replacing oxygen sensors...

[DavidT]

Is this dummy proof? After reading Jeremy H's topic how he had increase in power, I think I need this done. Is there any way to tell if they are in need of replacement by a visual inspection? Should it definitely improve power? Just unscrew old ones (and unhook)?
Thanks for any replies.
(90 mtx)

 

[SHOTIME2669]

Well I can tell you this much... If they are bad they should send off the "check engine" light or atleast usually they do. If you feel the need to take them out and check them over I'll tell you what I did because my light has been going off because of them.

I took the O2 sensor out, make sure you disconnect the wiring harness so you dont twist the wires and possibly break one of them in the process, then take a piece of steel wool and rub down the end of the sensor, sometimes carbon may build up on them. Then I took a lighter and burned off all the excess crap that was on them. My engine light has not come back on for quite sometime, so atleast in my situation this was a remedy for the problem.

You can also check to see if they are working correctly with a much better way by using an ohm meter. They should read out at a certain number (not sure what that is). I would definately do this before going and dropping about 50 bucks a piece for new O2 sensors.

So theres my two cents. Hope that helps.

 

[SHOTIME2669]

Oh I almost forgot to answer the other part.... Yes if they are bad you may notice an increase in power by replacing them.

-Mike

 

[sdpatt]

It is recommended that the O2 sensors be replaced at the same interals as the spark plugs - 60,000 miles. The O2 sensors slow down in the rich/lean switching as they age. This results in a degradation of their performance and the power and emissions cleanliness of the engine. For your '90, get the Bosch 13942 from AutoZone or AutoZone.com for $33.99+tax.

 

[SHO_2_ENVY]

WHAT IS THE PART # FOR A 95 3.2 ATX???

 

[stevetatro]

'93-'95 ATX SHO's use a similar Bosch 15716, which has the OEM connector and 8.5" wiring harness. About $40 at AutoZone.

Oh, yeah...the back one's a real bitch to change on the ATX SHO's.

 

[DavidT]

The check engine light came on sporadically (sp?) when I first got my sho (it would only stay lit for a minute or so). It hasn't come on in a good while. Instead of paying $50+ to diagnose it, I guess I would be better off to go ahead and change them both.?.

 

[jcostantino]

you would be better off spending nothing at first and pulling your codes to find out what's causing the CE lights.

granted, you should change both your O2 sensors if either bank is throwing a rich or lean code but if there is some other problem that is more important and it shows up in the codes, you should save the $80 for that instead of spending it on O2 sensors for now.

 

[DavidT]

how do you spend nothing and pull your codes? I don't have a "check engine light checker" wink

 

[SHObill]

hey guys,u'r thoughts on one of the problems i'm having right now. replaced both 02 sensors under warrenty @57k for CEL only after WOT.just installed SS'y'pipe @71K,after warmup CEL comes on,then off,then on,=1 min on,10-15 min off.check conn=ok,next day same but less frequent,next day same even less frequent.take to shop,pull codes=run rich&run lean.clear codes.2 weeks later still CEL but only after 1hour run to work,stays on for 1min or some times 3-4 min. does system learn & ajust,do i need a lpm programed for 'y'pipe?

 

[jcostantino]

the check engine checkers are a waste of good money. go to www.shotimes.com and learn how to pull your codes with a piece of wire, a pencil and paper

Jeff