2.5L ('98-'01) Oxygen Sensor 2.6L 4 Cylinder UPSTREAM

[-Nate]

Okay then .

I cleaned the M.A.F. sensor and replaced the spark plugs and down stream N02 sensor replaced the air filter and did an oil & filter change then I did the 'global reset' of the computer and my wretched fuel economy raised a little bit from 13 to 15 + M.P.G. so now I'm thinking the upstream N02 sensor being 23 years old may need replacement .

The trucks runs *perfectly* ~ starts easily cold or hot, runs strongly and idles smoothly .

What brand is the best here ? .

I looked in the Motocraft catalog and they don't even show the upstream N02 sensor .

TIA,

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Okay then .

I cleaned the M.A.F. sensor and replaced the spark plugs and down stream N02 sensor replaced the air filter and did an oil & filter change then I did the 'global reset' of the computer and my wretched fuel economy raised a little bit from 13 to 15 + M.P.G. so now I'm thinking the upstream N02 sensor being 23 years old may need replacement .

The trucks runs *perfectly* ~ starts easily cold or hot, runs strongly and idles smoothly .

What brand is the best here ? .

I looked in the Motocraft catalog and they don't even show the upstream N02 sensor .

TIA,

I think bosch was factory.

I see you did quite a bit of stuff but you forgot about spark plugs if youre trying to get your mpg up.

 

[-Nate]

Thank you .

I did indeed have the spark plugs replaced last year but I don't trust the shop I used so I'll prolly go back in and check the gaps and maybe do a compression test .

Yes, BOSCH was the O.E.M. supplier, I bought a new BOSCH up stream sensor last night along with sway bar link bushings, I'm old and disabled so the physical labor part is hard for me but I really don't trust others to take the time & effort to do a really good job .

 

[-Nate]

Okay then ;

I removed the right front wheel and inner fender liner and it's a fairly easy straight horizontal access :

My brandy new Chinesium special sensor socket started to slip so I stopped and re grouped, used a large pair of Vise Grips to hold it from slipping and pushed with one hand and pulled with t'other :

The sensor came right out and Lo ! look what the D.P.O. or D.P.M. did :

 

[-Nate]

I dunno what they were thinking trying to turn the sensor with pliers or something .

You can also see where they mangled the hex area, probably trying to use an open end wrench .

New & old sensors :

It runs SO much smoother and more powerfully too, I'll prolly fill the tank tomorrow and check the fuel economy again .

I was able to easily pull a grade I normally have to take in 4th gear, in 5th gear this morning before sunup .

The lurching from trailing to leading throttle is gone too, I'm reminded of why I like this little trucklet so much .

 

[-Nate]

Well ;

I drove it clear across L.A. County yesterday and back this morning, wow does it run smoother, stronger and so on .

It's down to 1/4 tank so tonight or tomorrow I'll fill it up again and check the M.P.G.'s .

In case I've not mentioned it, THANK YOU ALL for all the help and suggestions I've received here .

 

[-Nate]

UPDATE : I drove it to lunch yesterday and noticed the CHECK ENGINE LAMP was lit .

Had a nice lunch with my ex wife and when I started it up again several hours later NO LIGHT ! . time will tell .