Over time your Ford Flex Oxygen Sensor can become fouled or simply fail all together. When this occurs your Ford Powertrain Control Module won’t be able to properly adjust your engine fuel trims. Because of this your engine may run rich (too much fuel) or not enough fuel, which can cause a lot of issues.
Today I will be showing you how to replace a Ford Flex Oxygen Sensor in a 2012 SUV with the 3.5 liter Ford engine in it. Our test truck is a two wheel drive SEL model, although the procedure is the same for the 4WD version as well. The Flex Oxygen Sensor is also known as an 02 sensor or air fuel sensor.
We’ll be replacing the front 02 sensor, as that’s the one that is the EFI sensor. There are two primary or upstream 02 sensors in your Ford. These sensors are the ones that your engine computer relies on to deliver the right amount of fuel, and adjust for maximum efficiency.
When this upstream 02 sensor goes bad, your check engine light will be the first sign of trouble. You can use an OBDII scan tool to check your stored DTC trouble code.
The OBDII scan tool port is on the driver side of your dashboard, located just under the steering column.
Once you’ve pulled your code, you will know which Flex Oxygen Sensor needs replacing. Ours happens to be Bank 1, which is the front upstream 02 sensor facing towards the front of the vehicle.
Symptoms of a failed Flex Oxygen Sensor
- Poor gas mileage
- Lack of power
- Black smoke from tailpipe
- Hesitation
- Harsh shifting from transmission
Replacing your upstream Flex Oxygen Sensor
This procedure is best done when your 3.5 liter engine is cold. You will need an 02 socket or an open ended 22mm wrench. Open your Ford Flex hood, and pull back on the front radiator hose to gain access to the 02 sensor.
Once you’ve found the 02 sensor, follow the wiring harness back until you see where it’s mounted to the front valve cover. Pull up to dislodge the upstream 02 sensor from the valve cover itself.
Now depress the locking tab of the plastic upstream 02 sensor harness. Pull apart to disconnect the upstream Flex Oxygen Sensor. Now you have freed the 02 sensor from the rest of your engine harness.
Now pull back on the front radiator hose and carefully unscrew the upstream 02 sensor. Once you have the old unit removed, you can install the new oxygen sensor. Because of the heat shields over the exhaust manifold, it’s best to remove this using an 02 socket. Carefully dab some anti-seize to the thread area, making sure not to get any on the actual air fuel element.
Once you’ve got the front 02 sensor installed, you can use a OBDII scan tool to clear your stored DTC trouble code. You have now replaced your front or primary Flex Oxygen Sensor. Have any questions about this guide? Leave us a comment below and let us know!
I understand what you are saying to do. I just want to make sure am replacing the right sensor. The code I got was a P0150 O2Circuit (Bank 2, Sensor 1). Which indicates a fault in the Bank 2 Sensor 1 O2 electrical circuit for a predetermined period of time. Got this code from Autozone, from checking my engine light. It comes on and sometimes it goes off. I notice you mention yours was a Bank 1, which is located in the front of the vehicle. Mine is a Bank 2. Do you know where this sensor is located on my ford flex 2009? I saw the one in front of my car, wasn’t sure if its the right one. I could change it myself, if its the one in font. I can easily get to it and replace it before winter hit here in Minnesota. Please respond ASAP, so I can make sure am able to replace this myself. Let me know if its still the same one that was on your ford flex. Thank You Charles
Hi Charles, in your Flex Bank 2 should be in the back of your vehicle. Hope that helps! Let us know if you have any more questions. thanks for commenting.
Hello my name Casey I have a 2014 ford flex 3.5 I change bank 2 o2 sensor engine light still on do I need to change front 02 sensor too
Hi Casey, what is the OBDII check engine code on your Ford Flex?
Hi I have 2012 Ford Flex and code is P0130 says bank 1 sensor 1 I don’t see the sensor that you explained in picture can you give me more detail in where to look exactly please
Joann, take a look at your exhaust manifold and the primary 02 sensor is located in the collector. Hope that helps
Bank 2 Sensor 1. Having trouble finding it. HELP 2011 Ford Flex
Hi Trina, if you are talking Bank2 / sensor 1 tht should be the upstream sensor in the passenger side of the vehicle. Try to unplug the 02 sensor to see if the code changes, or remains the same.
Best of luck to you!