o2 sensor questions

Dump the codes and see what the computer says is wrong…

Here's the link to dump the computer codes with only a jumper wire or paper clip and the check engine light, or test light or voltmeter. I’ve used it for years, and it works great.

See http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/
OR
See http://www.mustangworks.com/articles/electronics/eec-iv_codes.html

IF your car is an 86-88 stang, you'll have to use the test lamp or voltmeter method. There is no functional check engine light on the 86-88's except possibly the Cali Mass Air cars.

Codes have different answers if the engine is running from the answers that it has when the engine isn't running. It helps a lot to know if you had the engine running when you ran the test.

Trouble codes are either 2 digit or 3 digit, there are no cars that use both 2 digit codes and 3 digit codes.

For those who are intimidated by all the wires & connections, see http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16153 for what a typical hand scanner looks like. Normal retail price is about $30 or so at AutoZone or Walmart.

Or for a nicer scanner see http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?3829 – It has a 3 digit LCD display so that you don’t have to count flashes or beeps.. Cost is $35.

85cleangtvert said:

car in question is a 88 5.0 . will having an off road x pipe cause me to get a check engine light? at first I thought it would but then I relized the o2 sensors are before the cats. on the stock h pipe anyway... if a x pipe wont cause codes I think it is time to change my o2 sensors b/c that has been my reasoning for not changing them, and I consistantly get check engine light. also , in the past i got an o2 for it but it didnt have the right connector. did they give me the wrong one or are there different styles between 87-93 years... like 87-90 and 91-93?

Click to expand...

You're correct, 5.0 cars 95 and below will not get a CEL with an o\r pipe. Do what Jrichkler said and pulle the codes, the O2 sensors could have been damaged during the swap.
Tim