Can White Vinegar Clean an Oxygen Sensor?
2 Answers
White vinegar can clean an oxygen sensor, but the effect is not significant. It is only suitable for cleaning slightly dirty oxygen sensors because white vinegar is a weak acid. If using white vinegar for cleaning, it should be heated before use. Typically, ferric chloride and hydrochloric acid solutions are used for soaking and cleaning oxygen sensors. The automotive oxygen sensor is a critical feedback sensor in the electronic fuel injection engine control system. It is a key component for controlling vehicle exhaust emissions, reducing environmental pollution, and improving the fuel combustion quality of the car engine. Oxygen sensors are installed on the engine exhaust pipe. The oxygen sensor uses a ceramic sensing element to measure the oxygen potential in various heating furnaces or exhaust pipes, calculates the corresponding oxygen concentration based on the chemical equilibrium principle, and monitors and controls the air-fuel ratio in the furnace combustion to ensure product quality and compliance with exhaust emission standards.
I've been driving a taxi for twenty years and encountered many sensor issues. Take cleaning the oxygen sensor with white vinegar for example—I tried it myself. That time when the sensor reported a fault, I heard vinegar could remove carbon deposits, so I took it off, soaked it in vinegar for half a day, rinsed it clean, and reinstalled it. At first, the car ran fine, but within a few days, the engine light came on, fuel consumption skyrocketed, and acceleration became sluggish. When I took it to the repair shop, the mechanic said the acidity of the vinegar had corroded the internal coating of the sensor, causing inaccurate signals. In the end, I had to replace it with a new part, costing me a few hundred extra. The oxygen sensor monitors exhaust oxygen levels and controls the fuel mixture—if it fails, it affects performance and emissions. Now, I believe it's better not to cut corners—just stick to regular inspections and prioritize safe driving. If any issues arise, it's best to leave it to professionals to avoid turning minor repairs into major ones.
