02 sensor cleaning
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Joined: Sep 2005
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02 sensor cleaning
Hello everybody - first post here. I have a 97 F-150 4x4, 4.6L, 97,000 miles. Check engine light has been on for awhile, took the truck to Autozone, read a P0141 code. 02 sensor bank 1, sensor #2. Can these sensors get dirty, and just be cleaned? I searched the forum archives and found lots of stuff about replacing the sensors, but doesn't look like anybody has tried to do a cleaning prior to buying a new one. I had similiar problems with an EGR valve, and was able to clean it, instead of buying replacement, so thought I'd ask about the 02 sensor. Also, some of the threads mention a possible blown fuse for the sensor, where would I find this fuse? Thanx
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Replacing an 02 sensor
I found a replacement, with the proper pigtail and electrical connection for $41 bucks. I didn't want to rent or buy a sensor socket, and I didn't want to cut the wires either, in case the sensor was still good. The sensor came out fairly easy - first I cleaned all around the part of the sensor that the wrench fits over, then sprayed on some liquid wrench. While waiting for the liquid wrench to penetrate, I disconnected the electrical plug, and was able to cut off a bit of the outside sleeve of the plastic electrical plug so I could get my 7/8" box end wrench over it and then slide the wrench down over the wire to the sensor. Then I ran the truck for 10 minutes to heat up and expand the metal. I already had the wrench hanging on the wire, just slid it up over the sensor, gave a tug and it came free - no arm burns, cause I already had the wrench pretty much in place before I heated up the exhaust.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Southern USA
bought mine on ebay, (bosch)brand new for right at half of retail, also did the wifes car, found motorcraft on ebay, also about half cost of retail. I just replaced the upsteam ones,was told that the down stream seldom go out. i understand some kinds of fuel additives can mess up your o2 sensors...i dont see how they last as long as they do, (100k mile recommended replacement) ...welcome to the forum!...paul
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Joined: Jun 2005
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cleaning usually does not work if it does itis only temp. better off replacing them. these are the foru wire o2 sensors and they heat up automaticaly instead of waiting for the exhaust to heat them up and start working. so if they go it is usally internal of the sensor.
I replaced mine from advance for 59.00. and by the way the down stream sensors are the same exact senors as the upsteam ones.
Lance
I replaced mine from advance for 59.00. and by the way the down stream sensors are the same exact senors as the upsteam ones.
Lance
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Southern USA
lance....is that what advance auto told you? the bosch wedsite definately shows , in my case, (4.2) the upstream was 15716 and down stream was 15717. Factory #'s were diff. on mine,(stamped on the sensor) and , like the wive's '97 grand marq.,(4.6) both had blue colored connector on rear ones, and front ones were green on wives car, gray on my '01 4.2. i certainly agree they basically do the same job, i don't think they would be color coded for nothing....just curious how you got that info..... thanks...pr
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
The sensors are the same but with different connectors.
That is to prevent idiot mechanics (and owners) from cross-connecting the sensors to the harness.
You can buy sensors without the connectors and splice the old connector onto the new sensor's harness. If you go this route, the sensor can be the same type for both upstream and downstream locations.
Steve
That is to prevent idiot mechanics (and owners) from cross-connecting the sensors to the harness.
You can buy sensors without the connectors and splice the old connector onto the new sensor's harness. If you go this route, the sensor can be the same type for both upstream and downstream locations.
Steve
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