Sunday, December 22, 2013
How to Replace the Oxygen Sensor on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
When one of the multiple oxygen sensors detect a lean mix of burned fuel to oxygen ratio or a bad circuit relay in your Ford Explorer Sport Trac, it will trip the "check engine" light. Finding the faulty sensor will require having the computer of the Explorer scanned. You can purchase quality aftermarket direct-fit oxygen sensors from parts stores now and many will be glad to scan the computer for free in order to sell your the parts you need.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the front end of the Explorer Sport Trac by driving it up onto car ramps. Apply the parking brake and place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires.
2Put on the safety glasses and gather the tools, replacement sensor and creeper if you have one. Crawl under the front of the Explorer Sport Trac.
3Locate the sensor to be replaced. These sensors are screwed into the exhaust pipes and components and wired to wire harnesses that communicate to the computer system of the Sport Trac. The information of which sensor to replace should have already been obtained. Follow the exhaust piping from the engine manifold back until you have located the correct sensor.
4Locate the sensor wire outlet plug. Some of the sensors on the Sport Tracs have a tricky plug to get at. Remove the plastic plug clip from the frame of the Sport Trac by prying it out with the screwdriver, but be careful not to damage the wire harness side of the outlet. Unplug the oxygen sensor wire from the wire harness.
5Use the ratchet and socket to remove the sensor. Place the sensor wire into the slot on the side of the socket.
6Screw in the new oxygen sensor and tighten. Be careful not to over-tighten or you could damage the threads to the new sensor.
7Plug the oxygen sensor wire into the wire harness and fasten it back to the frame if you removed it. Gather the tools and creeper and crawl out from under the Sport Trac. Remove the wheel chock and back the Sport Trac off of the ramps.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
How to Remove the Stock Exhaust From a 1999 Dodge Ram Sport
The Dodge Ram Sport is a full-sized pickup truck made by Chrysler. The 1999 model year represented the end of the second generation for the Dodge Ram Sport. Like all trucks, the Ram takes a lot of abuse due to the design and intended use of the truck. One of the components that will eventually need servicing is the exhaust system. The stock exhaust on a 1999 Dodge Ram Sport will need to be removed if you want to upgrade it to a stainless steel exhaust. However, many people remove the exhaust to replace it because of corrosion or damage caused by road salt.
Instructions
- 1
Place a jack stand under the exhaust piping at various intervals to support the exhaust while you remove it.
2Unbolt the exhaust to manifold bolts located at the front of the exhaust system. You may need to use an extended handle on the socket wrench, called a "breaker bar," to apply additional leverage on the bolts to remove them.
3Disconnect the electrical wiring on the O2 sensors on the exhaust. These are plug-style connectors that pull right off.
4Separate the exhaust piping from the manifold. It should pull right apart, but depending on where you live and the condition of the piping, you may need to pry the joint apart with a large flat-tip screwdriver.
5Slide the exhaust piping and muffler off the rubber exhaust hangers on the underbody of the Dodge and drop the exhaust down gently onto the ground.