Oxygen Sensor HELP Please

[thekubiaks]

I have a 97 Explorer XLT 4.0L SOHC Vin E. I found 2 O2 Sensors, one on each bank ahead of the cats. Couldn't find anymore. I can get the O2 Sensors off but the plugs are between the engine block and the firewall and I can't figure out how to get to them. What idiot engineer decided to put them there??????? Anyway, would someone please enlighten me on how to get to the plugs. Thanks

 

[BradE.]

Remove the splash guard in the wheel well and try going through that.

 

[thekubiaks]

Thanks for the reply, I tried that, the plugs seem to be 12" from any direction, top, bottom, or from the wheel wells. I think I'll pay someone just to see them fight with it.

 

[mattadams]

yeah they aren't easy to get to, Ford designes em that way I'm sure. We did them on Heaths explorer a few months ago and they were very difficult to get to, basically had to jam my arm into positions where it shouldn't normally be just to get those stupid friggin clips off. Not sure if you have 2 or 4. Heath's 96 has 4, but his is the 5.0...

 

[Robert]

My '97 SOHC has 4. The front two I removed throught he wheel well. The rear two are about 6"-10" in front of the muffler, on the top of the pipe (between cats and muffler). I removed those from underneith.

 

[eokie1]

on my wife's 96 5.0 V8, I had to pull the console, remove an access plate under it, to get to the electrical PLUGS where the O2 sensors plug in !!!!!! That looked easier than removing the exhaust pipes, the only other way I could see to do it. It was easy, after I got the console out. SHe has an Eddie Bauer, so there are a LOT of wires and crap going to the console....
James Jensen
(w/ 4 new O2 sensors, and no more CHECK ENGINE lighst!!)