Ablaze

I searched and didn't see anything about actual installation, if I missed it, please direct me to the thread.

A week ago my girlfriend's v6's engine light came on. I pulled the code at autozone.. said the engine was misfiring. You can feel it stumble a bit around 70-80 mph but it's very subtle. I had the shop replace the spark plugs but not the 02 sensor. The shop wants $190 to install the 02 sensors but I remember reading somewhere that it's too easy to install yourself. I have zero hands-on automotive knowledge. I've built a dozen computers from scratch though if that helps me at all. At American Muscle the front and back sensors are $50 a pop. They're out of stock so I'm going to have to look elsewhere..

I want to buy one at a time and see if I can save $50. Can I install these myself? Can anyone direct me to where they are and what I would need (aside from the 02 sensors)? I'm broke from the spark plugs and don't want to spend a dime more than I have to right now.

Edit: Found the sensors for a great price. They're OEM. But I'm confused. Some say "front" and "back" and other's say "left" and "right". The ones I'm buying say: "Ft oxygen sensor 3.8 LITER" and "Rr oxygen sensor 3.8 LITER" which sounds like front and rear to me.

Which sensor goes where?

belairbrian

Your car has 4 o2 sensors. 1 before each cat and one after each cat. If an O2 sensor is affectign the engine it is most likely a front sensor. The rear sesnsors only compare the cat ouput to the cat input gases to detrmine if the cat is doing it's job. The one in front of the cat control fuel mixture. Enough for O2 lesson 101.

As to your issue they should have told you which OBDII code was set. Each sensor has it's own codes. With the codes you can tell which sensor is at fault. Easier than just swapping one and hoping.

So what was the code?

As far as the change, the hardest part is getting the car off the ground. It only takes either a large ( i can't recall the size) box end wrench or an O2 sensor wrench (available at most parts stores). You disconnect the connector on the sensor then unscrew it, install the new one and reconnect. Clear the codes and see if they return.

From my experience with my 97 coupe I had a wiring issue from the left front O2 to the ECU so swapping the sensor did not help.

And yes use OEM sensors. Meaning Motorcraft, not "same as OEM".