Thanks Dave,
I do have a scan tool, just have to figure out how to use it. Thanks for the advice as usual.
Jack

 

I would also like to post a question here too. My Engine Light is always on too. After having it scanned I was told it was the Sensor on the passanger side and the furthest one back, described as the Cat Monitor Sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 2). Not sure what Code Number but they said the diognostics said Insuficiant Catalitic Exhaust Cleaning Quality. So my question is does this mean I just have Polluting Exhaust because my Cats arn't working good enough? Or do I have something wrong with my engine that would cause exhaust pollution (something possibly damaging, rich?, lean? or just a bad "O2 Sensor)? I was told by a mechanic it was just dirty exhaust and if that is the case I do not care if I am putting out a little excess smog.

It may be just me but a Check Engine light always on gets me a little bothered and possiblly over concerned, but I have been told that the Engine Light can be at times a dummy light and not meaning much. I guess I to would like some insight and assurance about this. Thanks.

1997 F-150 S/C 4X4 4.6L

 

I noticed someone said they changed all four sensors. Thats a waste of money, you don't need to replace the rear o2 sensors, they are just cat sniffers, they do not affect performance at all.

So just replace the front two. If yo have a bad one, just replace both front sensors.

Sometimes you can get away with cleaning the sensor with some carb cleaner, sometimes not.

You don't need to pull the wheels off it like someone mentioned, nor do you need to remove wheel liners, I have no idea where that idea came about. You just need a open ended wrench and a little patience. I have big hands and did both front o2 sensors laying on the concrete in my driveway with the truck on level ground, in about 30 minutes.

The hardest part is reconnecting the electrical harness, and unplugging it.

New sensors will have some anti seize on the threads, if you are cleaning and re using old sensors, then be sure to add a dab to the threads before you re install.

 

I carried my truck to firestone for oil change, rotate/balance, alighnment, brake service-front & back. They came back with my front sway bar is missing -$74, Serpentine Belt $80, Fuel Filter $50, O2 sensor $150, rear differential leaking-gasket replace $96. Are they ripping me off

 

I'd say the fuel filter and serpintine belt are probably alright.

Did you have a check engine light? Is it off now? If so, the 02 Sensor is a good fix.

NOW, your front sway bar is MISSING!?! I find that VERY hard to believe. Did your truck seem have a lot of body roll when you turn? And is that cured now? How can a front sway bar be missing?

Unless your rear differential was servied in the past and the tech that serviced it wasnt very good, its doubtfull your gasket was leaking. Did you have a drip spot in your driveway or anything?

 

the truck is in the shop, I do not pick it up until this afternoon. Yes, the check engine light came on yesterday, hopefully the 02 will fix this. As for the sway bar, yes it is gone! the leak - well, no, I have never had it serviced for a leak, I have not noticed a leak in the drive. The only thing I have done recently - 6 months ago - is have a transmission put in. But this leak is in the back end of the truck, not middle front where the transmission is. Is he screwing me

 

When I got the code ofr the O2 sensor i just replaced both, from my experience if one goes the other follows real fast. so be on the safe side. Got to remember if you run a engine to long when it is to rich at the o2 sensor ic could cause Cataletic problems. $$$$$

Lance

 

When I serviced my rear diff it did not come with a gasket just the gasket maker. I replaced it with a gasket anyway. As to the o2 sensors when I replaced mine I only paid 69.00 per each one (150.00 WOW). fuel filter was about 15.00, I don't know the price of a serpatine belt but the ones i bought for othervehicles in the past were 40 to 50 $$. I would say you are getting ripped off.

Lance

 

...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! Please read the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand this site.

We are happy you have chosen the best source for Fords!

Enjoy FTE....and
JOIN CLUB FTE -SUPPORT THE FORUMS!
…..See you on the boards.

 

Hi I have 1997 f150 5.4 strange thing ? I think O2 sensor one of them is loose cause when I start truck in morning sounds like a exhaust leak and runs a little rough. Give it five minutes warming up no noise runs great ! But today stays rough and got that exhaust leak sound plus engine light on !!? Could it be one of the O2 sensors loose or worse popped out ??

 

Welcome to the forum Tigger

With the 5.4 a more likely problem is broken exhaust manifold studs or bolts.
When the engine is cold the metal has contracted and makes the leak worse. When it warms up it expands and sometimes the noise goes away.
If you search in the forum you'll find lots of info on the problem.
The check engine light may be related but more than likely it isn't.
You'll have to get it scanned to see what code turned the light on. Then if you look around here or ask about the code someone should be able to help with it.

 

Thanks for reply . checked for code says Number 6 plug not firing.
Checking wires to plugs also, put some seafoam in gas. Seems to be working.Now miss firing seems to have stopped. Got my fingers crossed !
Thanks