Hey all,

Just curious if anyone has ever "cleaned" their O2 sensors. Is this even possible? I was thinking of pulling mine out and hitting them with some brake cleaner...but I'm guessing someone is going to tell me that this will foul them.

They aren't that old...but I 'think' the pre-cat one is fouled...I've seen a hit in MPG lately. I'd like to replace them, but they barely have 10K on them and I don't have cash flow right now for new "heater" O2's.

 

I am kind of wondering this myself... for both my XJ as well as my wife's Ram... Having two different vehicles that are in need at the same time, def. doesn't help the money part for me...

 

Just spend the extra money and get new O2 sensors. Your Jeep will thank you later.

 

I know replacement is the best option...but my question is, can they be cleaned? I don't have the cash right now, so could they be cleaned to tide me over?

 

Here is my theory, dont fool with anything that you can't afford to replace. If it aint broken dont fix it, because you will brake it. I only take chances on parts I could afford to replace if needed.

Yes you could probably clean them but you would not get much result from that, but if you mess it up then you have to replace it. I took mine out and cleaned it with some TB cleaner but like I said, I was prepared to replace it if I ruined it. I did not notice any improvement either. When the O2 sesor goes bad, cleaning it does not help.

 

Real world experience, that's what I wanted! To hear someone else say, "I did it, nothing happened" is worth it's weight in gold. I'll hold out until I'm able to grab new ones.

On that note, does anyone have any ideas on the best place to purchase new ones? 99 so I need the 4 wire with the heater.

 

NAPA or www.rockauto.com . DO NOT BUY A UNIVERSAL O2 SENSOR THAT REQUIRES YOU TO INSTALL THE PLUG!!! My buddy at work did that on his 98 Chevy and it ended up costing him $1500 for a new cat converter and exhaust.

 

I agree, get a plug and play stock part when possible. These will be factory set. Going cheap will only increase your odds of failure.

 

You will not get any benefit from cleaning it. It generates electrical current from a chemical reaction over 300°F. If it is not working correctly it is because like solar panels, it wore out and is generating a weak voltage. The only fix is to replace.

 

Just Google "cleaning an O2 sensor"...........here's one of the better ones posted by a mechanic. I say better because it has some humor mixed in with the facts........the statement about ammonia vs blue dye is killer but so true.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_you..._oxygen_sensor

 

I was wondering this myself i just installed a brand new one and i went mudding yesterday and it set the CEL of for high voltage i just think its dirty. WOuld cleaning it work?

 

You probably didn't get water in the sensor unless your exhaust filled up. More likely the plug and/or wiring- use zero-residue electrical cleaner for that. CRC makes a good one.

 

Well i went throulgh mud puddles but im not sure if my exhaust was under ( too busy having fun to notice ) but ill try cleaning the plugs