Anyway to check an oxygen sensor?
#1
01-01-07, 07:58 AM
Anyway to check an oxygen sensor?
I have a 1994 Chevy K-1500 pickup that is getting real bad gas mileage, the tip of the spark plugs look white also. Someone told me it could be the oxygen sensor, running to rich or lean. Can I just take the old sensor out and clean it up or would I have to buy a new one. I hate to buy a new one for all that money if this isn't the problem. Is there anyway to check this sensor to see if it is bad or not?
#2
01-01-07, 08:32 AM
I don't believe those can be cleaned - they usually fail internally. But instead of going by guess (because they are expensive) I would get the codes pulled at an Autozone and if that points to the OX sensor then replace it.
Hope this helps,
Bob
Hope this helps,
Bob
#3
01-01-07, 08:40 AM
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I don't think Autozone type places have a OBD1 code reader. OBDII didn't come out till 95-96.
But, his check engine light should have come on if he was running rich or lean, or the sensor being bad.
Have you replaced the fuel filter, plugs, wires, distributor yet?
But, his check engine light should have come on if he was running rich or lean, or the sensor being bad.
Have you replaced the fuel filter, plugs, wires, distributor yet?
#4
01-01-07, 09:06 AM
Yes, gave it a full tune up, with fuel and air filter. Thats when I noticed the tips of the spark plugs had like a white ash like build up on them. Not alot, but the tips of the plugs looked white or light gray.
#5
01-01-07, 10:09 AM
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Yes, you can test the o2 sensor
But before you go through the effort, how many miles are on the one(s) in there now?
O2s are considered "failure" items by many, but really should be considered "maintenance" items
They lose their effectiveness as the miles pile on, and really should be replaced before actual failure
They can make your engine run pretty poorly while still technically functioning
But before you go through the effort, how many miles are on the one(s) in there now?
O2s are considered "failure" items by many, but really should be considered "maintenance" items
They lose their effectiveness as the miles pile on, and really should be replaced before actual failure
They can make your engine run pretty poorly while still technically functioning
#6
01-01-07, 10:33 AM
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Check your cat (exhaust) for blockage. A clogged cat will make your vehicle run like crap and have horrible gas mileage.
#7
01-01-07, 03:35 PM
The 02 sensor has never been changed nor has the catalytic converter, they both have 175,000 miles on them. Just put a new exhaust system on, looked in the catalytic converter, don't know what is in there but stuck a pipe inside and whatever it is, it moved back and forth. I don't know if this means it's not plugged or not.
