Best way to test O2 sensors?

[SpaceMonkey]

As above really?

I replied in the "Excess Vapour" thread not to long ago & my fuel consumption is a lowly 23mpg on my current tank. Thats the worst I have ever had & I've been driving carefully due to the state of the roads.

Is there any easy way to test to see if one of my O2 sensors is playing up & the excess vapour is just silly amounts of fuel being pumped in.

I only get it once above 5K. I've not driven it hard due to worry, but I can get the same thing revving @ idle.

Any advise would be great....thanks in advance

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Anyone? Done plenty of searches suggesting how to change them etc, but nothing on how to test whether one is fault & unsure as to which it may be before I do look to change one.....

Help a monkey in need....please

 

[Dan R]

oscilloscope is the only way. you will see a switching sinewave. wont prove that its the sensor thats faulty. if in doubt just change it!!

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Thanks for the reply Dan.

I know it's a bit of a blind guess, but would you think it could be an O2 sensor or just some water in the exhaust?

If you do think it is an O2 sensor which one would you bet on?

Thanks again mate

 

[mark123]

Have you put an ODBC fault reader onto the car? Often they detect the fault before you can feel it. I think it is the upstream one that does most of the work.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Have you put an ODBC fault reader onto the car? Often they detect the fault before you can feel it. I think it is the upstream one that does most of the work.

I've only just thought about using a fault reader tbh
I'll see if there is anyone local that may have one & fancies doing me a favour in exchange for a pint

Thanks for the reply though buddy, much appreciated.

 

[Rossy197]

I've only just thought about using a fault reader tbh
I'll see if there is anyone local that may have one & fancies doing me a favour in exchange for a pint

Thanks for the reply though buddy, much appreciated.

Mate go down to RSR on Stafford rd, Good in there they are, got charged £20 for a diagnostic and to turn off my engine warning light.. Im getting a reader from K-tec in the next week or so, so if u havent sorted it let me know and i'll bring it over to you seeing as im only 5 mins away

Take care mate

Rossy182

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Mate go down to RSR on Stafford rd, Good in there they are, got charged £20 for a diagnostic and to turn off my engine warning light.. Im getting a reader from K-tec in the next week or so, so if u havent sorted it let me know and i'll bring it over to you seeing as im only 5 mins away

Take care mate

Rossy182

Spot on info, cheers Ross

I know the man in charge down @ Sutton's RSR very well so I'll drop him a call.
If I don't get a chance to get the car out of the garage within the next couple of weeks I'll drop you a shout mate & would be very grateful for your help.

Top banana...thanks again

 

[Rossy197]

Spot on info, cheers Ross

I know the man in charge down @ Sutton's RSR very well so I'll drop him a call.
If I don't get a chance to get the car out of the garage within the next couple of weeks I'll drop you a shout mate & would be very grateful for your help.

Top banana...thanks again

No prob's fella !... now to see ya about lol !! i never see any RS's near us ?? Fancy meeting up some point ?

 

[Mark One]

If in doubt, change it. I found CAS (central auto supplies) the cheapest

 

[sideways danny]

proper diagnostic tool with give you a mV output. you do need to know what's the right numbers though. cycling between 0-1v is correct.

post-cat sensor effects nothing but the light on the dash, if in doubt, swap the 2 sensors on a temporary basis. if your economy improves you've located the problem

 

[SpaceMonkey]

No prob's fella !... now to see ya about lol !! i never see any RS's near us ?? Fancy meeting up some point ?

Yeah mate thats cool.
Tbh mine doesn't do many miles. As soon as the weather gets better we'll pop out

If in doubt, change it. I found CAS (central auto supplies) the cheapest

Thanks for the link Mark

proper diagnostic tool with give you a mV output. you do need to know what's the right numbers though. cycling between 0-1v is correct.

post-cat sensor effects nothing but the light on the dash, if in doubt, swap the 2 sensors on a temporary basis. if your economy improves you've located the problem

Cheers buddy