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How many O2 sensors does a 2017 Ford Escape have?

The 2017 Ford Escape has two oxygen (O2) sensors. These sensors are responsible for monitoring the air-fuel ratio in the vehicle's exhaust system and providing feedback to the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency.


Oxygen Sensors in the 2017 Ford Escape


The 2017 Ford Escape, like most modern vehicles, is equipped with two oxygen sensors. These sensors are located in the exhaust system, one before the catalytic converter (upstream) and one after the catalytic converter (downstream).



  • Upstream O2 Sensor: This sensor is positioned in the exhaust stream before the catalytic converter. It measures the oxygen content in the exhaust and sends this information to the ECU, which then adjusts the air-fuel ratio to maintain optimal combustion efficiency.

  • Downstream O2 Sensor: This sensor is located after the catalytic converter and monitors the efficiency of the converter by measuring the oxygen content in the exhaust. It helps the ECU determine if the catalytic converter is functioning properly.


The data from these two oxygen sensors is crucial for the engine management system to maintain the correct air-fuel ratio and ensure efficient combustion, as well as monitor the performance of the catalytic converter.


Importance of Oxygen Sensors


Oxygen sensors play a vital role in the proper operation of a vehicle's engine and emissions control system. They help the engine control unit (ECU) adjust the air-fuel mixture to achieve optimal combustion efficiency, which in turn improves fuel economy and reduces harmful exhaust emissions.



  • Fuel Efficiency: The upstream O2 sensor provides feedback to the ECU, allowing it to continuously adjust the air-fuel ratio to the ideal stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1. This ensures complete combustion of the fuel, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

  • Emissions Control: The downstream O2 sensor monitors the efficiency of the catalytic converter, which is responsible for converting harmful exhaust emissions into less toxic substances. If the catalytic converter is not functioning properly, the downstream O2 sensor will detect this and alert the ECU.

  • Engine Performance: By maintaining the optimal air-fuel ratio, the oxygen sensors help the engine run smoothly, reducing the risk of misfiring, hesitation, or other performance issues.


In summary, the 2017 Ford Escape is equipped with two oxygen sensors, one upstream and one downstream of the catalytic converter, which play a crucial role in ensuring efficient engine operation, fuel economy, and emissions control.

Should I replace all O2 sensors if one is bad?


It is best to replace O2 sensors in pairs. For example, if you replace the downstream left sensor, you should also replace the downstream right. However, on most vehicles produced since 1996, replacing one sensor (especially the front engine monitoring sensor) will cause the ECU to set a code for the other sensors.



How can I tell which O2 sensor is bad?


A decrease in fuel efficiency can be a telltale sign that an O2 sensor is not performing as it should. This can happen because of a fuel mixture that is either too lean or too rich. Such a swing in A/F ratio is a sign that an upstream or control sensor is faulty.



Where is the O2 sensor on a 2017 Ford Escape?


The bank 1 sensor 1 sensor is in the exhaust pipe near the engine on the back side going torward the transmission. The bank 2 sensor is beyond the catalytic converter. it would be to the driver side near the back of engine near firewall/windshield on the pipe that heads from engine toward driver side.



Is it OK to drive with broken O2 sensors?


We recommend against driving with a bad O2 sensor as the powertrain is not running on the correct fuel mixture. While it may perform fine in the beginning, if your engine is running rich and using too much fuel it might begin to clog the catalytic converter.



How many O2 sensors does a 3.5 EcoBoost have?


To the best of my knowledge all of the Boosts have 4 O2 sensors, though I believe the down stream ones are the same part number on some models.



How do I know if I need to replace upstream or downstream O2 sensor?


Such a swing in A/F ratio is a sign that an upstream or control sensor is faulty. The downstream or diagnostic sensors only monitor the exhaust leaving the catalytic converter and will not cause such an issue.



What happens when the downstream O2 sensor goes bad?


Poor Engine Performance
Will a bad O2 sensor cause rough idle and loss of engine power? You bet. Moreover, you may also notice poor acceleration, engine misfires, and even stalling. Bad oxygen sensors disrupt all kinds of essential engine functions, including engine timing, combustion intervals, and air-fuel ratio.



Where is the bank 2 sensor 1 on a Ford Escape?


It's the first one in the exhaust on the radiator side of the engine, that is bank 2, sensor 1, meaning the first O2 sensor on bank #2.



Are Ford upstream and downstream O2 sensors the same?


Are Upstream and Downstream O2 Sensors Interchangeable? No, you can't because they serve different purposes and have different connection spots.



How much to replace O2 sensor in 2017 Ford Escape?


The average cost for a Ford Escape Oxygen Sensor Replacement is between $282 and $327.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.