O2 sensors
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O2 sensors
I'm interested in finding out if it's necessary to preventatively change the oxygen sensors on a vehicle after a certain age or mileage. I have a 1992 Ranger / 3.0 V6 / 2wd / 110k miles, and have no indications that the sensors need changing, but have been told by some people over the years that it helps to change them since they tend to burn out....true? or not?
would appreciate any useful input.
Thanks,
xltdawg
would appreciate any useful input.
Thanks,
xltdawg
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From: St. Peter
I've heard it may help performance by putting brand new ones in, but thats only somthing i've heard, i have no experience with them, which brings me to my next point, when you take them out, do you have to heat them up with a torch so you dont break them off in the manifold?
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From: Connecticut
It might be worth your $$ and effort to change the 02 sensors at 110K. They do wear out and can be one factor in the errosion of gas mileage and/or performance over a period of time.
However, if you are not getting any trouble codes, then that is an indication that the 02 Sensors you have are still operating within the factory parameters set by Ford. So while they may not be operating at peak, they are still doing their job.
In the event you do decide to change out the 02 sensors, I recommend spraying them down the night before several times with a good penetrating oil/bolt breaker to give it time to work in. Then get it again (of course) the next day when you do the job.
Many places like AutoZone will loan you (with a deposit) a special socket made especially to fit over the 02 sensor which might make life a little easier for you as well.
However, if you are not getting any trouble codes, then that is an indication that the 02 Sensors you have are still operating within the factory parameters set by Ford. So while they may not be operating at peak, they are still doing their job.
In the event you do decide to change out the 02 sensors, I recommend spraying them down the night before several times with a good penetrating oil/bolt breaker to give it time to work in. Then get it again (of course) the next day when you do the job.
Many places like AutoZone will loan you (with a deposit) a special socket made especially to fit over the 02 sensor which might make life a little easier for you as well.
Last edited by Rockledge; Dec 20, 2003 at 04:45 PM.
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sure appreciate the information...I would've tried to remove them without soaking them with penetrating oil and probably destroyed something in the process...
your information matches what I've been hearing...I'll probably look at changing them in the near future...my gas mileage & performance has been suffering in the last 18-24 months and wasn't sure just what it could be besides the obvious (air filter, injectors, fuel quality, spark plugs, etc.), so thanks once again.
XLTDAWG
your information matches what I've been hearing...I'll probably look at changing them in the near future...my gas mileage & performance has been suffering in the last 18-24 months and wasn't sure just what it could be besides the obvious (air filter, injectors, fuel quality, spark plugs, etc.), so thanks once again.
XLTDAWG
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Also, though you have to be very careful, it is recommended to warm the engine up before taking them out. The part is exposed to high/low temps all the time and tends to swell and contract. Most everything I have seen says let the engine warm. I have 197,000miles on my 94 3.0 and have not changed it. I still get 23-26 mpg highway, depending on how heavy my foot is.
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From: Connecticut
Jason is right, you want to work on a warm (not hot!) exhaust system if possible. Also, most new 02 sensors come with some anti-sieze compound already on the threads but make sure you check for that when you're at the parts store, and/or pick up a little packet or tube for a few cents while you are there.
And don't forget to unclip the electrical connecters before trying to remove the sensors...
And don't forget to unclip the electrical connecters before trying to remove the sensors...
