96 GA w/ bad 02 sensor

[Bigceeloc]

The thing is pretty well rusted in there. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there is an upstream and a downstream one, right?

How do you get them out if they're rusted in? Especially the downstream one because it has that shroud over it which is welded to the exhaust pipe. Every now and again it throws a code, so I wanna see what's up w/ it and maybe clean if off or something.

[doobiess]

you need a special tool... like 12$ and just un thread it... but ya im about to do the same thing....

[1fatcat]

They come out easier when the exauhst system is good and piping hot! Drive around for a while and then leave the car run while you jack it up. Right before you try to remove it, shut the car off and dive in!

Be carful, burns hurt.

If it still doesn't want to move, you will need to heat the sensor bung (thats the "nut" thats welded into the pipe) with a torch until it glows red hot. Then it will turn out like it was a brand spanking new car.

If you need to use a torch, be very causious of fuel lines and don't get the floor pans too hot or you'll start the carpet on fire inside the car.

Edit: You can not clean an O2 sensor, the only cure is to replace it.

[rixGAphx]

The O2 sensor is the one on the exhaust manifold.
When it's cool, WD-40 the sh!t out of it everyday for a week before trying to remove it.
There's also some stuff called 'POR' that works even better.
This is the only sensor that actually affects the PCM, telling the 'puter if your runniing rich or lean and thusly adjusting spark and injection.
This is the only sensor that will throw the O2 code.

The 'downstream' sensor also senses O2, but it only reports back to the PCM that the cat and everything else upstream is working adequately.
Don't even bother with it until you need to replace the cat, which will come with a new 'bung' for a new sensor.
This doesn't throw the O2 code, it tells the PCM to throw 'emissions' or 'cat' or other codes.

Good luck.
-Rick

[doobiess]

Ok well today... i got a new o2 sensor for my car which is a 94 GA 3100 auto and it only has 1 sensor.. a 4 wire ... well i assume it hasnt been done... but as for mileage that is my main reason.. but im also gonna change the 2 on my dad's mustang tomarrow as well... so i will let you know how it goes and if i had to do any tricks to get it out

[doobiess]

Well i went ahead and removed the o2 sensor... as for removal.. all i did was get the proper socket... add a 12 inch extention.. and used a air impact... came out like nothing... btw my old one was making the car run extremly lean... put in the new one... tightened it back up and let the car idle for 3 min... and it was starting to work... i had to go out and do some errands... and the sound of the car was changing.. power was being restored and throttle response was increased.... and now the exhaust smells normal.. and all is well... nothing to it... also my temp is lower and maintains the temp easier...

[Bigceeloc]

How much did that new o2 sensor run you? I'll want to get this done hopefully before school starts. :)

[doobiess]

i live in canda and im able to buy parts at cost... i got mine for 52$... and had a listing price of 122$... seemed high.. but anyways cost me 52$ but you have to have the special o2 sensor socket to go with it to remove... and all u need is a big wrench for the socket and a long extension maybe 12in or 18 in... not too sure what i used...

But as for o2 sensor... i still have more wrong with my car.. but it did help i got an extra 50 kms so far on this tank of gas...

[BiH]

second seonsor on OBD2 cars will throw a code if its bad. Its trying to tell you that the cat is going bad and emmisions are not good! Its not going to affect the way the engine runs, the first one is the godfather of all O2 sensors! :D

[Bruce Gabriel]

If you don't have the 12 bucks for the tool some carpart dealers will let you use theirs & folks at some parts houses will change it for you if you buy the new O2 sensor from them & they're not too busy. Gabe