I got a 2005 mazda tribute with the 2.3 motor. My check engine light came on P0420 so assuming it's a bad oxygen sensor so my question is how many do I have on my car exactly? I see 1 that up front that's behind the motor by the firewall but is there another 1 somewhere??? Or others?

 

Briefly a basic and not the complete service tree hunt for determining the problem of thePO420 DTC.
Ok so just because you got a DTC that was a PO420 does not mean a bad (1 of 2) HO2 sensors. You need to test the sensor, inspect the connector and then do a ECU, DTC reset DTCs (turn off dash light caution) and then drive at least 1-3 full drive cycles to see if it returns. You should also remove and inspect it . Randomly replacing it may cause other issues before the first one was resolved.
Ho2 sensors are located before the CAT and after the CAT which basically samples O2(oxygen) in the system after it goes through the CAT and the ECU compares the input to adjust various other engine operations. If the HO2 is faulty that you can have all the usual issues. If the connectors to the HO2 are ok as well no damaged wires and after the replacement and clearing the DTC, they return then inspection of the ECVU and it connectors may be needed and in extreme possibly the use of a an exhaust gas analyzer may be needed to see if CAT is failing.


We do have a couple of DIY Tribute owners or past owners that may chime in with a thought about a DIY service recommendation or 2?

 

Ok I'll double double check everything but what dies it mean when you say turn off dash light caution? Does that mean erase the check engine light and seebif it comes back on?

 

Take it to an auto parts store, they'll hook up a code scanner, tell you the issue and reset the code for free.

If you want to work on cars, buy a code scanner. Basic units are $20. For $100 you can buy a more advance reader. I and 3 "car friends" went in on a really good scanner, we each chipped in 1/4 the price and share it as needed. Well worth the money. We had a car that would rough idle cold, but smooth as butter when warmed...the tool pinpointed a microcrack in the intake manifold as we could see the vac change as it warmed.

 

Yes I got a code scanner and showing a code for o2 sensors but wanted to know how many does these 2.3 motors have and what factory brand 02 sensors to get? Is it motorcraft brand??

 

Be aware thy only usually get the current DTC (engine codes) and not all the information. Clearing the code really only turns off the dash check engine light. If the problem is not first resolved it will remain in the permeant file until it does. Thats why when the code is cleared it return after a couple or more drive cycles.
Any DTC(engine codes) that are found is only a starting point to "POSSIBLY" go to correct the problem. It is not a road map to the an exact area or part that caused the problem.

I suggest not to start randomly replacing parts without first verifying that they are bad and the cause of the problem, Often this will cause other unrelated issues on top of the original one.

 

It looks like you have 3 sensors.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...2)+sensor,5132

TIP>>> Don't buy no name parts on ebay...lol...figured that out the hard way.

PS. The Tribute uses the same parts as the Ford Escape...so if you ever can't find the Mazda part, look for the Ford part as there are lots more inventory/choices for the Escape.

 

Hey thanks. 3 huh wow. I been trying to find a diagram where the 3 are located but no luck?

 

The little heart by the product means it's the most bought...so it looks like sensor 2 fails most often. Where are they?...lol...start at the tailpipe and count...3...2...1...

 

Most ECU system has only 2 sensors . You need to confirm how many CATs your have as well if it is a+2 sensor exhaust system. Your VIN is needed to confirm this. The most common, one goes before the Cat (catalytic converter) and the other after.

The heart in Rock Auto information on parts is more or less a sale gimmick and really not a way to determine how and what part to buy a part!
I suggest that you go by the brands......

Not in any order but these are some of the better and long known reliable brads.
Walker
BOSCH
Denso

As for buying parts on Ebay... many repudiable part retailers are authorized sellers of parts. You can confirm that by their information.
Case in point to you need to check at times the advice you get on forums, Rock Auto (good company) sell on both Ebay and Amazon.
I also have a couple of vendors that sell my performance parts on both those places as well.