Hello all, I have a 97 f-150 with 189000 miles got the code p0161 today.Can the oxygen sensors be cleaned and if not are the bosch sensor as crappy as they say they are?

 

Your question is way off from reality.
First the 161 code is a sensor 'heater' failure. You can't clean for that kind if failure.
Second, the original factory sensor (is) a BOSCH.
Go get a new one and be done with it.
I think at 186,000 you got more than full life use out of the sensor and then some.
Don't worry about what make it is; they don't fail very often.
Check the sensor for having an open heater. If it's good then you have a harness fault.
But still replace the sensor.
Good luck.

 

Only thing to add is to replace all of them when you have the money if it hasn't been done you are way over due.

 

thanks will let you know what happens

 

Replacing "all" of them is unnecessary. The two downstream sensors are used only to monitor the converters for emissions compliance.

It's one thing to replace both upstream sensors since they directly control fuel economy. It's another to waste $120 in beer money for downstream sensors when they ar.en't needed and would offer no tangible performance or economic benefit

Since his code is for a fault in the heater circuit of one of the downstream sensors, all he really needs to do is repair that fault and to then see how the systems runs. I wouldn't even consider replacing the upstream sensors unless there is data suggesting that they are not performing well enough.

Ford has used both Bosch and NGK as OEM providers of O2 sensors. Whoever told the OP that Bosch sensors are "crappy" is ill-informed and should be ignored.

 

O2 sensors are maintenance items. The upstream sensors control fuel management and if they fail they can wipe out your expensive catalytic converter system, plus all the fuel that can be wasted. Replace the upstream sensors at 80,000 mile intervals. Yours are way overdue, so just replace them.

The downstream sensors are used for catalyst monitors. They only need to be replaced if they fail or set any fault. Replace just the one that is setting the code.

Use either Bosch or NGK sensors. Bosch makes good sensors when used in the right applications. Bosch makes crappy spark plugs, but the sensors are excellent, better than most. They are good enough that Ford uses them as OE on a lot of models.