Can White Vinegar Clean an Oxygen Sensor?
1 Answers
White vinegar is weakly acidic and has some cleaning effect, but it is more suitable for slightly dirty oxygen sensors, otherwise it may be difficult to see any noticeable results. Generally, it is more reliable to use a solution of ferric chloride with excess hydrochloric acid for cleaning. Here is some relevant information: 1. The function of the oxygen sensor: Cars usually have two oxygen sensors, a front oxygen sensor and a rear oxygen sensor. The front oxygen sensor is typically installed on the exhaust manifold and is mainly responsible for adjusting the air-fuel mixture. The rear oxygen sensor is installed behind the catalytic converter and is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of the catalytic converter. If the oxygen sensor fails or provides inaccurate data after prolonged use, the engine will not be able to burn fuel efficiently, leading to reduced power, increased fuel consumption, foul-smelling exhaust, and excessive emissions that pollute the air. 2. Tips for cleaning the oxygen sensor: Remove the oxygen sensor and soak it in a solution of 5-10% ferric chloride with excess hydrochloric acid. The exact ratio depends on the condition of the sensor's surface. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse it thoroughly with water. Ensure that the four surrounding holes are clear, and when viewed from the bottom, the internal substrate should appear white after cleaning.
