Oxygen Sensor for 2000 ford escort?

Question

A couple of weeks ago my check engine soon light came on and I went and got it checked at a parts store and they told me that it was my oxygen sensor that was defective but it wasn't very serious. After the day that I got it checked it didn't come on again until today and I'm assuming it's the same thing. Does anyone know how much it costs to get an Oxygen Sensor replaced in a 2000 ford escort? Or if it is very easy do you think I can do it myself?

Answer 1

O2 Sensor? Probably NOT the problem.
People like to blame the O2 sensor for the problem because that's where the computer fault appears.
However, nine times out of ten, it's not faulty. It is simply reading a condition in the engine that is causing it to send a signal to the computer that there is a fault in the exhaust emissions mixture.
A fouled spark plug, loose spark plug wire, a vacuum leak, dirty injectors, EGR valve, weak fuel pump, dirty fuel filter, weak ignition coil, plugged air filter, on and on, can all cause the O2 sensor to register a fault code.
Before you yank the O2 sensor and replace it, check the basics first. Otherwise, you could have wasted time and money on the result, not the cause.

There are many components that work together in the engine to maintain optimal engine performance and economy.
A service engine soon, or check engine light indicates that there is a sensor that is reading a condition that is "out of range".
Simply resetting the light does not solve the initial cause of the problem.
Replacing a number of parts trying to troubleshoot the problem in the hopes of getting the light to stay off is a tremendous waste of time and money.
The simplest, and most economical way to alleviate your issue, is to have an engine diagnostic done by a reputable shop to determine what caused the computer to signal you to begin with. Just reading the computer codes may not find the "cause".

That being said, if per-chance you feel the need to reset the light in the hopes that it was a "glitch" of some kind, you could disconnect the negative battery terminal for a couple of minutes to clear the check engine light.

Answer 2

You can do it yourself. Its not hard at all. It involves removing the old sensor with a wrench and installing the new one in its place. The problem is knowing which one is bad. There are two oxygen sensors. On is at the cadillidic converter. the other is found further down the exhaust. Oxygen sensors can run a bit of money. Go you your local Auto Zone and find out.
Good luck

Answer 3

O2 sensor removal requies a specialized socket, and can sometime have serious assessability issues. If you strip the threads you could end up replacing a cat. convertor or an exhaust manifold. Due to high temperature in the area wiring harnesses have a tendency to be brittle as well. I'm not familliar with you particular car, I would guess your looking at 1 to 3 hours labor, o2 sensors are usually around $200.00 in my area.

Your check engine light came back on because the mechanic reset you ECM and your vehicle just completed its self diagnostics drive cycle. (OBD2).

Answer 4

Timing belt might have jumped a notch, have you ever replaced the gasoline clear out? A stopped up clear out might reason a lean situation and backfire to boot as a Mass air pass sensor it is grimy.

Answer 5

Bosch #15716 will run you about 60 bucks. And it is somthing you can do yourself.