The service engine light is on and the diagnostic came back with the sensors as the reason for the light being on. Car runs great, no real obvious signs of something wrong.|||On a car this old, the sensors may indeed need replacement; that said, there are other things that can lead the computer to declare them inactive or out of range. Things like fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel regulator to name just three.
As to the cost, there are some pretty good after-market replacements, but they are nearly as expensive as those from Ford (~$80.00 ea.).
There are two sensors, and it is not a tecchnical issue to change them, but it is a mechanical nightmare on one of them as it is very difficult to reach.
You do need either a 7/8%26quot; box style wrench, or a sensor socket from your parts house. An inexpensive socket can be purchased for less than $30.00, but be warned, an CHEAP socket can be expensive if it will not retain the shoulders of the sensor. If it spreads, it will damage the sensor, possibly making it nearly impossible for YOU to remove.
When you install the new unit, be sure that you do NOT overtighten the new sensor, as you can damage it, and not see tha damage. Tighten it no more than you would a spark plug.
TIP---To avoid burns, wait for at least 1-1/2 hours after driving before trying to replace them. Exhaust pipes are very hot for quite a while after the engine has been shut off.|||There should be two sensors on that car. You need an oxygen sensor wrench for that car and you can usually get on at the friendly auto parts store. They cost about sixty bucks apiece, but are a heck of a lot cheaper than the gas you%26#039;ll waste if you don%26#039;t.|||You don%26#039;t necessarily need oxygen sensors just because the code came up. You could have another problem causing them to read out of range. Or a bad Catalytic converter. Before you replace the sensors take it to a Ford/Lincoln Dealer and have them diagnose it for you. If it does need sensors buy them at the dealer. The aftermarket ones are typically not very good.
