Rear O2 Sensor

[Rob0424]

I have my Explorer in the shop right now and they are telling me that a gasket behind the cadillac converter is blown out and needs to be replaced and that is messing up the rear O2 sensor so that needs to be replaced. There estimate is $380. Can anyone tell me if this sounds right. I have a feeling that I am getting ripped off. Thanks for the help.

 

[marragtop]

The gasket could be causing the O2 sensor to malfunction, but that doesn't necessarily mean the sensor needs to be replaced. I suggest replace the gasket, reset the codes, and see if it throws an O2 code. Ask them what the estimate is without replacing the sensor.

 

[ma96782]

Marragtop had some good advice.

Get another shop to look at it......muffler shop?

I'll go one step further.....that's a lot of $$$$.......though, figure new sensor $50-80, new aftermarket type cat $180-220 (more for a FORD one), new gasket and then labor.

Aloha, Mark

 

[Lazzman]

Do the rear O2's even have anything to do with engine Performance?

 

[dynamite196]

Are they replacing just the gasket or the whole catalytic converter? The gasket costs 20 bucks tops so with labor that shouldn't be more than 40-50 to replace it. I agree with marragtop on not replacing the sensor yet, plus the sensor is really easy to do and I bet you could do it yourself in 5 minutes.

 

[Rob0424]

I decicded that the shop was trying to rip me off after researching through some other people I knew and calling a few other shops. I ended up going and picking up the vehicle and taking it to another shop. Theses shops really have the normal consumer buy the balls.

 

[Rob0424]

They also told me that the Mass Air Flow Sensor needed to be replaced. I know I have seen on here some where that these can be cleaned and may fix the problem. Does anyone know where I can find a thread the explains how to do that?

 

[ma96782]

Do the rear O2's even have anything to do with engine Performance?

Yes, .........everyday all day.

Or, were you asking if only one sensor (frt) was needed/important? Anyway, I think you got four in your vehicle (2nd Gen).

With today's computer controlling most everything.......think......a bad sensor will throw off A/F mixtures. And, in some states a sensor code will fail you at the emission test station.

Besides:
Poor idle.......bog, general bad running.

Rich condition........high gas consumption, fouled plugs, sooted tail pipe, could lead to cat destruction

Lean condition......could lead to ping, burnt valves, high engine temps, blown head gasket, cracked heads.

Anyway.....you get the picture.

Yes, it was "easier in the old days." But, it wasn't as efficient.

Some may wanna disagree, so be it.

Aloha, Mark

 

[ma96782]

They also told me that the Mass Air Flow Sensor needed to be replaced. I know I have seen on here some where that these can be cleaned and may fix the problem. Does anyone know where I can find a thread the explains how to do that?

MAF cleaning has been covered numerous times....SEARCH.

Aloha,Mark


PS.....OK you're kinda new, so:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144066&page=1&pp=20

Another, MAF cleaning thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154711&highlight=cleaning+mafs

 

[Rob0424]

Thanks for the help.

 

[Rob0424]

Just an update. I ended up taking my explorer to another shop and all they said that needed to be done is the exhaust flange needed to be replaced and the O2 sensor was fine. They also cleaned the MAF Sensor for me to see if that corrects my problem. All for $98

 

[dynamite196]

Just an update. I ended up taking my explorer to another shop and all they said that needed to be done is the exhaust flange needed to be replaced and the O2 sensor was fine. They also cleaned the MAF Sensor for me to see if that corrects my problem. All for $98

That sounds a little better lol

 

[Hoppy]

I would also be worried about a shop that says a gasket is blown behind the Cadillac converter. I would hate for my Ford to turn into a GM product! $380 is way too much for that job. It should only take them no more than an hour to replace both the sensor and gasket.