Particulate matter sensor

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Mar 11, 2026 | 02:26 PM

#46

kayakingpoodle

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2024

Posts: 846

Likes: 460

From: Up in Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeUser

I'm not going to bother cleaning the sensor, as the new one arrived a few days ago (just in time for the rain to put the kabosh on dealing with it). After thinking that I already had a sensor socket that would work discovered that it is a standard 22mm socket, and not a 24mm one required for the new NOx sensor, argh! So, I'm expecting the new crowfoot socket plus a 22mm X 24mm flare nut wrench to arrive tomorrow. Meanwhile, I've been soaking the sensor with PB Blaster for the past few days, so hopefully won't have to break out a torch to assist with removing it. Got plenty of anti-seize compound in case it needs replacing again (still kicking myself for not putting some on when installing it in the Banks exhaust pipe).

I'm not really sure just what the Ford engineers were thinking however, tucking that sensor module mount up and above the spare tire, SMH. Anyway, just thought I'd post an update while I'm here on the forum today.

If you're not going to try and save the old sensor you can cut the wires off and use a deep 6 point instead of a flare/crows foot to have a better chance of not rounding the hex off, or use a boxed end preferably a 6 point.

Mar 11, 2026 | 03:26 PM

#47

JoeUser

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Oct 2022

Posts: 1,822

Likes: 898

From: Dallas Metroplex

Quote:

Originally Posted by kayakingpoodle

That's my fallback, if using an impact with the crows foot doesn't work out. There's just not a lot of room up there to attach a breaker bar and socket with the large Banks exhaust. Once I can pop the sensor loose then I'll use the flare nut wrench to securely twist it out. In all likelihood the biggest PIA is dealing with dropping the spare enough to reach the sensor and its bolts...

Edit: Well, that wasn't so bad. I reckon repeated sprays of PB Blaster for a few days did the trick, as I was able to tap the flare nut wrench once and broke the collar nut loose. Spread some anti-seize on threads of the new one and easy peasy install. I was surprised the sensor block above the spare tire area was simply held on with plastic fasteners.

The only enhancement I performed was to dab some RTV silicone around the wires and connector for the sensor block. Just to keep dirt and water out of the connector from the back side. Seems like they would've sealed that up when manufacturing the harness, given the sensor block location under the bed.

Last edited by JoeUser; Mar 13, 2026 at 05:23 AM.