Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: How do I....
From:Jeff Ensing
Date:Sun, 29 Apr 2007 00:29:58 EDT

In a message dated 4/29/2007 12:05:10 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
Ccsvanagon@WMCONNECT.COM writes:

In a  message dated 4/28/2007 10:39:13 PM Central Daylight  Time,
airic1@comcast.net writes:

> Check the temp sensor  connector, not the one for the gauge, but the other
> one right over by  the thermostat.

I did replace this sensor some years ago when my  mechanic (Not sure now how
good he is as he is the one that said I didn't  need a thermostat in my area)
so, I would think this should be OK I al  replaced the Oxygen sensor about 3
years ago.

Even with a new sensor it does not mean that the connections are good .
Often the connectors are corroded and need to be replaced.
A quick test to see if the O2 sensor system is working is to disconnect the
O2 sensor , start the van and hold the metal connector going to the computer
in  one hand and with your other hand  touch the positive cable going into the
back of the alternator and see if it starts running rough.
This will richen the mixture by using you as a conductor ( don't worry  you
won't feel it we are talking millivolts here )
If it starts running rougher you can lean it back out by simply touching  the
hand you had on the positive to a grounded surface.

What this does is let you know that the computer is managing the fuel  system
( it should be done with the engine at operating temp )
and that the Temp sensor and connections are good.

If the computer is controlling the mixture properly than you can move on to
the Idle circuit testing.

Jeff  E.
Atlanta , Ga.
87' Westy "weekender"
91' GL "Drop dead red" ( now  living in Canada with Blair )

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »