How do I install a 1995 Ford Escort oxygen sensor?

Exhaust-Gas Sensors

There are four different types of exhaust-gas sensors used on 1995l Ford Escorts. The types include one- and two-wire unheated sensors and three- and four-wire heated sensors. Heated sensors provide quicker input to the engine when it is started. There are engines with one sensor and some with two. Locate the particular sensor(s) on your vehicle. There are also installations peculiar to California and Massachusetts emissions standards. Check the "Vehicle Emissions Control Information" label in the engine compartment to determine whether you have one of these installations. If so, you will need to obtain replacement sensors that comply with the more stringent standards.

Locate and Identify Sensors

There is an exhaust-gas sensor in the exhaust manifold or upstream from the catalytic converter. There may be another exhaust-gas sensor in the exhaust pipe downstream of the catalytic converter. After you find the sensor and before disconnecting any wires to the sensor, disconnect the battery cable from the negative terminal. Then disconnect the wires to the sensor and determine the number of wires at the connector. Your replacement sensor will need to have the same number of wires. You can obtain replacement sensor online from sites such as drivewire.com and car-stuff.com as of 2010.

Sensor Removal

The removal of the sensor may require the removal of the exhaust manifold heat shield or the raising of the vehicle and placing it securely on jackstands. Once you have access to the sensor use a box or socket wrench to remove the sensor. Inspect the sensor for what may have caused it to fail such as physical damage or engine malfunction. Black sooty deposits indicate too rich fuel/air ratio, brown deposits show excess engine oil in the exhaust, while white gritty deposits result from an antifreeze leak. Failure to correct a problem in the engine or its operation may cause a premature failure of the new sensor.

Sensor Installation

Coat the threads of the sensor with anti-seize compound, as the high temperatures at the sensor will tend to weld them in place. Replace the exhaust manifold heat shield if it was removed. Reconnect the wires to the sensor making sure the right wires go to the right terminals on the PCM. Lower the vehicle from the jackstands, if necessary. Reconnect the battery cable to the battery.

Source:

"Ford Escort & Mercury Tracer Automotive Repair Manual"; Alan Ahlstrand and John H. Haynes; 2004

WD40.com: Penetrating Oil

"Chilton's Auto Repair Manual 1995-99"; editors Leonard Davis and Frank Keytanjian; 1998

More Information:

"Ford Escort & Mercury Tracer Automotive Repair Manual"; Alan Ahlstrand and John H. Haynes; 2004

"Chilton's Auto Repair Manual 1995-99"; editors Leonard Davis and Frank Keytanjian; 1998