Alright guys, I have a little problem with my fantastic dakota. My oxygen sensor went on my baby. I bought a new one, but I don't have a clue as to where the old one is on teh engine. Could anyone possible walk me through where to find the oxygen sensor on the engine, or even better, does anyone have any pictures/photo guids as to find the oxygen sensor. It's a 96 5.2L 8 cylinder. Thanks in advance for the help. You guys always come through for me, and I know you won't let me down now.

 

It should be on the exhaust system before the catalytic converter, usually don't come out easy

 

You should have 2. One before and after the catalytic converter on the exaust pipe. Here is a pic of one.

 

my 94 only had one? right on the y pipe just downstream of the 2-1 section, but the back half of the exhaust looks non oem. am i supposed to have 2 aswell?

 

I believe they started using 2 oxygen sensors in 1996, before that, just the one right after the Y

 

Yes, they started to use 2 o2 sensors when OBDII came out in 1996. The first sensor (before the cat) is used for the mixture control, the second one (after the cat) is used only used for emissions diagnostics to make sure the cat is doing its job.

 

all i can say is good luck cause mine was siezed to the pipe, i had to take mine to a shop to get the hole section of pipe replaced

 

if i would have read this post i would not have told you the stuff about your cat in the other egr post, lol. my b. they make a special socket to get those things out too, they should have one at your local pars store. it is easier to unplug i first before removing it.

 

Reference O2 sensor removal. Just did mine on 1993 Dakota. A major pain!! Best results are use the special tool and unplug as others suggested. In addition, heat from a propane torch is how I finally managed to get mine off. BEWARE THOUGH!!

You are working around a vehicle that has many combustible areas. Especially gasoline!! Watch what you do with any open flame! You can DIE if done incorrectly!

Whit

 

I cheated, like many of your guys, mine was seized and even w/ an acetylene torch and the o2 socket, it still wouldnt budge. rather than pay 1k for the shop to drop the tranny so that they could pull the y pipe (two garages said the same thing, though if i had cuz it and got the 2 piece y i saw i think on summit it woulda been easy) i took the cheap rout and left the old sensor in, cut the wires, and then took 3 1/4" steel plates and welded them in a layer. drilled and tapped the hole (which is like 18mm and 2.5 thread or something... it was really awkward... ended up at 4 stores before i found it) and welded that on a little bit down the pipe. has a few leaks in the welds (but thats cuz i didnt have the shielding or flux core) but appears to keep the mixture good. I woulda replaced it had i not just got finnished with a catback and was low on money... not to mention id like to just goto true duals by next summer