Where is the O2 sensor on a 2017 Ford Escape?
The oxygen sensors on a 2017 Ford Escape are located along the exhaust path: one upstream sensor before the catalytic converter and one downstream sensor after it. They are mounted on the exhaust pipe on the vehicle’s passenger side and can usually be accessed from underneath the car.
For most non-hybrid Escapes, this two-sensor setup is standard: a pre-cat (upstream) sensor that monitors oxygen before the catalytic converter, and a post-cat (downstream) sensor that checks catalytic efficiency after treatment. The exact position can vary slightly with engine option (1.5L EcoBoost, 2.0L EcoBoost, or hybrid), but the general locations remain consistent. This guide helps you identify and locate them for inspection or replacement.
Two primary O2 sensors and their typical locations
Below are the common mounting points for the two main O2 sensors on a 2017 Escape. Always ensure the exhaust is cool and the vehicle is securely lifted if you work underneath.
- Upstream O2 sensor (Sensor 1): Mounted in the exhaust manifold/collector pipe, ahead of the catalytic converter. It is positioned close to the engine, typically on the passenger side underbody area, with a wiring connector reachable from beneath the vehicle.
- Downstream O2 sensor (Sensor 2): Mounted on the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. It sits further back along the exhaust run under the vehicle, near the middle or rear section of the undercarriage, with its connector routed toward the engine bay.
The upstream sensor monitors oxygen levels before the catalytic converter, guiding the engine control module to adjust fuel delivery. The downstream sensor checks the exhaust after treatment to gauge converter efficiency. If you’re planning replacement, have the correct O2 sensor type and torque specifications on hand.
Engine variant specifics
1) 1.5L EcoBoost and 2.0L EcoBoost (non-hybrid)
In these engines, the standard arrangement is two O2 sensors: one upstream located on or just after the exhaust manifold before the catalytic converter, and one downstream located on the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. Both are typically accessible from underneath the vehicle, along the passenger-side exhaust route.
2) Hybrid variant
The hybrid version can share the same upstream and downstream sensors for the gasoline engine portion, but the exhaust and emissions architecture may include additional sensors related to the hybrid system. Exact placement can vary by VIN, so consult Ford’s service documentation for your vehicle if you’re working on a hybrid model.
How to identify and replace
Look for sensors with electrical connectors attached to a metal probe threaded into the exhaust pipe. The upstream sensor is closer to the engine; the downstream sensor sits after the catalytic converter. Common sensor styles use a 4- or 6-pin connector. To replace, disconnect the battery, use an appropriate O2 sensor socket, apply anti-seize compound to the threads as specified, and torquе to the manufacturer’s specification. If you’re uncertain about the exact sensor for your VIN, refer to the service manual or Ford’s parts catalog.
Summary
For the 2017 Ford Escape, the essential oxygen sensors are the upstream (pre-cat) sensor mounted near the engine on the exhaust manifold/collector, and the downstream (post-cat) sensor mounted on the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. In most non-hybrid models, these are the two primary sensors along the passenger-side exhaust run, accessible from underneath the vehicle. Hybrid versions may have additional sensors tied to the hybrid system, so verify with VIN-specific documentation if you’re servicing a hybrid.
