1998 Lincoln Town Car O2 Sensors

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NYC1703
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  • 1 POST
My scanner tells me i need both oxygen sensors. I just bought both. The man at the parts counter also sold me a special socket. He was unsure where these sensors are on the car listed above 4.8 liter engine. Can you tell me where the location of both oxygen sensors are? Are there any special tricks that I should know before I do this? Thank you, Ric
Jun 13, 2006 at 8:21 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,394 POSTS
Okay, first off the scan tool may have codes for the O2 sensors but in reality the codes are set because the O2 sensors are working and detect a different problem such as a lean condition or rich condition that makes the sensors seem to be the problem. However to change out the sensors you don't really need the special socket as all it really does is allow you to use a ratchet and the socket will fit around the wires.
There are a total of 4 O2 sensors on that car so without knowing which ones you have or are replacing they are located in two spots. The upstream/front O2 sensors are both located in front of the catalytic converters between the exhaust manifold flange and the converter body on each side of the engine. They could be very hard to remove so leverage can help. Disconnect the wire to them and then remove the sensor, reverse the process to put the new ones in, you will want to apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the threads to aid in removing them if needed.
If they are the downstream/rear sensors the replacement process is the same except they will be located in the exhaust pipes following the converters on each side.

One very important item for working on this vehicle or any air ride equipped vehicle, is to turn off the air ride suspension before you try to lift it in any way other than a drive on style lift. There is a switch in the trunk area to do this, it is also the switch you would use if you had a flat tire and wanted to jack up one corner of the car. Failing to turn that switch off can cause failures in the air suspension system as it tries to correct for the height differences from lifting the car.
Dec 2, 2020 at 7:56 AM

Suggested Repair

Do not assume both oxygen sensors are bad just because the scanner sets O2 codes; they can report a lean or rich condition caused by another fault. This car has four sensors: the upstream pair is ahead of each catalytic converter, between the exhaust manifold flange and the converter, and the downstream pair is in the exhaust pipes after the converters. Disconnect the wiring, remove the sensor (a special socket is optional), and lightly coat the new sensor threads with anti-seize. Before lifting the car, turn off the air-ride suspension with the trunk switch.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Lincoln Town Car was told both oxygen sensors needed replacement and asked where they are and how to change them. The expert explained that O2 codes can be set by a lean or rich condition even when the sensors are working, and that the car has four sensors. Upstream sensors sit ahead of each converter; downstream sensors sit in the pipes after the converters. Replacement is the same either way: unplug, remove, and use anti-seize on the threads. The air-ride switch in the trunk must be turned off before lifting the vehicle.

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