How To Clean a Car Oxygen Sensor
Your car's oxygen sensor has a very important job. The oxygen filter filters the oxygen and fuel and only allows the proper amounts of the two to enter into the combustion chamber of your engine. If this filter becomes clogged it can decrease performance of your car, as well as increase the amount of gas that is needed for your car to run.
- Locate the O2 sensor on your car. This location is different on different makes and models of cars. If you are unsure of how to locate the sensor you should consult your owner’s manual to find the exact location of your car's oxygen sensor.
- Inspect your oxygen sensor for any damage such as rips of tears. If your sensor is damaged, you will need to purchase a new sensor, cleaning is not suggested for a damaged sensor.
- Place your car's oxygen sensor into a container large enough to hold it and still allow the lid to close securely.
- Fill the container with gas so that the entire surface of your oxygen sensor is submerged in gasoline.
- Secure the lid tightly so that no gas is allowed to escape during the cleaning process.
- Swirl the oxygen filter around in the container so that it can work its way through any small cracks and crevices.
- Allow your oxygen sensor to sit in the airtight container filled with gasoline for 5 minutes so that the gasoline can eat away any grease and grime that may be present.
- Allow the sensor to sit in the gasoline overnight to remove any stuck-on debris that may take longer to loosen up.
- Shake and swirl the oxygen sensor again in the gasoline to remove any dirt that may have been loosened overnight.
- Remove the oxygen sensor from the container and discard of the dirty gasoline mixture safely.
- Place your oxygen sensor on a clean surface with adequate ventilation so that it can dry thoroughly before replacing it into your car.
- Replace your oxygen sensor into your car.