P0133 and P0420 Codes 1996 Ford Explorer 2WD 6cyl

Hello all:

I had P0133 and P0420 codes on my truck for some time now. The Check Engine Light would intermittently come on and off. I was wondering what the general consensus was on the following question. If I replace both of my O2 sensors (before and after cat) what are the chances of it clearing the P0420 code? I've seen on some sites where they suggest replacing the rear O2 will sometimes clear the P0420 code as the P0420 code could also mean the rear O2 is not working properly.

Many thanks,

jocasio

Replacing the sensors won't hurt anything but without diagnosing the problem you can't be sure it will fix it. The problem could be other things as well - cat converter, exhaust leak, etc.

Do you have a scan tool that let's you take readings of the O2 sensors? I would recommend you visually inspect the sensor connections, read the articles below, and check the oxygen sensor readings as a place to start.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0133
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0420

Thanks!

I did have my truck scanned and the readings where P0133 and P0420. So I was wondering if there was a chance that replacing the O2 sensors would also clear op the P0420 error?

Maybe this is different than what you are suggesting... How can I do a diagnostics on the O2 sensors?

Thanks!

You need a scope to accurately diagnose the 02! Otherwise I'd buyy one from the dealer, replace it, clear the dtcs and then hope that the po420 error doesn't return but that chances that one will fix the other is almost nill!