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P1151

what about the p0420 not effecting any pcm/performance ?

Other than of course the possible clogged cat thing, which i then have a good excuse to gut
 
So.. my car threw P0153 and P1151 again... looks more and more like Bank 2 Sensor 1 is going out... I realize this is a rear, upstream, 02 sensor... problem is I'm looking at rock auto's website... and I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what to get...

I'm looking under this heading...

1999 FORD CONTOUR SVT 2.5L 2450cc 155cid V6 FI (G) : Emission : Oxygen Sensor
 
So.. my car threw P0153 and P1151 again... looks more and more like Bank 2 Sensor 1 is going out... I realize this is a rear, upstream, 02 sensor... problem is I'm looking at rock auto's website... and I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what to get...

I'm looking under this heading...

1999 FORD CONTOUR SVT 2.5L 2450cc 155cid V6 FI (G) : Emission : Oxygen Sensor
Bank 2 sensor 1 is the front upstream sensor. This is the one next to the oil filter. Removing the oil filter will give you more room to maneuvre.
 
Bank 2 sensor 1 is the front upstream sensor. This is the one next to the oil filter. Removing the oil filter will give you more room to maneuvre.

Seriously... oh... I was trying to find an exhaust exploded diagram, but I can't seem to find one...
 
Seriously... oh... I was trying to find an exhaust exploded diagram, but I can't seem to find one...
You don't need an exhaust diagram to locate this sensor.

Stand in front (and about the center) of your car with the hood open. Look down at the space between the radiator and engine. To the left of the center, you will see an oil filter. You should also see the upstream O2 Bank 2 sensor to the left of the exhaust manifold.

The O2 sensor on the right of the exhaust manifold is the Downstream Bank 2 O2 sensor.
 
You don't need an exhaust diagram to locate this sensor.

Stand in front (and about the center) of your car with the hood open. Look down at the space between the radiator and engine. To the left of the center, you will see an oil filter. You should also see the upstream O2 Bank 2 sensor to the left of the exhaust manifold.

The O2 sensor on the right of the exhaust manifold is the Downstream Bank 2 O2 sensor.

I know how to find them... and realize where that is... I just like diagrams.... :D Anyways... are the O2 sensors all the same plug... or does it vary by location?
 
O2 sensors

O2 sensors

When you purchase do not buy the "universal" sensors. With these you have to try and wire the harness. For the most part the locations are very tight to work in. In my experience the OEM replacements tend to cost less than the universal. It is my understanding that Bosch makes the Motorcraft brand. The Bosch are about half the price. I would recommend changing all the sensors at the same time. If one is failing the others are probally not far behind.
 
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O2 Sensors

O2 Sensors

The reason I suggested to replace all 4 sensors is that the car has 169K on the dial. My assumption is that all of the sensors have gone the same amount of miles. Generally the recommended change is 80 to 100K for the best performance and mileage. This may be a good idea or not. I don't know how many posts that I have read that people complain about O2 sensors that don't work. If you can't handle the price for changing all for at the same time I would agree that the sensors should be replaced in pairs. In my personal & company vehicles (total of 9 rigs) I almost always change parts like plugs, wires, shocks, tires, belts, hoses, brake componets, steering componets in the full number of the parts. Typically if one goes the rest are not far behind.
 
The reason I suggested to replace all 4 sensors is that the car has 169K on the dial. My assumption is that all of the sensors have gone the same amount of miles. Generally the recommended change is 80 to 100K for the best performance and mileage. This may be a good idea or not. I don't know how many posts that I have read that people complain about O2 sensors that don't work. If you can't handle the price for changing all for at the same time I would agree that the sensors should be replaced in pairs. In my personal & company vehicles (total of 9 rigs) I almost always change parts like plugs, wires, shocks, tires, belts, hoses, brake componets, steering componets in the full number of the parts. Typically if one goes the rest are not far behind.

That from a certain point of view is very logical... If I still had my 2 jobs I'd probably be all for doing all 4 of the O2's, but right now I'm up for changing 1, if I have to do more... so be it... my mileage seems about the same right now... Plus price for O2 sensors is between $40-$60 depending on what brand and where you buy them from... Some people are reluctant to just drop $240 to replace all 4 O2's then spend the time doing the install..
 
The idea of replacing all four O2 sensors is dumber than a bag of cheap, imported hammers.

Replace the upstream pair if you want to, leave the two downstream ones alone until they code out.

Me, I replace the sensors one at a time when they no longer work right. Can't argue with 175K miles.

Steve
 
Cost of sensors

Cost of sensors

Some people are reluctant to just drop $240 to replace all 4 O2's then spend the time doing the install..[/QUOTE said:
I completely agree the the cash outlay sucks!! The cost of the sensors seem excessive to me. As far as the time issue... I would rather get out my tools, jack it up, put it on stands one time rather than four times. But to each his own. I really do hope that replacing 1-2 or 4 improves your ride.
 
Bag of cheap, imported hammers

Bag of cheap, imported hammers

The idea of replacing all four O2 sensors is dumber than a bag of cheap, imported hammers.

Replace the upstream pair if you want to, leave the two downstream ones alone until they code out.

Me, I replace the sensors one at a time when they no longer work right. Can't argue with 175K miles.

Steve

Steve, This is the first time I've ever had anyone describe one of my ideas as such. You are welcome to your opion. (1st Admendment right which my brother died for) Your are right that 175k is awesome. Routine maintance is called that because you change parts prior to them failing. This includes items that affect driveablity and emissions. Just because I can get 10k out of an oil change doesn't make it a stellar idea.
I have always thought of this site as a garage from the 50's & 60's. Friends helping out friends with a particular problem. Just happens to be a different venue. I apoligize for offending your mechanic sensibilities. I have alway tried to be civil in any responses made to other members whethered agreed with or not. Maybe you could do the same?
 
ok guys lets play nice.


I can see why one might want to replace all four sensors if they are original and have high miles.

I can see just changing the senor that the code is for.


I would say there is a good chance that if one sensor has gone at high miles then the other is going to follow soon.

personally my zetec had the original O2 sensor until just late last summer. sure I never got a code from it but started getting better gas milage after repalcing the O2 sensor (210k) and plugs and wires (100k).

as for my duratec I had replaced one sensor previously. I ended up replacing the other original and the one that was a few years old so they where both band new and identical. but then again I wanted to make sure the a/f readings where perfect for boost.


so bottom line, pick what is best for you, whats best in your mind and whats best for your pocket.
 
Dan,

Sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I lost my son while he was in the service of our country so I understand what sacrifice means. Our 1st Amendment rights pertain to government interference, not an open discussion in a public forum. Our mutual losses notwithstanding, your argument on that regard is irrelevant in this discussion.

My point in using hyperbole was to drive home a point in that the down stream sensors have no effect on driveability or economy and there is no benefit in replacing a sensor that still working, especially when they fail or wear out only rarely. Replacing it as "routine maintenance" is usually just wasted money given that they typically cost $45-60 each and will have no return on any investment unless they were actually defective. In THAT case, replacing them will get you through an emissions test if you have to go through that exercise, otherwise they serve no operational purpose for the engine.
 
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