O2 Sensor Help 4.2 V-6

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Sep 18, 2004 | 06:02 AM

trojan123

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O2 Sensor Help 4.2 V-6

First of all I would like to say how much I have enjoyed this forum. After reading the post here I decided to do my own tune up instead of taking it to my mechanic. So far I have changed oil, oil filter, plugs, wires, air filter and will change fuel filter tomorrow (I have to go buy the special tool). I even purchased the Haynes repair manual. My wife is getting concerned.

My check engine light has come on twice during the two weeks I have owned this truck. I drove it to Advanced Auto parts yesterday and had them check it. The print out they gave me reads "DTC P0153 O2 Sensor CKT Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1)". I looked up code P0153 in my Haynes manual and it says "Upstream heated O2 sensor circuit slow response (Bank 2)".

My question is where exactly is this O2 sensor located? Which side is bank 2? How many sensors are on my truck? I do not want to change the wrong one. Any tips on changing a sensor would be appreciated. The truck is a 1997 F-150 4.2 V-6 111,000 miles.

Thanks for the help.

Sep 18, 2004 | 03:03 PM

y2klarry

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From: Canada

It sounds to me like your sensors are geting coated and slow. The upstream sensor is the one before the cat. converter, if not screwed into the exhaust manifold it will be close to it. They are the ones that usually give you the problems. As far as which bank is which I am not sure. If I had to guess I would say it is the right side. However I have found that if one is giving you troubles, the other is not far behind. It is good practice to change them when you do a major tune up. You usually never have to touch the downstream sensors if your cat is working properly.

Sep 18, 2004 | 03:28 PM

Bob Ayers

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From: Durham, NC

Bank 2 is the driver's side......

Sep 18, 2004 | 06:28 PM

AegisSailor

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From: White Sands, NM

Here is what the manual has to say:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0133 and P0153 indicate the response rate of the upstream HO2S(s) is below some calibrated window. The test measures the HO2S amplitude and output frequency. This is accomplished by superimposing a 1.5 to 2.5 Hz square wave over Lambse. The HO2S switching is monitored during this time to see if the calibration limit is met.

DTC/HO2S Reference List:

DTC P0133 = HO2S-11
DTC P0153 = HO2S-21

Possible causes:

Contaminated HO2S.
Exhaust leaks.
Shorted/open wires.
Improper fueling.
MAF sensor.
Deteriorating HO2S.
Air leaks.

Here is a location drawing:

1 Muffler and Tailpipe Assembly
2 Muffler Inlet Pipe (Not Used on 119.9 in Wheelbase)
3 LH Downstream Catalyst Monitor Sensor (CMS)
4 LH Three Way Catalytic Converter (TWC)
5 LH Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
6 RH Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
7 RH Three Way Catalytic Converter (TWC)
8 RH Downstream Catalyst Monitor Sensor (CMS)

Sep 18, 2004 | 08:54 PM

Opera House Works

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From: Cincinnati

The easy way to remember is that bank #1 is the same side as plug #1 and sensor #1 is before the cat.

Sep 26, 2004 | 05:24 PM

trojan123

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Thanks

Thanks for all of the help. After I changed the fuel filter the check engine light when out and has stayed out for a week now. Thanks again for all of the help. Y'all are great.

Mark