Thursday, November 14, 2013
The Location of the Exhaust O2 Sensor
With ever-tightening environmental regulations, auto makers have created vehicles with less tolerance for wastes in the exhaust system. Unfortunately, the O2 sensor has become known for incredibly high failure rates, driving many owners to seek do-it-yourself replacement options.
Function
To run optimally, your car needs a careful mix of air and fuel. The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen (known in chemistry as O2) in the exhaust; if it has too much, it signals the injection system to cut back the available air supply. Most cars have two or more, in pairs, used to determine the efficiency of a specific component, such as the catalytic converter.
Location
The specific location of the O2 sensor varies a bit by manufacturer and by model of the vehicle in question. If you understand basic automobile anatomy, however, you will always find the "exhaust" sensor by tracing the exit of the catalytic converter along the exhaust pipe. If you follow it carefully, you will see something that looks like a spark plug screwed directly into the pipe -- this structure is your exhaust O2 sensor.
Safety Considerations
You would not have bothered finding the sensor without a reason; before you remove it, however, take precautions. Always disconnect the battery from the electrical system, and allow sufficient time for your exhaust system to cool off after operations. Finally, use a penetrating oil on the area on and around the sensor, and allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes.
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