Is the Oxygen Sensor Easy to Clean?
2 Answers
Oxygen sensors can be cleaned. For mild dirt, carburetor cleaner can be used, while for severe dirt, a diluted sulfuric acid and ferric chloride solution can be used. The specific cleaning steps for an oxygen sensor are as follows: 1. Remove the oxygen sensor and use a 5-10% ferric chloride solution with excess hydrochloric acid. The exact ratio depends on the condition of the sensor's surface. 2. Soak the oxygen sensor in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then remove and rinse thoroughly with water. Ensure that all four surrounding holes are clear, and when viewed from the bottom, the internal substrate should appear white after cleaning.
I've tried cleaning the oxygen sensor myself a few times - quite laborious but worth the effort. The sensor is awkwardly positioned on the exhaust pipe and requires a special wrench to remove, which might take beginners about half an hour to manage. Soaking it in oxalic acid solution works best after removal - watching the black carbon deposits gradually dissolve is quite satisfying. After 30 minutes of soaking, gently brush the crevices with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding any hard scraping. Thorough drying is crucial - last time I got lazy and didn't dry it completely before reinstalling, resulting in the check engine light staying on for ages post-startup. One cleaning typically lasts 3-4 months, working particularly well for relatively new vehicles. However, if the sensor appears burnt or discolored, it's better to just replace it outright for peace of mind.
