min to do. With mostly small two seaters in my stable; from a maint standpoint I forget there's a boatload ( by comparison ) amount of clearance under the Explorer; I think I can slide/ crawl from one side to the other with it just sitting on the ground - good reason to loose weight. Anyway error code went away and I'm a happy fellow.

Jerry

 

[bobflood]

Good to hear about a success. This is a great forum - I go on a Nissan and a Toyota forums also and this is by far the best. Worth joining and getting Elite status.

 

[jordan101]

The code i got on mine is a p0153 which is the bank 2 sensor 1. Ive tried to break it loose wont budge. im going to penatrating oil on it and see what happens. My question is where does this sensor plug in?

 

[bobflood]

The code i got on mine is a p0153 which is the bank 2 sensor 1. Ive tried to break it loose wont budge. im going to penatrating oil on it and see what happens. My question is where does this sensor plug in?

If the penetrating oil doesn't work, next step is to use a torch to heat up the socket the sensor screws into (not the sensor itself). On my '97 5.0L, all four O2 sensor plugs are tucked up on top of the transmission; they are reachable from underneath. I have access to a lift, but not too bad to replace on ground if you can squirm under there far enough. Just follow the wire from the sensor back to the plug and squeeze the release tab.