Heated O2 sensors - dumb question

[Chameleon]

Can I just unhook them? I don't have the spare cash to fix them for a few weeks and the intermittant rough idle/crappy mileage is ticking me off.

Will it improve the idle by unhooking them or will it be worse?

 

[aldive]

First of all, why do you think the sensors are bad? Are you getting a trouble code(s)?

Unhooking them will not help but will hinder closed loop operation.

 

[MadExplorer93]

Exactly what Aldive stated are you getting any codes as 8/10 its not a O2 sensor issue, but something else is the issue and the O2 sensor will send a signal to the dash light (CEL), if your running rich or lean it is most likely another issue tripping the O2 code.

Also if you unplug them it will run like it would if they were dead if not worse. If you have one that is good and one is bad and you unplugged them all, no doubt it will run worse.

 

[Chameleon]

CEL light on, codes point to O2 sensors, there are 4 of them, how to tell which one?

Like I said, the rough idle is intermittant, almost feels like blockage in the exhaust when it happens.

 

[aldive]

More than likely the O2 sensor(s) are not the problem, they are just reporting the trouble.

What are the exact codes?

 

[joefnh]

Al is right do not unhook them as they are most likely OK and unhooked will most likely result in poor MPG, power and idle problems. The O2 sensor will report the status of your combustion (i.e. rich or lean). Several factors from a vacuum leak to a bad injector can cause these types of conditions.

You should try to get the actual codes and post them here.

The code will also let you know which sensor is reporting the condition.

--Joe

 

[Chameleon]

P0130 & P0131

 

[tmcphail]

P0130 O2 (HO2S-11) CIRCUIT (bank 1, sensor 1)

P0131 O2 (HO2S-11) CIRCUIT LOW VOLTAGE (bank 1, sensor 1)


Yeah don't just unplug them please heed that advice.

 

[35Remmy]

Will a bad O2 sensor always trigger the CEL?

I've been told many times that they should just be changed every 80K miles. I figured if there was no CEL and no O2 sensor code, they were fine.

 

[MadExplorer93]

P0130 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

P0131 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

This is what can be causing this issue:

One sensor is malfunctioning or dead or the connector/wires to it corroded and the Low voltage could mean its way out or corroded connection to it.

Have it looked at for that reason or try and clean the connector and inspect the wires on the Exhaust to see if any have corroded off, broke, cracked etc.

Bank 1 is the Passenger Side of the vehicle on your model.

 

[MadExplorer93]

Will a bad O2 sensor always trigger the CEL?

I've been told many times that they should just be changed every 80K miles. I figured if there was no CEL and no O2 sensor code, they were fine.

Yes it will trigger it.

Well i have never changed mine yet and its a 1993..

The previous owner never changed them and he bought it in 1997-1998 and i got to tell you i still get around 20-21 MPG on highway and 15-17 MPG in town... whoot whoot.

But yeah those crafty Ford ppl always state 60,000 to 80,000 Miles or Kilometres... bugger them, if they work and your truck is fine, good mileage.. then don't replace them.

 

[aldive]

Will a bad O2 sensor always trigger the CEL?

Most of the time it will, but not always.

I've been told many times that they should just be changed every 80K miles. I figured if there was no CEL and no O2 sensor code, they were fine.

I am running 3 original factory O2s on my '99 with 140 + k miles.

Scan their function.

 

[Chameleon]

P0130 O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

P0131 O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1)

This is what can be causing this issue:

One sensor is malfunctioning or dead or the connector/wires to it corroded and the Low voltage could mean its way out or corroded connection to it.

Have it looked at for that reason or try and clean the connector and inspect the wires on the Exhaust to see if any have corroded off, broke, cracked etc.

Bank 1 is the Passenger Side of the vehicle on your model.

So it is probably pointing to the ones before or after the catalytic converter? I will have to jack it up and get underneath to see if the wires are bad. Any way to know which one is Bank 1 Sensor 1?

Thanks for your help!

 

[MadExplorer93]

So it is probably pointing to the ones before or after the catalytic converter? I will have to jack it up and get underneath to see if the wires are bad. Any way to know which one is Bank 1 Sensor 1?

Thanks for your help!

Normally it is sensor 1 means the first one of the lot of them on bank one which is passenger side, but for the heck of it check them all. The connectors for the front ones usually run up into the front part of the firewall behind the engine, but of course the wires run to the O2 sensor.