2000 winstar o2 sensor problem

[garync1]

I have looked around on this forum for issues dealing with the o2 sensors
I have notice many of these being earlier years. I wonder has anyone had a problem with there windstars as far as the isolator bolt and vavle cover replecment on there newer models or 2000 and above. I have checked the isolator bolts and they seem fine the seals as well, the only thing i did notice is that I have a little oil in the intake area a nice thin coat not too bad but it was there the pcv valve is in good shape clean every thing and reasembled I did notice a little light brown glaze coat around the metal part of the intake going into the head area may take apart later and clean but did not see the need at the time. I had a carbon knock sound a while back on cold start but that went away.
I do have the engine light on now saying both o2 sensor are bad. reset the cpu and it came on a few weeks later I will replace both but would like to know if the tsb I pulled about replaceing the valve cover would be needed and vacuum line etc but I don't feel the need to replace the isolator bolts any help would be greatfull thanks,Gary

[rodeo02]

A "bad" O2 sensor will give you a 'slow' or 'no' activity code. Is that what you are getting? If you are getting lean codes from your upstream O2 sensors you have a vac leak somewhere.
G/luck
Joel

[SebringYves]

On my 95 Windstar I had the P0171 in memory. The check engine light is not coming. I would like to clean the CO2 sensor...
Is there a possibility to clean the CO2 sensor???
I would not like to replace - its very expensive.

[garync1]

As far as the codes autozone said both 1 and 2 o2 sensors are bad. But the isolator and other stuff that I have found on this forum are earlier models so I was trying to find out if any one with a 2000 or above has had the tsb problem that i fine so common on this site or if i would need to replace the valve cover and hoses as on 99 and earlier models.It seems like I am getting oil into the intake system that would be a sign of the tsb for the other models years. If anything I would replace the o2 sensors or try too clean them and see what happens. Thanks for your response. Gary

[lewisnc100]

Unfortunately Autozone usually just gives you a generic possible cause for an error code and are usually wrong. You really need to give us the actual error codes to be of help here, could be the P0171/P0174 error codes or it could be specific O2 error codes.

Not sure what you mean about the P0171/P0174 TSB being for earlier models, it's for 99-2003 models so it applies to your 2000.

[GOT2FORDS]

My wifes 2000 Windstar had the check engine problems. We had a vacuum leak on a cold start. The intake had to be resealed. The vacuum leak went away as the van warmed up but you will always have the check engine light on unless you fix it. As far as the valve cover goes we had to replace it as well at an earlier date.

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by garync1

As far as the codes autozone said both 1 and 2 o2 sensors are bad.....

Keep in mind you have 4 oxygen sensors on your van. You need to know exactly which sensors, and without knowing the OBDII code(s), you are flying completely blind.
G/luck
Joel

[garync1]

thanks for the info I will get the codes and tell you all . That way i could go ahead with tsb issue .. I think that what it really is.I am glad you also pointed out it was to 2003 I was thinking it was to 1999. I have the print out of the parts needed for that but I did not print out which models I was thinking it was to 1999. But if that is the case all the problems every one has been having I also had but my intake was fine and looked very good just had the oil in it.Which points me to the vacuum problem with the pcv valve and valve cover which in return can cause the o2 sensors to go bad. I have been working on cars all my life but with the newer models and all the emissions makes it hard to detect where a problem could be comming from. Every thing is connected one way or another. The odb helps, if you have the right stuff to explain the info.Thanks Again