O2 Sensor Fault, Will Cleaning Clear It ?

[CW1]

Hi,

The engine fault light appeared some time ago on my 12 year old car, 2 garages & a diagnostics guy have told me the O2 sensor needs replacing (the latter said there was an open circuit), potentially a very expensive job if it doesn't come away cleanly. Noticed Halfords do an O2 sensor clean, nobody who's looked at it before ever mentioned getting it cleaned. Could this fix the problem rather than replacing it ? It's already cost me to get this far so don't really want to throw good money after bad but could save me £100s. Tried calling Halfords but after 25mins of waiting I've given up.

[gingejbee]

If you look on Amazon, you will see reviews of these products which could help you decide.
As I understand it, there are two types of product....with one, you add the product to the fuel tank ....with the other, you have to remove the sensor and spray it a few times. (I'll add that I'm no expert on such matters - never had the problem.)

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Our local Halfords service centre does not open on Sundays so I would try tomorrow. We have used them for years and they do all our servicing. They should be able to advise you straight away.

[gingejbee]

If you go the Halfords website and search the product, you get the option of a live webchat now.

[CW1]

Think we might've got wires crossed somewhere.

"Products", gingejbee ? Redex (?) is nothing to do with the sensor, & I can't remove the sensor, would need a garage to do it. There's the potential if the pipe it's in (presumably the exhaust going in to the engine ?) broke trying to remove it (I've been told that's a possibility), I'd basically be looking at an unusable car, £100s to repair.
Didn't get the option to webchat when I went to the website earlier.

Bakers Dozen, I rang a Halfords that was s'posed to be open today. They used to do all my servicing & MOTs too ('til I moved, there's no autocentre within 30mins now) but that doesn't necessary mean they change sensors, only a clean is mentioned on the website. I'm not sure they do general car repairs, one reason I wanted to speak to them.

I just wondered if a clean might clear the fault, a fraction of the cost of replacing the sensor. I'll try again tomorrow.

[richtee]

Hi,
Cleaning one of these sensors rarely works, so I would say replace it. It is normally located, as you said, in the exhaust just below where it leaves the manifod. They are normally about a 22mm spanner size, and if you spray it with penetrating oil when warm, this will aid removal. (don't get any on the new sensor though, that will damage it). It is normally a short lead with a plug- easy to remove. Look on-line for your car model, for an o2 or a lamda sensor- they are normally the same thing, but do make sure you get the right one, they will not refund your money if you buy the wrong one. Good luck.

[nescio]

Just to warn you, removing the oxygen sensor is not easy. As richtee suggested, penetrating oil will help, but on a 12 year old car - good luck with that.

[CW1]

Thanks guys, I wouldn't attempt to change it myself, especially after being told there is a chance the exhaust could break & end up costing 4 times as much.

[CW1]

All sorted, not at Halfords, was cheaper elsewhere. The garage actually ordered several different makes of the sensor & only 1 fitted (more expensive than originally quoted but still less than Halfords :) ), wonder how Halfords would've dealt with that. Anyway, no dramas, what a relief !

[TonyV]

Glad you got sorted, often garages can use their suppliers to deliver parts on sale or return.