Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 02 1.6 question on replacing Oxygen sensors

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Tue 23 Dec 2008 11:31
02 1.6 question on replacing Oxygen sensors - pmw5
Hi,

My engine warning light recently came on. I took my car to my local garage (not Ford branded) for them to diagnose what was wrong.

They have told me both Oxygen sensors have failed. One suspected open circuit, the other suspected short circuit.

They advised total cost of repair would be GBP350, including VAT and cost of diagnosis.

I have now asked for a breakdown which is as follows:

All plus VAT:
-Cost of diagnosis (EMS test): GBP50
-Two new Oxygen sensors: GBP55.95
-Two hours labour @GBP68 per hour

They've told me half the labour (ie 1 hr) was to diagnose the problem, they had to check some wiring to determine if the sensors were actually dead or if it was a wiring problem.

Does this seem reasonable?

It seems like a lot of money to me. Perhaps I am a bit annoyed that my expecations weren't managed very well as I was told diagnosis would be GBP50+vat, and now they've basically added another GBP68+vat making total cost of diagnosis = GBP118 + vat.

So is this reasonable? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
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Tue 23 Dec 2008 12:01
02 1.6 question on replacing Oxygen sensors - injection doc
mostly seems reasonable although I would of expected a little common sense to prevail in charging two hours for both sensors to be replaced when they have had over an hour out of you already.( I would of said another hour would be more than enough) They are right in a sense that if they have checked the wiring then they could be classed as efficent but live data reading could tell them a lot. I would recommend they fit genuine sensors rather than aftermarket ones if you want them to last.
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Tue 23 Dec 2008 14:01
02 1.6 question on replacing Oxygen sensors - tony@tooting
I'd agree totally with the above.
OE sensors only.
Also make sure you get the fault code numbers. That way if the lamp should come back on again, you know if its the same fault returning or not. (Cat degridation codes are common on these.)
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Tue 23 Dec 2008 15:21
02 1.6 question on replacing Oxygen sensors - pmw5
Thanks both for your responses. And a great idea asking for the fault code numbers. I will definitely do that.
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