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Auto Technology, (sdf.org), 09/07/2018
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This is my "technology phlog," so this is the correct place
to post about O2 sensors. They interface with a computer,
after all
My car was running a little rough the other day. Just a
"chug" here and there. I recalled that last time this
happened, there was a tiny PVC elbow joint on top of the
manifold, which connected to a vacuum hose; the heat
degraded it once, and simply swapping it out fixed the rough
running that it was causing. I tried replacing it (it was
due, and cracking.) Unfortunately, that didn't fix the
issue.
I dusted off the ODBII reader and plugged it in today. There
were 5 codes: 2 codes for the Bank 2 Sensor 1 O2 sensor; 2
codes reporting too lean at Bank 2 and Bank 1; and, 1 code
for a cyl 2 misfire. I reset them all and drove around a
bit. Tomorrow morning I'll check the codes again and I'll
visually inspect the O2 sensor wiring. Oh yes, I also
checked the fuse that controls the O2 sensors, which was
fine.
Perhaps tomorrow I'll replace that O2 sensor. I believe
there are 4 of them down there, but I'll just replace the
one that is complaining, because I'm lazy.
Part of me wishes there weren't so many computer parts
controlling everything under my car. Another part of me
wishes that complex emissions requirements didn't exist,
since they make everything such a pain. Still another part
of me is thankful that we have such complex and durable
machines to get us around affordably. No part of me is
excited to get dirty under the car tomorrow.