[gryphon]

I'm putting togerther my list of 60,000 mile service parts and wonder if it makes sense to replace an apparently functional oxygen sensor--no fault codes etc. And, if so, is there a cheaper source than OEM of similar quality?



Thanks for the help.



Tom

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[BruceWard]

OEM is Bosch.



Most local auto stores will sell Bosch oxygen sensors.



I used a kit from Paragon







Originally I had planned to buy a sensor without connectors and solder it together. Paragon said that Bosch recommended their connection kit over soldering. The kit is only a little more money and is very easy. A pair of wire strippers is all you need to go along with the kit to make the electrical connections. I attached the wires under the car. You can disconnect the oxygen sensor lead and remove it from the car to make the connection if you want. But I was fine rolling around under the car with it on jack stands.



I believe this is the kit I bought, but if you call Paragon they can tell you which kit works best http://www.paragon-products.com/product_..._15726.htm

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[Greimann]

[quote name='gryphon' date='Dec 6 2005, 10:48 AM'].. and wonder if it makes sense to replace an apparently functional oxygen sensor--no fault codes etc. And, if so, is there a cheaper source than OEM of similar quality?

[right][post="13130"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post][/right][/quote]

It is a good thing to replace the O2 sensor at least once in a cars lifetime. They can actually get "lazy" before they throw a code, so 60K miles is about right.



I have used the universal replacement too and it works a treat.

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[Anchorman]

Hmmm - "once in a car's lifetime...so 60k miles is about right." I'm approaching 130k miles and have never replaced an O2 sensor, so maybe I should think about having it done.

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[Greimann]

It couldn't hurt. They are an electrochemical device and their effectiveness can be compromised by contaminates and age. Yours may be functioning OK, but certainly not like new. The industry recognizes a replacement interval at about 70k miles.

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[Anchorman]

I'm adding it to the list. Thanks.

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[Ryan]

Mine coded and I put the kit that Bruce got in. I got mine from Auto Zone.

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[Etnier]

Anyone have a DIY on this? I'm embarrassed to say I thought it was part of the EGR and up in the engine compartment.

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[Ryan]

John,



The sensor is screwed into the exhaust pipe just below the engine. If you look down there, I am sure you can find it. I would recommend a spray of WD40 or L/W an hour or so before you try to remove the sensor with a wrench.



Once you have it out just follow the wire up till it turns to a plug . Unplug the unit and take it to a work area where you can splice the old plug onto the new sensor. You can cut the wire that comes with the kit so it is the same length as the old one. The cheap kit does not come with a splicing adaptor, so you will need to solder the wires and tape them up good or use shrink tube. The better kit comes with a nice module that takes care of everything. If you spend the big bucks and buy a factory unit you just plug it in .



Screw in the new sensor, tighten and plug in the wire to the car harness and off you go. Pretty easy

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[Etnier]

Thank you!

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[Etnier]

For whatever reason Autozone wanted over $100.00 for the above part: $55.00 from Paragon.

After looking at the sensor in place I wimped out and ordered one of these:



which I stumbled across while on another site. I'd been wondering to myself how I was going to get any tool up into where the sensor is mounted. Waste of money?

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[flash]

whiel not partivulary convenient, i have been able to get to teh sensor with a normal wrench - that tool might make it easier though - i'll be under there tomorrow and take a peek - if it works, i'll order one myself - i'm big on having the right tool

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[Cloud9...68]

While I certainly don't condone this, my O2 sensor came out very easily using a, working up the courage to admit this........... crescent (adjustable) wrench. It's such a large bolt that I was able to get the wrench on it plenty tight, and it came out with no trouble. Put the new one in with the crescent wrench, too. Again, I know this is pretty bush league, but it worked for me.

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[gbarrier]

OK, lets do a good job here and save a couple of buck while we're at it. The universal one with all the splices etc., should be Bosch P/N 15735. Now that one still cost quite a bit even from Autozone or Advance. Go to Autozone and buy one for an 84 - 86 Mustang (Bosch 13913) or an 87 - 93 Musatang (Bosch 13953). the latter cost about three bucks more but the wires are longer and gives you more room to work but is not necessary. You'll have to cut the plug off either one of them and splice in your old plug. Just use good butt splices and crimp them on. One should not solder them as the sensor breathes thru the voids in the wires. You get the same Bosch sensor emitting the same voltage just less than half price because athe sell a lot more of them made up that way. For example, Advance shows the exact fit (13011) for $158.88, The Universal (15735) for $132.88, The 13913 Ford for $38.88 and the 13953 Ford for $41.48. It should not cost more to maintain these fine cars just because there were fewer of them made with different plugs.



Slide a boxed end wrench down over the sensor (preferably a six point one if you can find it) and work it back and forth a little. You might get lucky. Just don't twist hard enough to round the corners before you give up and go buy a high dollar wrench. You'll probably never use it again.

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[Brian]

i used a crescent wrench, too.

worked great.

no shame!

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