p1053 O2 Sensor and cylinder misfire

[IrvineCAGuy]

I just picked up my 1996 Limited Explorer 4.0 from the mechanic. They claim that getting a p0153 circuit slow response can cause a fuel trim to bank 2 to spike, and cylinder #4 & #6 misfires. Stated that the electronic control module is running the engine too rich, and this can cause one side of the engine to burn off the cylinder oil and wreck the engine. Of course I am posting here first before allowing them to bilk me (again) for repairs that make no sense. I read elsewhere that O2 sensor failure does NOT cause any noticeable engine performance changes and is not serious. The truth is out there! Thanks

 

[Explodr94]

It is true that you can drive around with a bad sensor for awhile. However, you won't get as good gas mileage and vehicle performance. In CA you also will not be able to smog with that code showing up. It has been my experience that PO153 means a bad O2 sensor. They're easy enough to replace and there are a lot of price options. Cheapest place to find them is RockAuto, in my opinion.

 

[IrvineCAGuy]

Thanks. The neighborhood mechanic I went to is one of those shops that tell people horror stories - said my engine will blow out if I drive the car without this repair. Said he's a former Ford trained mechanic and knows - He's a B.S. artist. While I questioned his "authority," his motive is clear: to scare customers and sell repairs that are not needed. I'll fix the O2 sensor myself. I've also ordered an ODB-II diagnostic connector so I can test this myself. Thanks EVERYONE on explorerforum.

 

[drdoom]

I recently went from 16MPG to 20MPG...by replacing an upstream O2 that was having intermittent failures. Well worth the expense, especially with the fuel prices we see nowadays.