Questions about O2 sensor

N/A tech, Cold Air Intakes, Spark Plugs/wires, Cat backs, Exhaust...etc

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MMamdouh
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Questions about O2 sensor

Post by MMamdouh »

1- what are the symptoms of a faulty O2 sensor?
2- can it make the car run more rich than usual?
3- can it be cleaned?

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karim
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Post by karim »

MMamdouh
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Post by MMamdouh »

very nice stuff indeed... but still i have a question: can the sensor be cleaned up off all the exhaust buildups?

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karim
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Post by karim »

To know if the problem is from the O2 sensor do that. A shade tree test is to simply disconnect the O2 sensor and go for a drive. If you notice a marked improvement in the way your car drives, install a new sensor. Although it is tempting to keep the sensor disconnected, without its input the ECU cannot control the mixture. The ECU will revert to a programmed-in rich mixture which will eventually destroy your catalytic converter, and One other thing about oxygen sensors. If your symptoms go away once the car is warmed up, your oxygen sensor is not to blame. It does not function until it gets hot enough and that is not until the engine has been running for a while.


Yes you can clean it check this out:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh ... p?t=324738

http://listserv.repp.org/pipermail/gasi ... 05506.html

You might clean it with sand paper but the smoth type, just to take off the deposit on it.


MMamdouh wrote:very nice stuff indeed... but still i have a question: can the sensor be cleaned up off all the exhaust buildups?

MMamdouh
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Post by MMamdouh »

bimmerforums wrote:
Hey guys,

after doing about an hour of research online for problems regarding O2 sensors and MAF / HFM problems it seems there is a common theme throughout. But before I state anything though i want to let you all know to take this information at your own risk and etc.

After doing my research it seems that many of the other forums, from american cars to jap cars and even a audi/benz forums have found some solutions to clean the O2 sensors and MAF/HFMs. Everyone seems to use CRC brand "QD electronic cleaner" for both O2 sensors and airflow sensors. it is a special cleaner that has NO RESIDUE in it so when it dries it dries 100% clean with no oils or etc as if it were brand new. For the airflow sensors they sprayed it from a safe distance (as far away as possible) in order to be careful b/c of the sensitive electronics (you don't want to powerblast the sensor close range). The O2 sensor they sprayed the outsides and insides with the same cleaner and saw great results: better gas mileage, better running car, all check engine / warning lights went away.

I see alot of people on this forum replacing O2 sensors and HFM's which can get very expensive. After reading up on these issues on other forums i have read horror stories where people replaced hundreds of $ worth of parts and when they cleaned HFM and O2 sensor all their problems went away. One forum member said he has been using the same O2 sensor for over 6 years jus t simply cleaning it over and over again (as long as electrical components are still intact then it should continue to work).

I just thought i'd share this information with you guys so we don't keep have to replacing these expensive components. Again use this information at your own risk but for those of you who already have failing HFM/O2 sensors it might be worth it to give it a shot and see what the results are b/c you have nothing to lose, it worked for others so it may work for you as well.
seems like a fairly easy task that i will be doing soon... can i use the GUNK carb medic product considred instead of the QD electronic cleaner sepacifyed?? i have a can already in the car and i will see if it leaves no resedues just to make sure... what do you think?

MMamdouh
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Check out my ride: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/567267
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