O2 Sensor, Need help determining what to get

[Badspell68]

97 5.0 AWD

My computer is telling me I need the O2 Bank 1 - Censor 2 replaced but I'm not sure what to choose? The dummy behind the parts counter at my local dealer seems uncertain on the decision so I'm not comfortable going with his recommendations

Help?

I think it is a down-stream O2 but not sure, so I thought posting the rock auto selection might get me some help from you guys?

 

[Joe Dirt]

Did you see my reply to your other thread?

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340764

 

[Badspell68]

Thanks, but a bit confused as I'm getting a variety of info from my dealer to mechanics. Are you saying that it's better to get a Bosch over Motorcraft OEM because the Motorcraft are calibrated to tight settings or the other way around? I was told to get a Motorcraft because they are specifically calibrated to their location and my model truck? Additionally, the dealer could not even determine which one I needed based on the computers results of Bank 1 censor 2, so this added to my confusion.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Running Motorcraft will all but eliminate getting false CEL's from tolerances to location and engine application. The universal ones are made for more applications, and can give false CEL readings.

Go by the pics- that is exactly how I ordered mine, and have no issues. The upstream are before the Cat, downstream are after.

 

[Badspell68]

Are all the downstream in the car the same? My mechanic said Bank 1 sensor 2 is downstream. If that is the case then all I need to do is order a downstream O2?

 

[Badspell68]

Still confused as can be. Everyone I talk to is not sure what one to get...ugh!

 

[JCat]

The aftermarket (non Motorcraft) will work in the before catalytic converter and after catalytic converter locations. The aftermarket sensors lack the "nubs" that the Motorcraft sensors have. For aftermarket sensors - yes they are all the same.

These "nubs" on the Motorcraft sensors are different for the before catalytic converter and after catalytic converter sensors. . . . so if you do get Motorcraft, you need to know if it is a front or back sensor.
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One other thing, the wire lengths on these sensors vary dramatically. You really do not need a wire length longer than 10" . . . . but you will see that they come in all sorts of lengths.
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Replace BOTH the upstream (/front/before cat) and downstream (/rear/after cat). If you don't . . . you will need to do it soon anyway.
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[Badspell68]

It looks as it bank 1 is the passenger side and number 2 is after the cat(downstream). Are you saying to replace the upstream too and if so why will it inevitably go bad too?

 

[JCat]

Yes. You got it. Disconnect the battery while doing this. It will clear the code.

 

[Badspell68]

Why will it go bad?

 

[JCat]

The upstream will not "go bad".
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I was getting a code that indicated that my downstream sensor was bad. I replaced it. About a month later, I got the check engine light again. It said my catalytic converter was bad. Folks here on this forum suggested that I replace the upstream sensor, as the catalytic converter is very expensive. I replaced the front or upstream sensor, and I have not have a check engine light or error code in 3 months.
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I only suggest that you replace the upstream sensor, it might keep you from going through all the **** that I had to.
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[Badspell68]

Thanks!

 

[kdspapa]

I am going to be changing out my O2 sensors eventually on my 99 Mounty 5.0L and want to roundup all the tools i will need ahead of time. Did you use the O2 sensor sockets or the sensor wrench or both?

KDspapa