Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting O2 Sensor

Need to replace my O2 sensor and was wondering where I should buy it from. Should I spend my money and get it from the dealer, or should I buy it from a Pepboys type of place? I'm just wondering if it matters if it is original equipment or not.

Autozone down here in texas has the downstream sensor for $69 (eg: after the pre cat on the exuast manifold, they are VERY easy to install if you rent the tool from them) and they have the upstream sensor for $64 (which is in the middle of everything, a real pain in the ass to get to, remove, and install). All in all, its one of the most innocent looking jobs ever, until you actually start doing the work. Get a friend to help you out, and remember - Never ever stop cussing at it, with enough sweat and cuss words, the old one will eventually get scared and fall out.

here\'s the topic about when i replaced my bank 2 upstream sensor. PM me if you have any questions.

I saw that yours was the bank 2 sensor, I have to replace the bank 1. Is that one harder to replace?

i dunno, its in the back though...a lot of people have changed it though, and there are more topics on it. One guy said it was pretty simple once he got the right tool.

This 02 sensor thing is ridiculus. My dealer wanted $120 US for the 02 sensor and $100 labour.This did not include the scope charge to read the trouble code. I went to my local auto supply guy and he gave me a part number for NTK equivelent.If you check your old Sensor you may see aford part number with NTK stamped below it. He could not match up the two lower sensors so I called NTK (you can go on their website..www.ngksparkplugs.com and find your part number). This is what they told me. The number on their website is for the two upper sensors (bank 1/2).
They have been told by Ford to redesign the lower sensors and they won't be available until August this year. Anyway they say that all o2 sensors can be substituted by a universal unit(except jeeps)the only difference is the connector plug.So save yourself a few bucks and use a universal unit. All you have to to is match and splice the wires and the connections are available on NTK's website. Unfortunately it does not make the rear upper sensor any easier to change!!

Bosch makes direct plug in units for both slot 1 & slot 2 O2 sensors.

These are what Autozone/Advance Auto carries. They have a Lifetime warranty!

Here is a online store for the Bosch direct replacements...free shipping if you buy $75 or more.

Express Auto Parts

...Ed

Hi Mr PC,

I have a 95 Contour V-6, and I replaced both my O2 sensors. It puzzles me because the one that Philip had so much trouble with was EASY on my car (no need to removed filter or any hoses). My car is fully loaded accessory wise. Maybe they did some changes for the 98 model? Took 10 minutes tops.

ON THE OTHER HAND, the sensor nearest the cabin/firewall was ABSOLUTLEY GAWD AWEFUL. Would rather replace oil pan gasket again that that #@%!^!@# sensor. I believe this is the bank 1 sensor. I coulnt get to it under the car, and there is some big black thingy which severely obstructs the topside access. Philip is right - just keep a cussin and you will EVENTUALLY get it.

Good Luck
Jab