Notice: Do not solder repairs under any circumstances as this could result in
the air reference being obstructed.
If the heated oxygen sensor pigtail wiring, connector, or terminal
is damaged the entire oxygen sensor assembly must be replaced. Do not attempt to
repair the wiring, connector, or terminals. In order for the sensor to function correctly
it must have a clean air reference. This clean air reference is obtained by way of
the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, connectors
or terminals could result in the obstruction of the air reference and degrade oxygen
sensor performance.
The following guidelines should be used when servicing the heated oxygen sensor:
• | Do not apply contact cleaner or other materials to the sensor or vehicle
harness connectors. These materials may get into the sensor, causing poor performance.
Also, the sensor pigtail and harness wires must not be damaged in such a way that
the wires inside are exposed. This could provide a path for foreign materials to enter
the sensor and cause performance problems. |
• | Neither the sensor nor vehicle lead wires should be bent sharply or kinked.
Sharp bends, kinks, etc., could block the reference air path through the lead wire. |
• | Do not remove or defeat the oxygen sensor ground wire (where applicable).
Vehicles that utilize the ground wire sensor may rely on this ground as the only
ground contact to the sensor. Removal of the ground wire will also cause poor engine
performance. |
• | To prevent damage due to water intrusion, be sure that the peripheral
seal remains intact on the vehicle harness connector. |