AIR SENSOR REPLACEMENT

2004 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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SEANSTEVEN
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I am about to purchase a 2004 Mercury sable LS , 74,000 miles previously driven. I will see it tomorrow however current owner states that it "needs a new AIR SENSOR" which I will have to have replaced after purchase. My question is this: Is the car driveable now / before the AIR SENSOR is replaced ?? (Can you give me the approximate cost of fixing this ??) Thanks for your help !!! .
Nov 26, 2010 at 3:30 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That is a good question. The term "air sensor" is generic. Is it an O2 sensor, idle air control sensor...
Nov 26, 2010 at 3:45 PM
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SEANSTEVEN
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The seller only described the problem as an 'AIR SENSOR". I would have to buy it 'as is" and have it fixed subsequently. If it is what you suggested the "idle air control sensor", does that make it not driveable before the repair?? (I'am guessing the part is also called "AIR MASS SENSOR" ? I googled Mercury LS 2004 "AIR SENSOR" to discover this part which costs $98.00). Even with labor the fix is so low that I don't understand why a seller hasn't fixed it before selling the car. I have a concern that this issue might be hiding something more serious, particularly if the car isn't driveable at my purchase. Will the car be driveable to my mechanic to fix this?? Is this part easily installed ? If you are local here in nyc I would be happy to pay you to do this repair. Thanks for your advise. Stephen Iraldi
Nov 27, 2010 at 8:05 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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Chances are it would be driveable, but you will have an idle issue. The engine will want to stall. As far as the O2 sensor, it will cause poor running, low MPG, and can cause other problems such as a bad catalytic converter. But driveable for awhile.

Let me know if you get more info.

Joe
Nov 27, 2010 at 7:35 PM
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