Disconnected oxygen sensor

[Tleos84]

I have been driving my 1984 911 for four years without any problems. I decided to replace the O2 sensor and I found that it was not connected. I am unable to find the connecting wire that comes from the harness. Does this make any sense? The car had been fitted with an aftermarket dual exhaust by the previous owner.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Lake Guy]

I understand the cars run fine without this sensor connected. I disconnected mine and put a wide band o2 sensor in the bung. Runs the same.

[DaveMcKenz]

The car will run pretty much the same without the O2 sensor. It may run a little richer throughout the RPM range. This may give slightly better performance, and slightly worse fuel economy. I run without my regular O2 sensor also, and use my wide band for engine monitoring, just like Lake Guy.
Good luck,
Dave

[Steve F]

I have to ask, as I too, have mine disconnected, but does anyone know if this will effect the smog test that I soon have to do? 1981 SC

[proporsche]

Hi Steve..to pass the smog test you have to have it connected and in working condition.After the test you can again disconnected..

Ivan

[Steve F]

Thanks Ivan.

[PatrickS]

While hunting down a running issue, I disconnected the O2 sensor and have not tested it nor replaced it as yet, smog tests are no longer required in MN. I decided running a little rich was better than lean, and I'm okay with the fuel consumption numbers that I'm seeing. To my understanding, the O2 sensor has a larger impact on newer models than our '84s.

[nene]

I have run several smog test in CAL without connecting my O2 sensor in my Carrera and it
has always passed.

[proporsche]

hi nene..interesting..i would not mind to see the smog results when you go for tests.
Maybe they, DMW have changed the requirements?

ivan

[nene]

If I find them I will upload them, but according to the tech, all was fine.