How to Clean an Oxygen Sensor?
1 Answers
Remove the oxygen sensor and soak it in a solution of 5-10% ferric chloride with an excess of hydrochloric acid. The exact ratio depends on the condition of the sensor's surface. Soak the oxygen sensor in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then remove it and rinse thoroughly with water. Ensure that the four surrounding holes are clear, and when viewed from the bottom, the internal carrier should appear white after cleaning. Below are common faults of oxygen sensors: 1. Oxygen sensor poisoning is a frequent and difficult-to-prevent issue, especially in vehicles that often use leaded gasoline. However, if the poisoning is mild due to using just one or half a tank of leaded gasoline, the simplest cleaning method is to use a tank of high-quality gasoline, which can restore the sensor's activity. 2. Carbon buildup on the oxygen sensor: This is more common because, under various operating conditions, the engine cannot maintain complete combustion for long periods. Incomplete combustion leads to carbon deposits, which can attach to the oxygen sensor via the exhaust pipe, causing it to fail. However, this type of failure can be remedied by cleaning the carbon deposits at a 4S shop, restoring the sensor's activity. This is somewhat similar to a clogged catalytic converter. 3. Ceramic breakage: The ceramic material of the oxygen sensor is hard and brittle. Striking it with a hard object or cleaning it with strong airflow can cause it to break and fail. Therefore, handle it with care and replace it promptly if any issues are detected.
