Is it possible to install a front oxygen sensor on a 96 ford taurus by yourself or do you need a mechanic?

hello go to autozone and they will lend you the special tool to do the job

they are screwed into the exhaust pipe where they measure the oxygen content in your exhaust gas. the car takes that info to adjust the air/fuel misture.

just unplug the wire

the sensors ford uses i've found that you can use tin snips to trim off a little bit of the plastic around the plug. just enough you can slide the box wrench over the plug, down the wire, and around base of the sensor.

you need to use a box wrench because the o2 sensor will be in your exhaust very tight and will take a little strength to loosen. so don't use the open end of the wrench. you can rent a tool to do the job. it's just a socket wrench with a hole in the side for the wire, but my trick trimming the plug works just as well

If you spent the 20.00 or so on a Haynes manual or a Chilton's manual for your model of car, plus the cost of the O2 sensor and you are mechanically inclined, it will still cost less than paying a mechanic. If I recall, you may also need an O2 sensor socket, it has a groove in it that the wire can fit through so it doesn't get crushed.

Good luck.

just make sure you replace the correct one ..

What is the code on the computer..have you had the vehicle scanned yet...

if it is a heated Oxy sensor code ..is it bank one or 2 upsteam or downstream...

Basically there are 4 oxygen sensors on that vehicle..Bank one is on the passenger side..bank 2 is on the drivers side..a heated O2 sensor is near the manifold..the other one is behind the cat..They can be difficult to get out..

Let me know if i can help you anymore..just make sure you scan it..

You do need a special tool do do it but it is possable (actually very easy) to do yourself. It is like changing the spark plugs. Un screw it and screw the new one in. The special tool is so you dont break the wire leading to it.