4.0L OHV & SOHC V6 Tech General discussion of 4.0L OHV and SOHC V6 Ford Ranger engines.

Oxygen Sensors

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Old 03-06-2008
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Oxygen Sensors

As a preventative measure, I am going to replace my oxygen sensors (83,000 miles on the factory set). Any advice on which brand to use? They seem to be about $40 a piece! I haven't really gotten into it, but I'm assuming that I need 4 of them. Any help is appreciated!
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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Old 03-06-2008
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im pretty sure you only need 3 of them but i could be wrong
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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The rear sensor or sensors lead a much easier life than the fronts and usually last the life of the vehicle. Sensors after the cat(s) also have zero effect on the A/F mixture or any other engine function. Unless there is a specific problem with a downstream sensor, I would not change it. Just replace the 2 fronts using stock Bosch or other factory replacement.
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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Seems early for replacement?
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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Originally Posted by zabeard
Seems early for replacement?
Maybe, maybe not, depending on the vehicle's history. However, he did not site any negative symptoms, just preventative maintenance.

Here's another way to think about it and the way I have started to consider replacement parts at higher miles. He already got ~90k service from the original set of sensors. What are the odds that he will still own his Ranger at 180K, the next multiple of 90K? If he doesn't expect to keep the truck that long and he does expect to replace the sensors sometime in the next couple of years anyway, then there's no disadvantage to doing it right now. PM, as stated in the initial post.

I would definitely hang on the the used (but known to work) original sensors. They might come in handy as a quick diagnostic aid or for an emergency repair sometime in the future.
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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Yeah I suppose you are right. I have 100,000 miles on my truck and next week we are doing a header back exhaust. Maybe I should replace at least the first two.

Sorry for the hi-jack :)
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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I crawled around under the truck, and could only find 3 sensors - 2 upstream and 1 downstream. Does that seem right?
 
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Old 03-06-2008
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yes sir, only 3, i thought someone answered it already.
 
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Old 03-07-2008
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Originally Posted by zabeard
Yeah I suppose you are right. I have 100,000 miles on my truck and next week we are doing a header back exhaust. Maybe I should replace at least the first two.

Sorry for the hi-jack :)

Yeah, if you are going to have the wheel wells off, thats the time to chang ethe passenger side O2 Sensor, as its the only way you can get into it minus a body lift perhaps for some extra wiggle room.

Here in another month I will probably end up getting mine switched out as well.. 120k miles and im 99% sure they are stockers, no reason not to chang ethem.. preventative maintenance is the best way to keep a vehicle in tip top shape =)
 
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Old 03-07-2008
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If you guys dont mind me asking what are oxygen sensors? I have 93,000 on my ranger and im sure they are stock.
 
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Old 03-07-2008
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They bolt screw directly into your exhaust.. two of them right before the first cat. converters.. and the third one after the second cat. converter.. or before it.. ahh, cant remember exactly.


They read the data from your exhaust and see if its pumping it out too rich or vice versa, and changes the operation of the engine to accommodate the measurements.
 
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Old 03-16-2008
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update...

spent 120 to replace the upstream units, no improvement anywhere. i changed them with 100k miles on the truck

you really do not need to change the downstream unit unless its trashed

but i also changed the complete exhaust system, so that might have some effect on it.
 
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Old 03-16-2008
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Originally Posted by WowMike2001
Yeah, if you are going to have the wheel wells off, thats the time to chang ethe passenger side O2 Sensor, as its the only way you can get into it minus a body lift perhaps for some extra wiggle room.

its super easy to change on my truck, none of that IFS BS in the way.
 
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Old 03-19-2008
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there eas to change accept when you get one that is frozen inside ont he drivers side!! lol i tryted everything and i can not get it out and i can not fit a torch in there unless i start burning other things. i gained 2-3mpg changing my passanger side one thay had no codes on them and i had 130k on my truck i want to get the other out so i can see if it helps more.
 
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