3.5L V6 EcoBoostRWDAUTOMATICgasturbo
18 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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exhaust

O2 Sensors - All

for 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L V6 EcoBoost · RWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.8 h
Tools
10
Steps
12
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Complete replacement of all oxygen sensors (upstream and downstream) on both banks of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine to restore proper air-fuel mixture monitoring and emissions control.

Warnings

⚠️Perform this work only when the exhaust system is completely cool. Exhaust components can cause severe burns for up to 2 hours after engine shutdown.
Oxygen sensors are fragile. Do not drop sensors or allow contaminants to contact the sensor tip, as this will cause premature failure.
Never apply anti-seize to the sensor tip or connector end. Apply only to the threads.
ℹ️Bank 1 is the passenger side, Bank 2 is the driver side on this engine. Upstream sensors are before the catalytic converters, downstream sensors are after.

Tools required

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Parts

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Preparation

  1. Ensure engine and exhaust system are completely cold
  2. Raise vehicle securely on lift or jack stands at all four corners
  3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge
  4. Spray all oxygen sensor threads with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
  5. Identify all four oxygen sensor locations: two upstream (pre-cat) and two downstream (post-cat) on each bank

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove Bank 1 upstream oxygen sensor
    Locate the upstream O2 sensor on the passenger side exhaust manifold outlet. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Using the oxygen sensor socket and ratchet, turn counterclockwise to remove. The sensor may require significant force if it has been in place for many miles. If seized, run the engine briefly to warm threads, then allow to cool enough to touch before attempting removal again.
  2. 2
    Remove Bank 1 downstream oxygen sensor
    Locate the downstream O2 sensor on the passenger side, after the catalytic converter in the exhaust pipe. Disconnect the electrical connector by pressing the release tab. Use the oxygen sensor socket to remove by turning counterclockwise. Note the routing of the wiring harness for reinstallation.
  3. 3
    Remove Bank 2 upstream oxygen sensor
    Locate the upstream O2 sensor on the driver side exhaust manifold outlet. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the sensor using the oxygen sensor socket, turning counterclockwise. Access may be tighter on this side due to steering components.
  4. 4
    Remove Bank 2 downstream oxygen sensor
    Locate the downstream O2 sensor on the driver side, after the catalytic converter. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the sensor with the oxygen sensor socket. This sensor may require working around the transmission crossmember.
  5. 5
    Clean sensor mounting bungs
    Use a wire brush to clean the threads in all four oxygen sensor mounting bungs in the exhaust pipes. Remove any carbon buildup, rust, or old anti-seize compound. Ensure threads are clean and undamaged. If threads are damaged, a thread chaser may be required.
  6. 6
    Prepare new sensors
    Apply a thin coat of nickel-based anti-seize compound to the threads of each new oxygen sensor. Apply only to the threads - do not allow any anti-seize to contact the sensor tip or electrical connector. Use sparingly as excess can contaminate the sensor.
  7. 7
    Install Bank 1 upstream oxygen sensor
    Thread the new upstream sensor into the passenger side exhaust manifold outlet by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Once hand-tight, use the oxygen sensor socket and torque wrench to tighten to specification. Connect the electrical connector ensuring it clicks into place securely.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  8. 8
    Install Bank 1 downstream oxygen sensor
    Install the new downstream sensor into the passenger side exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. Hand-tighten first, then torque to specification. Route the wiring harness as noted during removal and connect the electrical connector.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Install Bank 2 upstream oxygen sensor
    Install the new upstream sensor on the driver side exhaust manifold outlet. Hand-start the threads carefully to avoid cross-threading, then torque to specification. Connect the electrical connector securely.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Install Bank 2 downstream oxygen sensor
    Install the new downstream sensor into the driver side exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. Hand-tighten first, then torque to specification. Ensure wiring is routed away from heat sources and moving components. Connect the electrical connector.
    Torque spec
    O2 Sensor45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Verify all connections and clearances
    Double-check that all four electrical connectors are fully seated and locked. Verify that all sensor wiring is properly routed and secured, with adequate clearance from exhaust components, suspension, and drivetrain. Ensure no wires are pinched or stressed.
  12. 12
    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the oxygen sensors. This ensures the new sensors can be properly monitored from a fresh baseline.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all oxygen sensor electrical connectors are fully engaged with audible clicks
  2. Confirm all sensor wiring has proper clearance and is secured away from hot exhaust components
  3. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it runs smoothly with no rough idle or hesitation
  • Check for exhaust leaks around all four oxygen sensor bungs while engine is running
  • Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no Check Engine Light illuminates
  • Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm all four oxygen sensors are reporting data and switching properly (upstream sensors should show switching between 0.1-0.9V)
  • Perform a test drive of at least 10 minutes to allow the PCM to complete oxygen sensor readiness monitors
  • Re-scan for codes after test drive to confirm no new faults are present

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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