The oxygen sensor, also known as a lambda probe, is the component responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen present in the gases eliminated by the engine. In addition to increasing fuel consumption, the concentration of residues and dirt accumulated on the surface of the part can affect engine performance. To understand how the maintenance and cleaning process works, just follow the instructions and tips presented in this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Locating the Oxygen Sensor
Step 1. Wear proper safety equipment
Direct contact with the components of an automobile can present several risk factors. Therefore, provide a pair of rubber gloves and goggles to prevent possible toxic substances from coming into contact with the skin or the eye region.
The accessories in question can be found at stores specializing in automotive parts or department stores
Step 2. Suspend the vehicle
Park it in a safe place and set the parking brake to be able to locate the lambda probe safely. Then place a jack on one of the support points indicated in the owner's manual and lift the chassis.
Before choosing a jack, inform the seller of the model and make of your car. That way you can buy the most appropriate device
Step 3. Identify the oxygen sensor
In general, vehicles have at least two sensors which, in turn, are positioned before and after the catalytic converter. This amount, however, may vary by model and manufacturer's brand. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual to verify the exact number and position of parts.
The lambda probe looks like a spark plug and is approximately 5 cm long. One end is hexagonal in shape, while the other is connected to the control unit
Method 2 of 3: Uninstalling the Component
Step 1. Lubricate the oxygen sensors
The components in question are not usually uninstalled very often and for this reason can get stuck. Therefore, apply a small amount of WD-40 lubricating oil on the parts and wait a few minutes to be able to remove them more easily.
The product can be found in stores specializing in automotive items or similar
Step 2. Get a bucket or a specific container to store flammable substances
While waiting for the lubricant to act, completely fill the container with gasoline. Then put it in a safe place and close to the vehicle. The fuel will be used to remove the concentration of residue and dirt accumulated in the sensors.
- Remember to store the compost in a sturdy container to avoid accidents.
- If you want to buy a new container, ask the store's salesperson for the most suitable material and model.
Step 3. Uninstall the components
Use a wrench to remove the sensors from the exhaust pipe after lubricating them with WD-40 oil. Place the parts in a container or on a clean surface to prevent environmental dirt from accumulating inside the probes.
- The size of the wrench will depend on the type of sensor installed in the car. Therefore, test a few tools with different measures to determine which is the most suitable.
- You can also use an adjustable wrench as an alternative.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Dirt
Step 1. Remove dirt concentration
After properly uninstalling the sensors, leave them fully submerged in the stored gasoline. In addition to cleaning the impregnated residues, the fuel will improve the functioning and prolong the useful life of these car components.
Avoid smoking or lighting any kind of flame near flammable substances
Step 2. Cover the container or bucket with a lid
Gasoline is highly flammable and therefore the chosen container must remain completely sealed. In addition to preventing gases from dissipating into the air, you will prevent children and pets in the home from having easy access to the compost.
Make a makeshift cap if you are storing fuel in a bucket or similar reservoir. You can use, for example, the lid of a pot, a wooden board or a book as an alternative
Step 3. Leave the parts submerged in gasoline for at least 8 hours before proceeding
While waiting, try shaking the container a few times so that the compound completely removes the substances embedded in the sensors. In this way, the final result will be enhanced.
Step 4. Take the components out of the gasoline container, after waiting the time indicated above
Then dry the surface and remove any traces of the applied compost with a clean cloth. At this point, you will likely notice that the dirt accumulated on the parts has been eliminated.
- Wear rubber gloves to prevent fuel from coming into direct contact with your skin.
- Also, put on the glasses to protect the eye region.
Step 5. Reinstall oxygen sensors
After finishing the cleaning, put the parts in their proper places with the help of the spanner. If in doubt, consult the owner's manual again.
- Carefully remove the jack used to lift the vehicle.
- With the maintenance of the lambda probe, the “check engine” warning light located on the panel will not be lit and fuel consumption will be considerably lower.
