Ford LightningThe Lightning is based on the short-wheelbase, standard cab, flareside, two-wheel drive version of the F-150; in other words, the littlest one. Under the hood goes a 5.4-liter SOHC V-8, suitably pumped up with a supercharger and intercooler, and cranking out a not-inconsiderable 380 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 450 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm.
I have a 2001 lightning, that is usually decent on gas. And the last month it has been getting worse and worse, I was wondering if anyone has ever had luck by changing the o2 sensor's to fix a gas problem. My check engine light also keeps going off and on from time to time. I put on the scanner, and it said a code about the o2 sensor, but I wasent sure if that would help gas also? Regaurdless I'm going to change them but I was just hoping to get someone else's opinoin. Or if there is anything else that I could change to get my gas mileage back up besides keeping my foot out of the pedal!!!) If anyone has heard of this or anything else , please let me know. Thanks for your time...
Well, O2 sensors always go bad are are kind of a pain. Sometimes theyre hard to change since they are in the exhaust and usually rusted in pretty good from the heat. You can rent an oxygen sensor wrench from auto zone for free if you dont have the tools to do it. It might run a little better once you fix it but oxygen sensors only really do anything once your car is warmed up. To be honest I have never found a noticeable difference in gas mileage after replacing oxygen sensors. Theyre a good idea to fix since your car will run better with them fixed, but dont except to get alot better gas mileage. The best things to help gas mileage I have found are having a clean air filter, and having correct tire pressure. Using synthetic oils seems to help alot with gas mileage, but actually cost savings is negated by the expensive price of synthetic oil.
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2001 Lightning: Might need o2 Sensor? 
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