O2 sensor test values

[Ted Stringer]

The P-car started doing its wavering idle again on the way into work. I had previously thought it was the CHT sensor because I still had the 1 wire version. Replaced sensor, problem went away for a while, now Its back. I disconnected the O2 sensor while the idle was wavering with no change as a result. repluged the O2 sensor. Unpluged the CHT sensor, engine started to act really weard. repluged the CHT sensor, thinking thats not the problem.

I just want to verity that I am barking up the right tree before I replace any more parts.

[stlrj]

My 86 3.2 does the same thing when the mixture is too rich. It also tends to stumble off the line in this condition.

Cheers,

Joe

[Ted Stringer]

I was wondering what readings I should expect with a multimeter. I am assumeing that there is a way to test the O2 sensor?? And if so, how do you test it??

[nhromyak]

To test a O2 sensor you will need a Digital Volt Ohm Meter, not the analog type with the needle.

You will want to check a voltage swing between .01 and 1.0volt ( I think the higeher voltage means rich, or vie versa) with the car running.

The only problem with this test, is it does not tell you if the O2 sensor is LAZY. A lazy O2 is as bad as a none working O2. I think the sapling rate is something like 15 times per second. Not sure what the computer is requsting or looking for though.

Good Luck.

[stlrj]

http://www.birrabrothers.com/tiger/e36/docs/all_o2sensor.htm

Hope this helps,

Joe

[nhromyak]

Thanks Stlrj!

I stand corrected.

Nick