Oxygen Sensor Replacement

[EternityofNight]

Greetings,

I am sure that my oxygen sensor should be replaced because 1) They don't last much more that 50000 miles and stay in spec 2) I have a problem where the car does not want to start when hot (I have to open the throttle a little) I understand that as the sensor ages, the computer will provide a mixture that is too rich, which would explain why opening the throttle helps, and also why I smell a trace of gasoline when it is hard to start.

The old sensor is an unheated type, but I have seen universal replacements that include a heater. I would like to install a heated sensor and run additional wires for the heater.

I would like to know if anyone has any experience doing this, and if they could offer any advise. Also, I don't want to spend more than $50 on the entire project.

Thanks,

Michael

[mrltd]

There are a lot of other sensors that go bad and could cause the same issues. I would suggest checking the codes before replacing a bunch of stuff.

Also, I would suggest posting the model/year info on your car.

[88grandmarq]

86 and newer SEFI engines use heated 02 sensors, one sensor in each exhaust manifold.

85 and older CFI applications use one, single wire 02 sensor in the passenger side exhaust manifold.

I will also agree that there are plenty of other things what will cause a hard start problem before the 02 sensor should be looked at.

Check the system for stored trouble codes and check for vaccum leaks.

[1990LTD]

Get codes before parts.

[gadget73]

Sounds more like an IAC or temperature sensor problem than an 02 sensor issue. The oxy sensors have zero effect on startup. The ECM doesn't switch to them until after the engine is running.

[EternityofNight]

Thanks for the info. My car is an 86 grand marquis, the check engine light is not on.

[1990LTD]

you can have stored codes without the engine light happening.

[86GmLsCoupe]

I agree with them, you should definitely scan for codes first and then go from there. There's a few ways to this:

1. Use a scanner you own/borrow
2. Have some place like Autozone do it (should be free?)
3. Or use a jumper wire to run a self-test http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=13

Welcome to GMN btw.

[86VickyLX]

Thanks for the info. My car is an 86 grand marquis, the check engine light is not on.

you can have stored codes without the engine light happening.

There ain't no check engine light on the '86. Only replace engine light aka: no oil, or overheated light. And you have heated oxygen sensors.

[gadget73]

yep, no check engine light before 89. some 88's have it but not all.