Ford Repair: 96 Explorer Check Engine Light, o2 sensors, calibration code

Question
I have a 1996 Explorer 4WD 6 Cyl. I have installed 11 O2 sensors within the last couple of years.  Everytime it comes on I take it in to Autozone and get the code which has caused the light to come on. The last couple of times it has been the sensor in the right engine bank (prior to the catalytic converter). Usually the light will go out for 2 -6 months (have it reset at Autozone) but then comes back on, this last time it came back on in about 30 miles. I have not used OEM sensors. The Ford dealer said it may be possible that the aftermarket sensors are not calibrated exactly for the Explorer (the dealer asks for the calibration code from the drivers door when looking up the correct sensor). Have you run into this problem before, could it possibly be a bad wire on the sensor harness?  11 sensors in a couple of years is crazy, the vehicle runs okay besides the "light" - I wouldn't complain if the fuel economy improved a little either.

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
What I would suggest is that you bring your truck in to the dealership the next time the CEL (check engine light) is on and have them run through the diagnostic routine. Just replacing the sensor isn't the correct way of repairing the vehicle. You have to find out WHY the computer is generating a code for that particular sensor.......whether it is a faulty sensor, the harness, the engine's tune up condition, anything. Do yourself a HUGE favor and stop going to Autozone. Remember, you get what you pay for. At Autozone, they are good in a pinch, meaning on Sunday at 5pm.......but it isn't something I would tell my customers to go out and get.
Hope this helps,
Erik