Code 13: O2 Sensor

[voney]

Hey Guys,

I have a VP Lexcen which i got from a friend and have found that after a few minutes driving the engine light comes on and stays on. My friend told me that this has been happening for a very long time and that his brother had replaced the O2 sensor to try to rectify it.

I checked the diagnostic codes yesterday and found it was indeed the O2 sensor that is causing the error, so i went Comm-Wreck to get a replacement one just in case, unfortunately i wasn't able to get one, but the mechanic there said mine looked brand new and that it probably wasn't the issue.

Is there any way i can check an O2 sensor for correct functionality or perhaps clean it? Is there any other reason this could be happening?

Also the woman at the wreckers sais she drove a vp around for years with the same issue and it wasn't a problem. Is this true? Can i get away with a stuffed sensor without any ill affects?


-Voney

[Ozzie]

take the o2 sensor out and use some metholated spirits to clean it

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Is it on gas?

[voney]

Is it on gas?

Nah it's not gas...

Is it a huge problem to have it malfunctioning?

[Ozzie]

Nah it's not gas...

Is it a huge problem to have it malfunctioning?

Your engine may lose power, chew fuel, and run roughly

[voney]

Your engine may lose power, chew fuel, and run roughly

My engine does all three....

:P

I'll try to clean it when i get home tonight...

Could there be any other cause other than the sensor?

[centy]

it could also be a broken wire leadinf to the sensor or a short in the circuit.
I have seen one were the manifold was leaking and burnt off the plastic above the connector. A single strand of wire broke of and touched the other one and then the sensor read wrong and show a fault.

[Cheap6]

A manifold leak on its own can cause an O2 sensor fault but the broken wire scenario seems reasonable. The earth for the O2 sensor on a VP V6 is on the front cover/timing case cover.

[voney]

OKay, so i have the o2 sensor out... what do i do to clean it? does it disassemble?

[89berlina]

You need to clean the outside surface of the prob if its dirty

[Cheap6]

The bit that you can see is a protective shield. You'll have to soak it in something. I'm not sure that will very effective though.

[thek]

yeah maybe just buy a new one. they're pretty cheap and are an expendable part.

[aussieghostrider]

No one mentioned removing the engine fuse or remove battery leads for 10 mins to rest ecu.

when theres errors stored in ecu you need to remove them after you have replaced part at fault otherwise ecu thinks problems still there...

if still have problem then replace o2 sensor & reset ecu ...

otherwise off to an auto electrician ..

[voney]

Heah, cleaning it didn't work.

I baught a new one from holden yesterday and the error has gone away.

[mischa]

How much are they from holden?

[Haydz]

2 wire : $ 98.70