2.3L ('83-'97) too short of a cable on the 02 sensor

[97ranger22bronco]

Has anyone experienced an issue with the wire being too short on the O2 sensor replacement? I've had this happen twice now, once was off brand so I chucked that to poor QA and ordered a Motorcraft one, only to have the same result. The part number on the Motorcraft 'kit', ie sensor and zipties is DY-1401 and the part number for the sensor itself is F85F-9G444-BD. I'm at a loss at what to order now.

 

[Brain75]

Is it possible your harness (vehicle side not part side) has had to have the end replaced - possibly from it melting against the exhaust and the PO who did that just didn't leave it long enough? (No experience with the 2.3's so no idea how much of an issue it usually is)... might be easiest to splice in a length in the harness to fix it every time rather than fix it on the sensor over and over.

 

[SenorNoob]

I would suggest double check wire routing before adding length. Also, when I order O2 sensors, there are usually a couple options for cable length.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The one on my '97 was dang long since it plugs in behind the valve cover for some dumb reason... I know what you mean but I'm not sure what to say, when mine went out I got a NAPA sensor and it went in fine, it was a couple years ago so I don't remember the part number.

 

[avid]

In the 4.0 the difference between the left and right upper O2 sensors is the length of the pigtail, and each has a different part number. I suspect that's the same for other engines, such as your 2.3L. Are you sure you got the sensor for the correct side?

Otherwise, like the guys said maybe the harness was shortened for some reason, or the connector replaced and not enough wire left.

 

[97ranger22bronco]

The 2.3 only has a single exhaust manifold so I thought there was only one downstream sensor?

 

[97ranger22bronco]

The one on my '97 was dang long since it plugs in behind the valve cover for some dumb reason... I know what you mean but I'm not sure what to say, when mine went out I got a NAPA sensor and it went in fine, it was a couple years ago so I don't remember the part number.

The one I'm looking at, the pigtail runs alongside the exhaust and screws into the exhaust pipe a bit further down? It's not really behind the valve cover, but rather further down?

 

[avid]

The 2.3 only has a single exhaust manifold so I thought there was only one downstream sensor?

I do not know for sure. Looking at RockAuto now for the 1997 Ranger 2.3 looks like they have two sensors- an upstream and downstream. Also looks like there are several lengths of pigtail: 270mm, 393mm, 400mm, 500mm, 650mm... crazy! I don't really know why they would have so many lengths.

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Someone with a 2.3 can probably clear it all up for you. If it were me and I couldn't return the short O2 sensor, I would just extend the pigtail however long. Solder in some wire and wrap it up good.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The one I'm looking at, the pigtail runs alongside the exhaust and screws into the exhaust pipe a bit further down? It's not really behind the valve cover, but rather further down?

The sensor is screwed into the exhaust next to the frame and the sensor lead is like 2' long and plugs in behind the valve cover on mine

On the rockauto link the Denso 2344609 shows 18" length on the wires so it might be close? The NTK 22500 is about the same length.