26 Oct How to Replace Oxygen Sensors on a Mustang
For some of you Mustang folks out there who may be new to wrenching, here is a relatively simple project that can improve the performance of your Mustang. If your car has over 100,000 miles and still has the original oxygen sensors, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to replace them as part of a good tune-up.
Tools:
–
– Floorjack
– Jackstands
– 7/8″ open-ended wrench or Oxygen Sensor Socket
First, simply jack up the car and secure it safely with a pair of jackstands. You can put the stands under the subframes, engine crossmember, or other secure place on the car.
Then, it’s time to locate your O2 sensors. They are located on your exhaust mid-pipe all the way forward near where it attaches to your headers. If you have a factory catalytic h-pipe, they are located forward of the two forward-most cats. I have a Magnaflow catalytic x-pipe on my daily driver, so I only have two cats and the O2 sensors are super easy to get to.
Here’s the old driver side sensor:

Here’s what it looks like from a bit further back:

Here’s the passenger side sensor:
…and from a bit further back:

After you’ve located them, simply disconnect the two sensors. All you have to do is push down the little tab and pull them apart.

Then grab your 7/8″ wrench and unscrew the sensors. If it’s too tight a fit and you can’t get a wrench on them, the special O2 sensors socket might be a better choice here.

Now you need to grab your two new oxygen sensors and reinstall them. A word of caution/advice here – USE ONLY FACTORY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT OXYGEN SENSORS. I’ve discussed this at length with several knowledgeable folks who I trust to know precisely what they’re talking about, including one who owns a dyno facility and has been tuning cars for over ten years. They say that the calibration of other common aftermarket sensors that can be purchased at auto parts stores is not as accurate, and does not always send the appropriate signal. The OEM Ford sensors cost a bit more, but I think it’s worth it for the peace of mind knowing they’ll work correctly.
Now just reinstall your new sensors and reconnect the pigtails. Don’t wipe off the anti-seize on the threads! That helps keep the threads from corroding and seizing in your h-pipe.
Driver side installed:

Passenger side installed:

Your done! Take the car down off the jackstands and go for a spin. Great job!
found @ http://www.SN95forums.com
By: Paul
Links may earn me commissions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Helene
Posted at 16:30h, 17 August 2010Call me nuts but are there only two O2 sensors???
I need to replace my O2 sensors – unfortunately Ford wants to charge me over $100 bucks each. I am seriously thinking about going for after-market parts. However, itf there are only 2 sensors, it wouldn’t be too bad…
So are there only two O2 sensors on a 2002 Mustang GT (automatic)? Please let me know… I’m getting conflicting answers… some people say 2, some say 4….
Mike
Posted at 18:47h, 17 August 2010Re: Call me nuts but are there only two O2 sensors???
Hi Helen. There are actually 4 oxygen sensors stock on your 2002 Mustang GT. There are 2 pre-catalytic converter that may not be highly visible until you are under the car. I had to replace 2 sensors on my car and I used these Mustang Oxygen Sensors.
Use this write up to help guide you through the replacement and you should be on your way. Don’t hesitate to ask any more questions either, and if you’re looking for a great Mustang Forum , check out NewYorkMustangs.com
Mark
Posted at 15:57h, 27 August 2010Which O2 sensors for Bassani X pipe??
I want to replace my O2 sensors on my 01 GT. I have a Bassani X pipe w/cats installed and need to know which side does either one install onto pipe?? I understand that there are front and rear sensors. With only two cats, which goes where? Thanks
Helene
Posted at 18:15h, 6 September 2010How do you access the pre-catalyctic sensor (right side)?
Hi again,
Thanks for answering my earlier post. Can’t seem to access the right side. The left side was hard enough… only a small hole to squeeze your hand through. The wrench isn’t the issue but undoing the connector is a killer. Any advice?
Mike
Posted at 18:21h, 6 September 2010No problem. What about some sort of pry bar, maybe a PVC pipe around the wrench?
c-note
Posted at 02:45h, 27 November 2010If there is 4 sensors then wher are thay???
I see the 2 sensors under the car, one on the driver side, and the other on the passenger side, in the pipe, so where are the other 2 located at?
Rafa
Posted at 16:39h, 25 January 2011question
is it possible to clean the sensors with Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner? Thanks
Mike
Posted at 22:36h, 24 February 2011I would not recommend it. If you think your o2 sensor is not functioning properly you should replace it. Here is one on eBay
David
Posted at 16:57h, 14 February 2011Changing the right-side rear sensor
I’m changing it in a few weeks (P0141 code repeatedly). I’ll put the rear up on jack stands. Will removing the rear tire make things easier for me?
Thanks, David
Mike
Posted at 22:34h, 24 February 2011Re: Changing the right-side rear sensor
It’s not necessary but may free up some room for you.
Mike
Posted at 09:43h, 10 March 2011This will be my first attempt at this,
It’s best to know something before jacking
that beast up(v6 s-charger). I knew where the part would be going but thank you for the images, They still really help!
– Thanks, Mike – 352 !!!!
Mike
Posted at 21:13h, 10 March 2011Done!
Found it very easy,..
After taking my exhaust off.
Jeff
Posted at 04:15h, 21 April 20111998 Mustang Gt
My mustang has been having terrible mpgs (around 10) and the check engine light was on for about a week, then turned back off. I believe that it was an o2 sensor code, but I can’t remember. What is the best choice for determining whether or not to replace the sensors, and which ones should be replaced?
Jeff
1998 GT Mustang (103xxx miles)
Stephen
Posted at 12:56h, 29 April 201102s
How do I know which 02 sensor to replace
MustangGT 505
Posted at 23:38h, 2 June 2012Replace o2 sensor
replace both. same thing as spark plugs if one goes out why spend hours find which one just replace them all and fix the problem.
Bobby
Posted at 15:45h, 12 July 2011which o2 sensor os upstream and downstream?
I’m replacing the o2 sensors and I’m unsure about which is the upstream or downstream sensor can you clarify?
thanks
Corey
Posted at 19:17h, 8 August 2011I had an extremely difficult time with the passenger side bank 1 sensors on my 98 Mustang but enevtually got it. Thanks!
James Lyons
Posted at 10:18h, 15 May 2019O2 sensor
Is your Mustang a 6 cylinder, a GT, or a Cobra. Cobra seems impossible…
Dan
Posted at 18:45h, 1 March 2012Okay, so I have a 98 cobra. It currently has bbk longtube headers and a bbk x midpipe. I’m currently getting the code p1152. I was adviced by another forum to change the drivers side pre cat 02 sensor. I’m not sure if that’s the sensor that connects to the headers, or the one that is connected to the midpipe. Can you please help me on where it is located? Thanks for the help in advance.
TONY
Posted at 17:21h, 16 May 2012sensor replacement
what side is 02 bank 2 on driver or passenger?
TonyPA
Posted at 09:54h, 18 May 2012How many sensors?
Hi there guys, how many oxygen sensors are in the ford mustang 2002 standard? Thanks.
Adrian Jones
Posted at 14:48h, 8 May 2013o2 Sensor.
My car makes a really loud rattle noise that comes from the engine when the car gets hot. I am also unable to get enough power when I press on the gas. The noise only comes when I push the push hard. Is this because of a O2 sensor?
Steve fisher
Posted at 14:52h, 8 July 2013Rear sensors
What color sensor goes on which side on the rear sensors. The front ones ar both the same color but rear are not the same.
Dennis
Posted at 09:11h, 1 August 2013Drivers Upstream O2 Sensor
Is there a short 12″ or so wire that connects to the wiring harness that drops down to the Drivers side O2 Sensor. Rebuilding the Stang and cannot locate a connection for this O2 Sensor. There is one connector near the battery box that I cannot locate where it goes to also the O2 sensor connector.
Thanks
D
Erik Madison
Posted at 16:43h, 12 April 2014This being the absolute best pics I’ve found, I’ll post what I’ve learned in hopes it helps others.
You will have 4, 1 set before your catalytic converter, and 1 set after. The set after is a no-brainer, extremely easy to get to. The front set is a royal ****! Getting the wrench in place is easy enough, but messing with the connector is not. It’s a 2 handed job yet you can only fit a few fingers in there. Replace in pairs, front or rear; though I’ve only read of the front ever needing replacement. Jack from the front, not the rear as someone mentioned here. Both sets are closer to the front. Do NOT buy cheapos, yet at the same time, you don’t need OEM Ford. Bosch invented O2 sensors, and are considered extremely reliable. I picked up 2 at advance for $64 total. Keep in mind, parts tend to be cheaper if you order online then drive to the local store for pickup. Good luck, and remember to be careful! Jack stands kill!
Scott
Posted at 14:49h, 30 June 201902 sensors
I am having the hardest time with the driver side of my 06 mustang gt there doesn’t seem to be any easy way to get to I have all the tools to do the job any help would be awesome thanks
Jerry
Posted at 19:57h, 22 October 2014How do I replace the downstream driver side cable? It’s cut for some reason. Thanks.
peggy
Posted at 00:23h, 29 November 2015ford
Will the car run hot if the 02sensors
Terrance Swinson
Posted at 19:08h, 16 January 2017How many sensors are there on the 1995 v6 mustang and how to get to them to replace. I keep seeing upstream and downstream sensors are there any difference. Thanks
pedro villalobos
Posted at 23:44h, 24 May 2017sensor de oxygeno
tengo un mustang 2007 GT, conecte la maquina ala combleepeddora y me dice ke necesito remplasar el sensor de oxigeno ( bank 2, sensor 2).. me podria ayudar y decirme donde encuentro ese sensor??… espero su contestacion…thanks!!
Felix
Posted at 13:58h, 11 May 2018I’m having trouble with my 2000 Ford mustang gt I can’t find out if my has two o2 sensors or 4 I’m really lost and my car runs poor it doesn’t accelerates like he used please help
Angel
Posted at 03:16h, 6 October 2018Hi so have 2000 mustang 3.8 and I got it 98 thousand miles on it and first it was the egr whole system then the spark plugs misfired and broke my cat so had to replace the whole exhaust system and then the fuel bank too lean and my car still has no horsepower no no and it sounds like crap what do I do this is it hers and his and it means a lot to me oh will someone please help me