Bmr4life

About 2 weeks i decoded my ecu and it said knock sensor and front right heated O2 sensor. I reset the ecu and the light came backwith the added code for Rear Heated O2 sensor. My question is, how do I remove the 02 sensors because I want to try cleaning them with brake cleaner. I already got the pic showing where they are located. Do they just unscrew? Do I need a wrench or something? And when i try to clean it with the brake cleaner, do I just spray it on or should I rub them with something too? thanks

Also, what problems to bad O2 sensors cause?

z32drifter

save your time and buy new o2 sensors....they can't be cleaned....and if you try to clean and working o2 sensor you will destroy it....at 125k they are beyond their service life...replace them...and yes you will need a o2 sensor wrench...you can pick it up at the local auto parts store..later

fearthegecko

hey noob, why don't you find out the facts first.......


You can clean O2 sensors, tons of people on here have done it. Unfortunately, i'm not one of them, and can't offer you advice, but ask around a little more, i'm sure someone can help you.

JSClark

Just to warn you if/when you do go to replace them, your gonna have a b!itch of a time with the clips for the front O2 sensor. The rear one should be cake. However, you really don't need to clip the wire back on. Mine is dangling from when I installed my Y-pipe, no problems whatsoever.

Bmr4life

thx for the replies guy.

Anyone ever done this before? I want to at least try to clean them befoer I shell out $200 to replace them. thanks

jmedeir1

iTrader: (1)

never done it before but im having the same problem...

mowgli29

iTrader: (21)

5 years old FTL...

fearthegecko

For real....

Snypa

iTrader: (35)

fat_kid

iTrader: (13)

ibtl

j2b4osan

there is a o2 sensor socket with a slice down the side for the wire they carry them at most auto part stores. not sure about cleaning though

Jesse729

Removal
There are 2 types of sockets make sure you get the one that looks like a regular 22mm socket with a slit in it for the wire the other one doesn't work as well on our cars. Vice grips have worked for me also they may be in there tight the first time so I recommend the tool I got mine for about $12 at auto zone.

Cleaning
I pulled mine cleaned it with a medium hardness wire brush and reset the ECU and it gave me year and 1/2 of service. Be careful not to pull the ground off the o2 sensor when you remove and clean it. The ground coming unattached is what led to the replacement of 2 of my O2 sensors it the outside of the sensors seems to rust a little over time causing the grounds to fall off.

WhiteA32

iTrader: (20)

KRRZ350

iTrader: (29)

Why would this thread get locked? And when was the last time you saw a thread in the 4th gen section get locked anyways?

So..... Shake them 1st, hold the washer and if you hear them rattle they are junked hardcore, but to just replacing them anyways.

f550maranello2

iTrader: (2)

yea.... only hillbilly's clean them cuz they are too cheap to buy new ones...

anywho... just buy new ones... dont be cheap.. it will bite you in the *** later on...

l_max_out

just get new ones $80 each. local part store should have a loan a tool program

ptatohed

iTrader: (12)

Why are you guys telling him to buy new ones? Why would it "bite him" later? If he can get another 6, 12 months out of them for 20 minutes of time, why is that being cheap?

You don't need a special tool. Just use an open ended wrench. I want to say 22mm? Simply unscrew them. Just remember to "wind" them before screwing them back in. And use anti-seize.

I'm not sure about brake cleaner but I suppose it would work. I used rubbing alcohol.

psu2fan

iTrader: (2)

yeah, I wouldn't bother cleaning them.. and I sure wouldn't plunk down that much cash for O2 sensors... universalFTW. they work just as well and cost less than half as much.

mowgli29

iTrader: (21)

on your way to 15 eh?