Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Replacing Oxygen Sensors?

After the dealership boys quoted me a ridiculous price for the job, I'm considering changing the O2 sensors myself (both of them).
Can anyone offer advice on how hard/easy the job is?
Will I need to get the car up on a hydraulic lift to change the downstream sensor?
And, should I replace the sensor sockets (that autozone.com recomends to buy with new sensors)
Help would be appreciated.

Replace sensor sockets?
Perhaps they are suggesting that you buy the special socket that allows you to remove/install the O2 sensors without cutting the harness connector off. If that is the case, then 'yes', you should buy one of those.

DiodeBoy is correct. A sensor socket allows you to use a 3/8" ratchet (with cheater bar, extensions, and U-joint, in the case of the Bank 1 Upstream sensor) to remove and install the sensors. I believe you'll find downstream sensor replacement easier with the car on ramps, at least.

I assume your Check Engine light was on. What trouble codes were in the computer? If the dealership didn't tell you, go to Autozone or similar and ask them to pull the codes for you.

Without knowing your car's trouble codes, for all we know your dealer is bull****ting you.

Last but not least, it is worth noting there are actually four sensors: upstream and downstream for each of the two cylinder banks. They are called HO2Sxy, where x indicated the cylinder bank number (bank 1 is closer to the firewall), and y indicates upstream (1) or downstream (2). HO2S11 seems to be the most frequently-mentioned of them all (I replaced mine last year; there's a wealth of info available via Search).

You mean 4 for the Duratec/SVT right? Someone told me my Zetec only had 2 (Bank1/Bank2)

Yes, I was speaking in terms of the V6. Sorry 'bout that.


G

I have a check engine light on, and the dealer told me that it was a result of O2 sensor(s). They said that it would continue to go on and off as the sensor would fluctuate, and thats what has been the case (on 3 weeks, off 1). I was never given the trouble codes unfortunately. I would hate to have to replace 4, that would be just wrong.

Your symptoms sound typical for O2 sensors, but could also be EGR related. Changing O2 sensors on your SVT won't be that hard. You'll want to jack/jack-stand the car to get at the downstream sensors which are underneath on the exhaust. Pull the coil pack to get the the upstream sensor on the rear cyl. bank. Try a search on O2 sensor and you'll have lots of advice. The sensor socket is about $8 but you can get a loaner from autozone.

Knowledge is power! Pull the codes! Then come back here and let us have a crack at deciphering them.

And yes, that would be just wrong. You're already waaaay more savvy than the average motorist.


Garrick