When changing an oxygen sensor do you need a special tool, and how do you even change out the sensor? Thank you for your help
1996 Ford Taurus
Do you need a special tool?
yes, you will need an oxygen sensor wrench. It is essentially the box end of a combination wrench that fits on a 3/8%26quot; socket drive. to change an oxygen sensor you need to disconnect the connector for the sensor then put the wire through the box end of the tool, then move the business end of the O2 wrench down and onto the sensor. the sensor comes out of the exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe in the same way you would unbolt a regular bolt.
There are at least two and possibly three oxygen sensors on your car. If you were told you need an oxygen sensor, you'll need to find out which one before you go changing them. You have at least a front heated 02 sensor bank 1 and a rear heated oxygen sensor. If the car is a v-6 you will also have a front heated oxygen sensor bank 2. be sure you change the one that's bad!
you can buy the oxygen sensor wrenches in most parts stores.
hope that helps
Do you need a special tool?
you can use a 7/8 wrench for the easy sensor, plus there is a socket with a slot cut out so it doesn't damage the wires..
there is a special socket made just for oxygen sensors. depending on which sensor has gone bad is the deciding factor if your even going to be able to use that at all. is it and upstream O2 sensor or downstream sensor. Ford made some of there cars a real pain to remove the sensors on in the back of the engine bay. on those you end up using a 7/8's open end wrench or the metric equivelent to get to it. the chances of bloody knuckles are good in that case too. to replace it just find which one it is that is bad then track down the proper connection and disconnect it. take either your sensor socket or wrench depending on location and unscrew it from the pipe, reverse process for installation. good luck
just couple of wrenchs and good ol' WD40 spray... do it when its cold.. (be sure to use correctly gapped wrench..avoid those adjustable one) somtimes it really a frustrating job to do when it comes with 'aged' cars..
last i know of open box wrench
adjustable wrench
when you go to the auto part store they will be gladly to assist you with further questions
hope this helps
