Oxygen Sensor: Service Precautions

The heated oxygen sensors each use a permanently attached pigtail and connector. Do not remove the pigtail from the heated oxygen sensor. Damage or removal of the pigtail or the connector affects proper operation of the heated oxygen sensor. Handle the oxygen sensor carefully. Do not drop the oxygen sensor. keep the in-line connector and the louvered end free of grease, dirt, or other contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents of any type. Do not repair the wiring, the connector, or the terminals. Replace the oxygen sensor if the pigtail wiring, the terminals, or the connector is damaged. Proper oxygen sensor operation requires an external air reference. This external air reference is obtained by way of the oxygen sensor signal and heater wires. Any attempt to repair the wires, the connectors, or the terminals results in the obstruction of the air reference and degrades the oxygen sensor performance. A dropped oxygen sensor is a bad oxygen sensor.