Dear All, I’m tearing out what is left of my hair out with this problem and wondered if anyone else has had similar issue or can enlighten me with sage advice.

A recent diagnostic of my Fiesta 2004 1.4 duratec highlighted a bank 2 lambda sensor fail (post cat) giving me the choice of paying either £250 for a genuine Ford part or £25 for an after-market alternative. As the aftermarket part was I’m told, ‘made to exact Ford specifications’ the decision was a no brainer. However, this did not rectify the situation and the ECU again flagged up a bank 2 lambda sensor fail causing the engine management light to switch on and then off at irregular intervals. A second after-market sensor was then purchased from a different supplier but with almost exactly the same results. I can’t believe that two after market sensors, that are allegedly made to Ford specifications have failed identically and the car was taken to Ford to provide an in-depth diagnosis. Ford pointed the finger at after market parts but stated that they were able to ‘recalibrate the sensor’ !? which should rectify the problem and wanted to charge me £99 for an hours work. Unfortunately, the problem was not resolved and the error reappeared within 30 mins.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems and if so, is there a way to overcome the seemingly inevitable purchase of grossly over-priced Ford original parts?

What confuses me is that I’m told that these after-market parts are ‘highly reliable’ and are made to exact Ford specifications. If this was the case, then I would not be experiencing such problems. Equally, not only would there would be a forum somewhere dedicated to such a problem, but the manufacturer would have identified this flaw and rectified it. And even if this means paying a little more for an after market product, it would still be a significantly more cost efficient alternative.

Am I just unlucky enough to have received two faulty sensors. I don't think so..?

What brand was the sensor?  The cheap unbranded ones never work properly in my experience.  It doesn't have to be Ford, but does need to be a decent brand like Bosch.  Has the wiring also been checked just to make sure it's the sensors at fault?

Tom,

Thank you for your reply.

I can't be sure of the make of either of the previous sensors - a generic brand, but the one awaiting installation is made by SMPE - Fuel parts and to my eye looks a bit more sturdy.

Wiring is a good call. Thank you. I'll mention that to my mechanic.

I'll also get hold of a Bosch sensor. Being as they invented the oxygen sensor in the first place (i now discover) and are also less than half the price of Ford, they should be good.

A company called NGK is also coming up. Comparable or stick with Bosch?

Thanks again

Steve

 

 

NGK should be good as well, though they are better known for making spark plugs.  Personally I'd go for the Bosch one.

I’d go for NTK/NGK. I’ve found Bosch sensors can be a bit chunkier too which can be a problem. 

Thank you for your assistance both. Really useful advice. Regards Steve