What does O2 sensor do?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
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From: Yakima WA
What does O2 sensor do?
I also have a code in ECM for the O2 sensor. Is this something I need to address right away? If it is a sensor and not the wiring, are they easy to replace? I know they are cheap, like $30. How hard to install? Where is it located?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 6,374
Likes: 21
From: Traverse City MI
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (dbwade36)
Once they reach operating temperature (600F) the tell the ECM if the car is running lean or rich and the ECM adjusts fuel accordingly.
They are not too hard to replace, they are located on your exaust just before your cats most likely. The screw in and will have a wire leading out of them to the ECM.
They are not too hard to replace, they are located on your exaust just before your cats most likely. The screw in and will have a wire leading out of them to the ECM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
Likes: 10
From: Sun City West Az
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (dbwade36)
Basiclly the O2 reads the gases in the exhaust stream and passes on the info in way of voltage to the ECM. The ECM ignores this info in open loop however in closed loop the computer adjusts the fuel delivery (pulse width to the injectors) based mainly on the O2 sensors. They are located in the exhaust pipes just below the manifold. Fairly straight forward to replace. You can use a shorty 7/8" wrench or buy the O2 tool which fits over the sensor and is rachet driven. If your throwing codes that relate to the O2 then I wouldn't let it go on to long as your fuel mixture will be affected.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (dbwade36)
As mentioned, the O2 sensor rules; without it the ECM will not go into closed loop mode. You should replace it soon.
It's located in the side of the left exhaust Y-pipe, just below the manifold. You'll see the wire going to it.
Spray some Liquid Wrench on it but clean up the area before installing the new one; and don't touch the business end of the new sensor.
It's located in the side of the left exhaust Y-pipe, just below the manifold. You'll see the wire going to it.
Spray some Liquid Wrench on it but clean up the area before installing the new one; and don't touch the business end of the new sensor.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (dbwade36)
Like they said, the 02 sensor is critical to engine performance. Your mileage will drop significantly usually.
Replace it as soon as possible.
Replace it as soon as possible.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 455
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From: Fraser MI
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (vader86)
Like they said, the 02 sensor is critical to engine performance. Your mileage will drop significantly usually.
Replace it as soon as possible.
Replace it as soon as possible.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,127
Likes: 1,727
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (konroh)
how do you check if it is bad if it doesn't throw a code?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,857
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From: Yakima WA
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (ZylaRace)
I will be replacing O2 sensor tmw, most likely. My milage has suffered some. The codes were cleared yesturday and it threw code again today after about 20 mins of driving. So, I am just going to get new one.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 16,477
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From: Enter Post Count Here
Re: What does O2 sensor do? (dbwade36)
I don't know exactly how an O2 sensor works, but I can guantee you it does not read the gases. If you look at it, its the most primitive sensor you'll ever see.
I believe it reads the temperature of the combustion, which should be between two temperatures, probably about 500 degrees and 675 degrees, or something like that. If it gets to hot, there is too MUCH air, if it gets cold, there is too much fuel.
I believe it reads the temperature of the combustion, which should be between two temperatures, probably about 500 degrees and 675 degrees, or something like that. If it gets to hot, there is too MUCH air, if it gets cold, there is too much fuel.
