Help with Cleaning O2 Sensor

[Empty V]

Does anyone know how to clean an O2 sensor? I was at a muffler shop today and put my 01 on the rack to see what kind of exhaust this guy can fab for me. I was infally able to get a good look at my Bank 2 Position 2 O2 sensor which has been throwing a code. I want to try to clean it first and then replace it if that doesn't work. Does anyone know how to clean this thing?

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

The most recommended method is to let the O2 sensor soak in gas for a couple days. Fill a container (with a lid, so the gas doesn't evaporate) enough so the sensor is covered completely in gasoline. Let it sit in the gas for two or three days while shaking/swirling the gasoline often (2-3 times per day). If desired, you can use a wire brush to remove any remaining deposits on the exterior of the sensor.

If you decide to clean your sensors, could you take some pics of the before and after? If it's really effective then I might do the same.

[Empty V]

The most recommended method is to let the O2 sensor soak in gas for a couple days. Fill a container (with a lid, so the gas doesn't evaporate) enough so the sensor is covered completely in gasoline. Let it sit in the gas for two or three days while shaking/swirling the gasoline often (2-3 times per day). If desired, you can use a wire brush to remove any remaining deposits on the exterior of the sensor.

If you decide to clean your sensors, could you take some pics of the before and after? If it's really effective then I might do the same.

Thanks for the info! Now my 2nd question is: What will happen if I drive without that O2 sensor? Since it's after the cat it doesn't affect the mixture right? Will it just throw the same code because it's not detecting or reading an abnormality in voltage?

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Thanks for the info! Now my 2nd question is: What will happen if I drive without that O2 sensor? Since it's after the cat it doesn't affect the mixture right? Will it just throw the same code because it's not detecting or reading an abnormality in voltage?

Billy

Not too sure, maybe put the car in limp home mode? I'm sure the car will run and drive without the sensor, since these things fail all the time.

EDIT: The service manual says the ECU should enter fail-safe mode, causing a fuel cut above 2,500RPM's.

ANOTHER EDIT: The above EDIT actually only applies to sensor 1, so the ECU shouldn't enter fail-safe mode since you removed sensor 2.
Modified by Pwnin O'Brien at 12:12 PM 9/3/2009

[Empty V]

Not too sure, maybe put the car in limp home mode? I'm sure the car will run and drive without the sensor, since these things fail all the time.

EDIT: The service manual says the ECU should enter fail-safe mode, causing a fuel cut above 2,500RPM's.

ANOTHER EDIT: The above EDIT actually only applies to sensor 1, so the ECU shouldn't enter fail-safe mode since you removed sensor 2.

Modified by Pwnin O'Brien at 12:12 PM 9/3/2009

That's what I thought, crazy how it limits the RPM's. I'm guessing that it limits it because there is no fuel to air mixture regulation and it could potentially flood? Does that sound right or am I totally off? I'll take pics once it's out, it's just too damn hot right now to do anything!

Billy

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I've been reading that a lot of people use CRC's QD Electronic Cleaner on O2 sensors also. I would probably start with a gasoline bath for a day or two and then a nice spray with the QD Electronic Spray. You're supposed to spray the sensor from a distance so you don't break anything inside the shield.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

Well, I took a look around to see the O2 locations and their connector locations. The downstream O2 sensors are extremely easy to get to and were pretty easy to remove. The problem, however was the connector. The O2 sensor wires are about three feet in length and go all the way up into the engine compartment to the very top of the engine. What the problem is, they used several of those grayish zip-tie hold-downs that attach to some metal pieces around the engine. A couple of the ties are extremely difficult to get to and would need to be cut, replacement would also be impossible without removing the intake manifold.

The upstream sensors are nearly impossible to get to with human hands. Their connectors are right next to the downstream connectors, which makes them really convenient to get to. However, these are also tied down in several locations and would require cutting the zip ties.

Why couldn't Nissan make something easy for once and just make the wires shorter and easier to get to?