- Chubbs Well-Known Member
Not a goblin specific question (I'm working on a 2002 Porsche Boxster S), but relevant all the same. I'm trying to figure out if this is true or not:
I just learned today that you're not supposed to clean oxygen sensor connectors. I won't write a book about the details, but I ended up cleaning the connector on bank 1 sensor 1 with electrical contact cleaner. Put it back together, and then instead of getting inconsistent voltages from it, I got 0.000V from it. Dead. Like a fool, I checked the "good" connector on Bank 2 sensor 1, and cleaned it before I put it back together. Then I got 0.000V out of that sensor too. Then, I found this:
"Oxygen sensors perform their function by creating a signal voltage that is based on the comparison of air content in the exhaust system to that of a known good air reference (ambient oxygen). Since 1989, the oxygen sensors on Porsche cars have been said to be 'submersible". This means that the sampling of reference oxygen is taken from the oxygen sensor connector in the engine compartment, as opposed to the oxygen sensor housing area (in prior configurations). Taking reference air from the connector results in more accurate sensor readings, because the oxygen sensor connector is less likely to be affected by moisture or foreign substances. Although "submersible" oxygen sensors are basically impervious to substances at the sensor, they can be permanently damaged if any foreign substance is sprayed or otherwise applied to the oxygen sensor connector (or signal wire). To function properly, reference air must be allowed to pass through the connector, down the signal wire (within the insulation), and to the sensor. Therefore, it is extremely important that the oxygen sensor connectors be clean and dry at all times. Contact cleaners, contact enhancers (such as Stabilant 22A), oil or water based sprays, and even die - electric compounds MUST BE KEPT AWAY from the oxygen sensor connections, or permanent SENSOR DAMAGE will result! Always clean oxygen sensor contacts in a dry fashion, being careful not to allow any type of substance or debris into the connectors. Note: The connections at the oxygen sensor can often be improved by simply unplugging and replugging the connector several times. "
My question to the forum: is that legit? Do o2 sensors "breath" through the wires? That seems impossible. Yet I have 2 dead o2 sensors after I cleaned the connectors. So....maybe?
I just learned today that you're not supposed to clean oxygen sensor connectors. I won't write a book about the details, but I ended up cleaning the connector on bank 1 sensor 1 with electrical contact cleaner. Put it back together, and then instead of getting inconsistent voltages from it, I got 0.000V from it. Dead. Like a fool, I checked the "good" connector on Bank 2 sensor 1, and cleaned it before I put it back together. Then I got 0.000V out of that sensor too. Then, I found this:
"Oxygen sensors perform their function by creating a signal voltage that is based on the comparison of air content in the exhaust system to that of a known good air reference (ambient oxygen). Since 1989, the oxygen sensors on Porsche cars have been said to be 'submersible". This means that the sampling of reference oxygen is taken from the oxygen sensor connector in the engine compartment, as opposed to the oxygen sensor housing area (in prior configurations). Taking reference air from the connector results in more accurate sensor readings, because the oxygen sensor connector is less likely to be affected by moisture or foreign substances. Although "submersible" oxygen sensors are basically impervious to substances at the sensor, they can be permanently damaged if any foreign substance is sprayed or otherwise applied to the oxygen sensor connector (or signal wire). To function properly, reference air must be allowed to pass through the connector, down the signal wire (within the insulation), and to the sensor. Therefore, it is extremely important that the oxygen sensor connectors be clean and dry at all times. Contact cleaners, contact enhancers (such as Stabilant 22A), oil or water based sprays, and even die - electric compounds MUST BE KEPT AWAY from the oxygen sensor connections, or permanent SENSOR DAMAGE will result! Always clean oxygen sensor contacts in a dry fashion, being careful not to allow any type of substance or debris into the connectors. Note: The connections at the oxygen sensor can often be improved by simply unplugging and replugging the connector several times. "
My question to the forum: is that legit? Do o2 sensors "breath" through the wires? That seems impossible. Yet I have 2 dead o2 sensors after I cleaned the connectors. So....maybe?
