Is Cleaning the Oxygen Sensor Effective?
2 Answers
If the tip of the oxygen sensor is found to be black, cleaning it at this time is very useful; however, if the tip is white or brown, it indicates that the oxygen sensor has been poisoned, and cleaning it repeatedly will not help—it needs to be replaced promptly. Below are the relevant instructions: 1. It is worth mentioning that what is referred to here is cleaning, not simply rinsing with water. 2. The oxygen sensor needs to be soaked in a (5-10%) ferric chloride hydrochloric acid solution for approximately 10-15 minutes before being taken out and then rinsed thoroughly with water. 3. After cleaning, ensure that the four surrounding holes are clear. 3. Then observe the bottom of the oxygen sensor; if the internal substrate appears white after cleaning, the oxygen sensor has basically regained its activity.
I think cleaning the oxygen sensor can sometimes be effective, especially when the car's fuel consumption suddenly increases or the exhaust smells bad after long-term use, possibly due to carbon deposits on the sensor surface. I've tried using a specialized cleaning spray to clean the removed sensor, drying it thoroughly before reinstalling, and the symptoms could be alleviated for a week or two. However, this is only a temporary solution. Cleaning won't work if the internal components of the sensor are aged or damaged. The long-term effects aren't great, and improper cleaning may even corrode the circuitry, leading to more faults. It's best to regularly inspect the exhaust system, maintain engine upkeep, and avoid poor fuel quality that accumulates grime. For a complete fix, replacing the part with a new one is safer and more worry-free—don't cut corners and risk bigger issues. Cleaning is suitable for emergency cases of mild contamination, but professional advice suggests direct diagnosis and replacement for more reliability.
