Oxygen sensor on '95 F150 4X4 5.8EFI?
Since my Truck was new, when I drive over 75 for about 2 hours my "check engine light" comes on. When it was under warranty the dealer said they couldn't find the solution, but adjusted some things and changed the oxygen sensor. It got better for a while but never went away completely, and eventually came back as bad as before.

Some told me it was not a problem and to ignore it.

Others have told me it IS the oxygen sensor. Its been four years now, so should I be changing the O2 sensor anyway or is there another problem?

And...
Is this symptom a sign that I have not been getting optimal performance?

 

It has been my observation that oxygen sensors should be replaced about every 60,000 miles. I recently replaced mine (truck has 130,000 miles on it, and I think it was the original sensor), and gained about 3-4 mpg on the 351ci. They run about $45 or so for an OE replacement (Bosch), and you can get it out without the special O2 sensor socket, just use a combination wrench.

Good luck,
Chuck

 

I have a 96 F150 and am about to replace my oxygen sensor. I have a heated oxygen sensor and a normal oxygen sensor, do they replace the same?

 

How many miles on your truck ? The best way to verify an O2 sensor is doing its job is check that it generates the proper signal(s) . Like the name suggests , it senses the amount of O2 left over after combustion has occured . It has set parameters , a range of signals its sends to the EEC IV . What may be happening is that after extended high speed operation , the engine is at peak temp ...newer engines run hotter and leaner than older engines . I know its hard to tell w/o a number temp gauge , but have you noticed the temp gauge in a higher range after the driving you posted ? The Coolant Temp sensor and Air Charge Temp sensors also control the mixture as well as the O2 sensor . O2 sensors do loss their effectiveness as they age , they live under very high temps and eventually die . Also , Does your truck have single or dual O2 sensors ?

Ron
Heated and non heated O2 sensors remove the same ...its just the heated ones have 4 wires instead of 2 . Its always a good idea to apply some anti seize compound to the new O2 sensors to make removal in the future easier .
Paul

 

I have 85,000 miles on my truck. I have been told that since my truck is a 95 it will have one o2 sensor and the 96s have 2 or more.

 

Most O2 sensors come with anti-sieze already on threads, with recommendation that you don't put more on. Either way, be careful you don't get it on the sensing part (the middle part that sticks out beyond the base).

 

Great, thanks for the info, since you seem to be an O2 sensor kind of god I will ask a couple of another questions of you, I plan to add dual exhaust to my 110,000 mile 96 5.0 2x4 F150. I have a heated o2 sensor in the y-pipe and then a normal o2 sensor down farther.

My questions are:

If I install a dual exhaust, can I put a new bung and heated o2 sensor in just one pipe, should it be the same distance away from the exhaust manifold/exhaust pipe connection as stock.

My second question, can I put the non-heated o2 sensor in just one pipe the same distance away from the heated exhaust sensor as stock.

My third question, if I run two high flow cats in place of the stock little cat can I run the air tube into one cat or should I "y" it to go into both cats. I have thought about eliminating the cat altogether but then I dont know what I would do with the air tube currently going into the stock cat.

 

Ron ,
Putting the O2 Sensors in as close to their original locations is the best bet I would think ...Im no expert on exhaust modifications . Heres where you may have to get creative ... The air tube is designed to deliver fresh air to the cats to warm them up to O/T ...they do what they are designed to do when they are fully warmed . If you want to leave the air tube in place , put the non heated O2 Sensor on that pipe since it will warm faster , place the heated O2 Sensor on the non air tube exhaust pipe . You ll be getting into a pipe plumbing headache if you try to run the air tube to both ...Im sure it can be done , but its a non essential item . The only thing that may jam you up is if you live in an emmisions testing area and some nosy inspector wants to have a look at what you have rigged up . I hope this helps you out .
Paul

 

thanks again, heres another question, I thought that I would have to have both the heated and non heated oxygen sensors in the same pipe because they compared readings against each other.

there arent any emissions testing or looking where I live, I think I might leave the cats off and just weld a tube into the pipe to hook the air tube onto, kind of like they do with the off road pipes for the mustangs.

I still am amazed at hot tiny and restrictive the exhaust is on my pickup, its basically the same engine as in the mustangs but the exhaust is less than half the size.

 

 

Ron ,
Yes , dual O2 Sensors get readings before and after the cat ...the heated one is located before the cat . Perhaps someone with more exp in exhaust modifications can give you some other views on how to modify your truck . Ive just got a 300 in my truck and it seems to exhale pretty well with the stock setup . The Mustang and F150 engines are calibrated differently ...the truck gets whats adequate whereas the higher performance Mustang gets the proper pipes .
Paul