How to Change an Oxygen Sensor on a 1996 Ford Ranger XLT

Oxygen sensors in your 1996 Ford Ranger XLT are threaded into the exhaust system in front of and behind the catalytic converters. The manufacturer engine options for the 1996 XLT were 3.0-liter and 4.0-liter V-6, and 2.3-liter in-line four cylinder. The V-6 options have three sensors and the four-cylinder options have two. The procedure is the same for all. Oxygen sensor removal wrenches or cutaway sockets clear the sensor wires and allow for easy replacement with proper torque specifications. Changing the sensor every 30,000 to 50,000 miles is common, and the sensor's life can often surpass these recommendations.

Instructions

Park your truck on a level surface and shift the transmission to "Park" if your truck is automatic or leave it in gear if manual transmission. Engage the parking brake.

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

Jack up the front of your truck and secure it on jack stands. When using the jack supplied for your truck, the manufacturer recommends placing it under the front shock absorbers on 1997 and earlier models. When you are using a floor jack, position it under the outer end of the control arm. Position a jack stand under each frame rail.

Follow the manufacturer's setup and safety instructions included with your ramps.

Park your truck on a level surface and shift the transmission to "Park" (automatic) or leave it in gear (manual). Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine.

Position the ramps tight and centered against the front of the tires.

Ease your truck onto the ramps. When the tires settle in at the top, engage the parking brake. Shift the transmission to "Park" (automatic) or leave it in gear (manual) and turn off the engine. Applying the parking brake first relieves load on the transmission when parking on inclines.

Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

Allow enough time for the engine and exhaust to completely cool down before starting the removal procedure. Engines and exhaust systems can reach temperatures that cause third-degree burns.

Use the adjustable wrench to disconnect the black negative cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

Locate the oxygen sensor on the exhaust manifold or pipe. The front sensor will be located near the bend of the exhaust manifold. The rear sensor is past the converters toward the back of the truck. The sensor's shape and mounting design is similar to a spark plug.

Follow the wire from the sensor to where it connects to the wiring harness. Use the mini flathead screwdriver to help pry the connector from the locking tab. The tab squeezes down but there's a good chance it will have resistance if it hasn't been removed or replaced since 1996. When pulling, always grasp the connector, not the wires.

Clean around the oxygen sensor with the wire brush and rag.

Loosen the oxygen sensor with the sensor removal tool and socket wrench. If the sensor is seized, spray the contact area with penetrating fluid and follow the product's recommended waiting period before proceeding. If the sensor is being replaced, you can cut the wire and slide a 12-point box wrench over the sensor. Tap the other end of the wrench with a rubber or plastic mallet to loosen the sensor.

Remove the sensor. It should be easy to thread out by hand after it has been loosened.

Wipe any grease, penetrating fluid or debris from the sensor area. Wipe any penetrating fluid off the exhaust surface.

Compare the new sensor with the old one to ensure you have the identical replacement part.

Apply anti-seize compound to the threads on the new sensor. Avoid contaminating the probe.

Insert the sensor into the threaded hole and hand tighten. Exercise caution when the pigtail (wire lead) spins around during this step to avoid damaging the wires. Tighten the sensor to between 27 and 33 foot-pounds with the torque wrench.

Route the pigtail back to the wiring harness and reconnect.

Reconnect the black battery cable to the negative battery post.

Lower your truck and remove the wheel chocks (for jack and jack stands procedure) or remove the chocks and ease the truck back down the ramps.