My car set that code when I ran out of gas once. Car ran perfectly fine after the incident with good mileage while the Check engine light was on. I reset the code and it never came back. That code can be set by a number of different things. For now just reset it and see if it comes back.

I have read that the O2 sensor lose performance slowly before it dies. How often should I change my O2 sensor in this case?

If using a generic, they say not to solder the connections. The zirconia O2 sensors (all but Regina for brick purposes) need access to the atmosphere and supposedly they get it through the wire sheath. So soldering can plug that up. I'm not sure that really true, but the theory makes sense. I have had good luck with using crimp connectors and shrink wrap on those connections so no need to solder anyway.

I believe the later computers check for the sensor getting up to operating temperature quickly enough and so will throw a code if you use a one wire sensor or disconnect the heating circuit.

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Andy in St. Paul, '91 745 Regina 194K mi, '89 244 138K, '87 245 RIP

my 92 and 94 960's have only 1 O2 sensor each right at(before)the cat. converter.
i believe it's of the 3 wire variety,maybe 4.it's hard for me to get under the car anymore,due to my serious injury(head&neck).the wire harness is bolted(routed) to the trans cross-member.
my 85 bmw had the 3 wire sensor and the 'very few' good folks i knew and trusted at auto zone looked up a generic ford 'bosch' sensor(mustang,i think)that could crimped or soldered to the original harness for under $40.00.
if our 1 sensor 960 are a 3 wire sensor,the same sensor as i used on the bmw should work.1 wire(black) does the sensing and the other 2 are for the heater circuit.i soldered mine to the harness instead of crimping.
BARBARA,it is nice to know you monitor this board,can you give us the same type of deal on the generic o2 sensor? please respond on this post or contact me at Davmor5@aol.com.thanks dave.
i wonder if a cheap 1 wire sensor could be used connected to the black wire,the heater circuit is just used to bring it up to temperature quickly,for emmisions,just like our heater valves in the air box's that control the flapper?correct me if i'm wrong.the 2 heater wires would have to jumped or a resistor added.the heater's do burn out in the o2 sensor causing an open condition.
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83 242 DL -132k, 92-965-201k, 94-965-208k, 84-242 GLT-Gone, but not forgotten,83-245GLT-1'st brick (the 1'st 3 currently on the road)

Check out this info in the FAQ: http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/EngineSensors.htm#960OxygenSensorCodeFault

That may fix your problem.

I’m not all that familiar with the 960, so how many wires does your O2 sensor have? If it’s 3-wire, then you may be able to use the same O2 sensor that your dad used on his Ford truck.

I also own a Mercedes, and this is common practice. The preferred choice is to source an O2 sensor for a Ford Mustang 5.0 ltr V8 -- it will be between $35 and $45. Cut the connector off the new sensor and off your old sensor. Splice/solder the joint together, and you’re in business.

Jeff Pierce
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'93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow

I paid $140.10 US dollars for new Bosch O2 sensor 13380 (think that was the part number) at Autohausaz.com lsat month.

I was under the impression that the I6 has two O2 sensors. Multiple ones appear to be more commonplace, up to four in some vehicles.
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

Try swedishengineering.com...

they seem to have rock bottom prices... and all those hard to find parts that IPD or FCP don't carry. In fact they seem to have every darn part I've ever asked for. They're supposed to have West coast shipping now too.

What makes you so sure that the sensor needs replacement? Are there other things you did not mention? How many miles on the current sensor? Maybe it is a loose connection, there maybe 3-4 things that could cause a sensor code. I would rule out loose connection first. Bad connections are very common on the 960's. The dealers around here want about 250.00 US for an oem sensor, a bosch with a slightly different plug can be had for about 150.00, like you, but the old connector needs to be soldered on the new one to make it work. The plug is near the tube for the oil dip stick, down near the transmission dip stick, attached to a metal bracket. There are two plugs, the other is a single wire, that is green if I recall correctly.

Also if you are sure it is running rich, check the fuel pressure regulator and the coolant sensor.

Try Nick at FCPGroton, he is very knowledgeable and their pricing good.

DanR 94 964 256,000 miles (22,000 on the new engine)
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DanR