

| Subject: | Oxygen Sensors |
| From: | Craig Rogers |
| Date: | Thu, 3 Jul 1997 14:18:25 -0400 |
I'm wondering if there is a way to check an O2 sensor to see if it is operating properly. It seems as though there would be a lot of variables, but I think that the ECU supplies the sensor with around 500mV and the resistance of the sensor varies, depending on the temperature of the exhaust. Since the output of the ECU is current limited(I haven't checked the value), the voltage at the output varies and this is what the ECU actually measures. So a particular CO level should correspond to a particular voltage at the ECU. If we could test the CO and check the voltage on a number of vehicles and make a chart, then if the numbers correspond, one could tell if it's the sensor or some other part of the system that is functioning incorrectly. If the numbers are right, then it's not the O2 sensor. I know that I could have saved some money with a trick like this, but my problem (or perhaps my fortune) is that I have only one Vanagon. Is there anyone out there with access to a good gas analyzer (I have one of the cheapos from JC Whitney. Do yourselves a favor and don't buy one.) and several Vanagons or several people that have one Vanagon and access? This could also work in reverse. If the system is functioning correctly, the CO level could be checked by its corresponding voltage at the O2 sensor and a $20 voltmeter could be used to adjust the CO. That would be a lot cheaper than other alternatives. Has this been done? Are there other ways? Anyone? Craig Rogers Ineffable Audio Unity Inc. P.O. Box 512 Riverdale, NY 10471 (914) 378-1606 mailto: carogers@idt.net
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