vwalk

I have a 96 C-280. I had the car "diagnosed" after the check engine light came on. The mechanic advised that I needed an O2 sensor. Is the replacement a labor intensive task? If not, what are the basic steps to replace the sensor? Finally, how many sensors does my vehicle have?

MTI

The O2 sensor is located under the car, threaded in a hole on the exhaust pipe with the sensor wires running through a hole in the floorboard. It is a DIY job if you feel so inclined. There should be a thread somewhere about using the sensor from a Mustang 5.0 sensor (made by Bosch) that will work perfectly with a little surgery on the wire harness. You could also check www.oxygensenors.com. They sell the whole kit (instructions, wire crimps, heat shrink tubing) and USPS shipping for $40.

vwalk

Thanks for your respone. I'll give it a try.

Nektopoli

Did your mech test the O2 sensor ?

NP

vwalk

No. He only checked the codes relating to the check engine light. He advised that the code was related to the O2 sensor. I replaced both of the sensors and the check engine light has not re-appeared (thus far).

My next project is the annoying aspirator fan in the overhead console. The hum is driving me crazy!

Air Marshall Eldritch

How did it go changing them yourself? Was it easy?

vwalk

It wasn't difficult. No special tools were needed. Oxygensensors.com was a great website.

mleskovar

Is there any kind of "life span" for an O2 sensor? I've read where people replace them proactively. Is there something in the sensors that deteriorates over time and it loses it's effectiveness?

Air Marshall Eldritch

I heard that they mostly get dirty and stop working. I suppose you could clean one, but I dont know how.

vwalk

I don't either. Let me know if you have success with it.

mdp c230k

O2 sensors last around 60k miles on the average. If you notice a drop in mpg without any obvious problems and are over 30k on the sensor replace it. This can really help both performance and mpg.