Does Cleaning Oxygen (O2) Sensors Really Work??? (Andy’s Garage: Episode - 209)

Andy Phillips does a full test on whether or not oxygen (O2) sensors can be cleaned. In this video he uses carburetor cleaner, but some have suggested gasoline and other cleaners. The real questions is does it really work and can they be cleaned? The verdict comes out in this video!!!
Below are links to other videos of mine pertaining to Oxygen Sensors:
All About Oxygen (O2) Sensors: • All About O2 (Oxygen) ...
How To Replace Oxygen Sensors: • How To Replace Oxygen ...
How To Replace O2 Sensors With P1153 Code: • How To Replace Oxygen ...
DISCLAIMER:
The individual featured on the Phillips Vision KZbin Channel identified as Andrew Phillips, also known as Andy Phillips is not a professional mechanic, contractor or certified repairman. He does not have any formal training in the automotive field, or any other trade. He is strictly a Do It Yourself handyman.
Phillips Vision, or the individuals featured on this channel, assume no liability for anything you choose to do to your vehicles, appliances, games or any other items featured in the videos before, or after watching one of the videos or utilizing the content from this channel.
All Do it Yourself (DIY) repairs or modifications you perform are at your own risk. Proper safety precautions are always needed, and are the responsibility of the viewer to follow. In some cases, even if you perform everything properly, you can destroy or damage one or more things you are working on resulting is costly repairs.
In addition, if for some reason, the instructions on this channel are incorrect, resulting it something becoming damaged, Phillips Vision and those featured on this channel WILL NOT reimburse or pay in any way the costs that may be incurred due to following wrong instructions.
PLEASE DO NOT PERFORM ANYTHING SHOWN ON THIS CHANNEL (PHILLIPS VISION) UNLESS YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT TO DO SO.

[@colinjewell5838]

Yes cleaning can work, i had a BMW which was running rough. i did not have a meter to check for codes, however, i decided to change the bank 1 oxygen sensors. I used white vinegar in a see through container. i dangled the sensor ends in to the white vinegar for 5 days, shaking them in the vinegar at least twice a day. At the end of the 5th day i gave them one last shake in the vinegar and took them out and wiped them clean. There was carbon in the vinegar which told me that some cleaning had occurred. After installing the cleaned sensors i started my car and went for a drive. To my amazement the car was no longer misfiring, rather it was running smoothly and as it should. I am not saying that cleaning an oxygen sensor will always work, however, for me it was successful.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Nice. I suppose if the heater unit on the sensor is broken you'd need to change them regardless.

[@badaddidude]

Use Carb cleaner, Acetone, or Lacquer thinner, to clean an O2 sensor. Then heat the sensor with a propane torch until it is red hot. This will burn off any Carbon build up left after cleaning. Clean once more with whatever solvent you used before and the sensor should be as good as new. I have used this method to get more than 200,000 miles out of sensors. I have replaced only 2 sensors in my 2002 4.1 6 cylinder Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that has 480,000 miles on it. A recent trip from So. Cal. to Yerington ,Nev. gave me an average of 20 MPG at 70-80 MPH all the way.

[@akanesoratobu8889]

is carb cleaner similar to intake valve cleaner ? Which one would you recommend ? Also to get the O2 sensor off should i use WD-40 or penetration spray before

[@user-cg3ir2ru7u]

Oil pressure to high

[@jeffspeer3747]

If your just trying to get your car to pass smog, dip them in boiling water while pouring baking soda on them. In this economy with so many people out of work, not being able to pay rent or buy food, paying $30 or $130 for one o2sensor, your time and a $1 or $2 box of baking soda is a plus. Worked on my company vehicle (Astro) and my son in laws car.

[@smileygnome7329]

Not that expensive? I have checked everywhere and it’s $400 just for parts getting my o2 sensors. Seems kinda expensive to me

[@johnly5702]

For what you bought your car for, it's not that expensive :B Also swap the engine because the o2 is dirty already, it's not that expensive :B

[@dconeconn8787]

Do you have a job? If so I think you need a new one

[@johnly5702]

@@dconeconn8787 can you give him a job on the spot? There's a few college students with money hardship, I'm sure not everyone has the option to get a high paying job at any rate. Js

[@jakechavez7721]

Same here😂😂 400 dlls!

[@smileygnome7329]

@@dconeconn8787 I spent $400. Wasn’t the issue. Turned out to be bad engine. So I bought brand new car in cash for my wife. It was her Christmas present. And no, don’t have a job. Retired from Bitcoin in 2018 at age 34. My job now is fishing 🎣

[@johnsmith-ik4xp]

A rough idle is more likely due to a vacuum leak then a faulty O2 sensor. Any vacuum leak would also cause an O2 sensor to get dirty and fail. I would do a smoke test first and find your vacuum leak before you throw a new O2 sensor into it. A dirty or failed O2 sensor is just a symptom of the problem. The lean code could be a vacuum leak or dirty injectors. When you have a lean code it dumps extra fuel in the system to try to compensate for the lean problem. That's what makes your O2 sensor fail, all the carbon buildup from all the extra fuel that the computer is dumping into the engine.

[@PhillipsVision]

Thanks for the input

[@seanchu9139]

vacuum leak from Disa Valve?

[@freshbutplain1144]

This will help my process of elimination though. Smooth idle and smooth driving for 40 miles then back to crap helps me actually feel better about buying the new o2 sensor knowing that’s the actual culprit. So I guess I’ll be cleaning them and if it clears up my rough idle and gas smell 👃 I’ll be glad to buy new ones. Just don’t want to throw parts and kill my wallet. Thanks!

[@zordonthevoyagesof577]

Would've been cool if you logged sensor voltage output before and after.

[@catsoandahalf]

Good video, great analysis.

[@chelle315]

Not being funny but your experiment is somewhat inconclusive because you cleaned a sensor that was already failing. I would think that cleaning a sensor that has not failed from time to time would actually extend the sensors life.

[@drsnowmon]

This is true, if the heating element or the wiring has gone bad(physical damage) cleaning is of course not going to solve the problem

[@kevinaragon8011]

Thanks to this video I saved $700 on buying it at the Ford dealer! for my 6.7 diesel truck

[@BacheFate]

you should have cleaned it with an intake valve cleaner. I use CRC intake valve cleaner and it brakes down carbon pretty well.

[@NemourDelaneuville]

I use a wire brush and when there caked, it does make a difference. After cleaning and reinstalling. The o2 upstream affects fuel trims , timing ECT. Wire brush works best.

[@ianpreglo]

thanks for the video, it is better to clean it while waiting for the replacement, since you are going to remove them anyway to know the part number for the replacement

[@rogermabaet2717]

THANK YOU PHILLIPS! THAT WAS A BIG HELP!!!🙏👍😎

[@siliconvalleyengineer5875]

The cost of a 02 sensor for a 2009 ford 5.4 is $48.00 dollars and not the $20.00 dollars they use to be just last year. So yeah, learn how to clean them folks

[@live2hustle495]

Oh no baby my macan s aint cheap..... 🤔 😭😭Dealer wants $567 for 1 sensor!

[@glenncordova4027]

I was quoted $200.00. It depends on the vehicle

[@roadstar499]

Any data on the life cycle of 02 sensors? Thanks for sharing

[@gregsantos9731]

Have you put anti-seize on the sensor thread?

[@user-wm4bo4nj8l]

what is the sockets for hrv honda i have one but it need some sort of trox hex?

[@joecox9958]

The sensors you shown 1st and last are the same but 2nd is not. The curve at 6min shows good sensors, but curve at 8m13s already shows problem - both are rich and 1x2V O2 doesn't work, then you drive and shows it too lean error. Not sure how you swap/change O2s, but a non working too rich O2 can be too lean after 42miles driving is irrlogical. Hope you can clarify. One thing is sure - clean out shell no help, you need to merge into liquid to clean the sense element.

[@abdullahh157]

keep it up

[@joshjazzo9282]

hello mr Phillips, you video is helply in my car, always I repaired my car and I used the right tools, but I never sew the scanner in the cell, where do you buy those scanner.

[@PhillipsVision]

That is a Bluetooth scanner that you can get on eBay for around $10 and then purchase the app Torque Pro from Google Play for around $5. It will allow you to check almost everything

[@mijaresaldo]

Well made video. Thanks

[@segbachan5123]

Should check mass airflow sensor

[@ronaldocampbell6484]

VERY GOOD VIDEO. MY 2008 HONDA ODYSSEI. HAVE THAT PROBLEM.THE BANK 1 . O2. CENSOR IS NOT WORKING.

[@travissmith9119]

I just watched quick and do appreciate the video and content. I have experienced that it works , but only if you throughly clean the cat as well. The cat gets so dirty so fast. I am always looking for better cleaners. You can defiently use detergents for the cat. I wouldnt use else where. But they take forever to clean. But will work

[@PhillipsVision]

Thanks for the feedback

[@abdoualilahthomas8031]

Just free try of cleaning the sensor. If worked good of not replace it. Except if you replace the catalytic converter, you need definitely to replace all oxygene sensors, no cleaning old one, because bad oxygene sensor may missing up your new catalytic converter by sending innaccurate information to the the car computer. Many people do this mistake replacing the catalytic converter without replacing oxygene sensors.

[@rowanparmiter7622]

CC.... hard to remove and $$$$$ too. Better to clean using Lacquer thinner in the fuel?

[@drsnowmon]

not true at all sir

[@rowanparmiter7622]

Did you put anything on the thread of the oxygen sensor before you put it back?

[@XNY556-Apple]

You can use antisieze.

[@tombutler6827]

LOLOL…. I bought a New upstream O2 sensor from a National auto parts store. Got the wrong one, the electrical connector was wrong. So I took a picture of the old connector. Removed the new sensor, but before I put the old sensor back in I sprayed it down with engine degreaser. Let it set about 5 minutes. Then replaced it. I drove down to get the new sensor. And on the way home the check engine light went out. 🧐 I have driven 52 miles so far and it’s still off. I will keep the new unopened sensor around for at least 200 miles to see if the cleaning worked.

[@anthonybostwick163]

Did that work

[@bethells86]

I thought you would have to leave in cleaner for some time to dislodge the buildup.

[@PhillipsVision]

You could but at the end of the day cleaning (in my opinion) is not 100% worth it

[@janosvadas]

Be wise to put anti seize on those thread in the future

[@deal380]

Joe Edwards, u something else, anti Seize

[@boobletownbobby9255]

COPPER anti-seize not the other stuff, it's not temperature rated

[@pay_attn]

amen

[@chauvoduy9350]

I spray carburetor cleaner on it, then burn it for few second, then i sand it with 600grit sand paper, after that the oxygen sensor super clean inside and outside

[@rowanparmiter7622]

I would think an old toothbrush is better, sandpaper looks a bit severe.

[@chadshortland2173]

I have a 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport it has a P0171 code system to lean bank 1 sensor 1. I already replaced the MAFS mass air flow sensor and still get check engine after driving 40-50 miles still throws P0171 code I called Honda to buy O2 sensor. They quoted me almost $600$ 😮 just to pick up part for it. Is this normal for an O2 sensor to cost that much. I heard u say in video they are not expensive and I don’t remember paying that much for an O2 sensor but I was curious where do u purchase ur O2 Sensors from?

[@PhillipsVision]

The most I’ve ever paid was $68 for an oxygen sensor. Some foreign cars can cost more, but never heard as high as you were quoted, maybe $200

[@00710071a]

Why did you not show evidence of the new O2 sensor with your scan tool, did it solve the issue?

[@PhillipsVision]

Yes it did

[@mayor3185]

I just cleaned it, fix my problem, But I will change eventually. I been teaching my self about maintenance. Cause 90 percent of mechanics ain’t honest and that sad.

[@PhillipsVision]

That’s why I learned how to fix my own vehicles, got tires of being ripped off

[@michaelbedgood9571]

What's the link to that scan tool used in video?

[@PhillipsVision]

It was a Bluetooth scanner that works with the Google Play app “Torque Pro”. It’s not on eBay anymore. There are other ones similar if you search “Bluetooth OBD2 Scanners” on eBay. They are usually around $10

[@txivneeghmoobmeskas4930]

What size is wrench?

[@stevenweiss2148]

Good video. Good advice

[@ivanmikhaylov1103]

What OBD2 reader do you use?

[@audimanuk]

Yeah I was wondering that ?

[@JimmyLeope]

Do I still need the sensors if I remove the catalytic converter?

[@PhillipsVision]

No, but your ECU may need reprogramming

[@virgilcain]

They're quited upt to 350USD here EACH and my car needds four so I'ma clean em

[@johnly5702]

Just bought a 1999 lexus rx300, sensor is not that expensive if you compare the price I bought it for. My sensor is ONLY $150 or $500...

[@luisesco3517]

Oven cleaner does the job pretty well

[@tiberiuswade8789]

Think some missed his point....this VDO is about: " if cleaning the o2 sensor would make it work vs replacing it". At end he did mention he doesn't like trying to clean them....buy new ones. He wasn't trying to convince any that cleaning o2 will work and you won't have buy new ones. His point was to show that carburetor cleaning Doesn't help 😂

[@ajeunwamiritv3386]

I will try this with my Chevrolet spark

[@nigelphilander4312]

Can you use mass air flow sensor cleaner

[@PhillipsVision]

Not sure if it’s strong enough. You can soak the sensor (not harness) it in gasoline.

[@elang8599]

My Silverado shuts down almost goes dead under a heavy load then it clears up then boggs some more

[@PhillipsVision]

Are you getting any engine codes?

[@germanhernandez3718]

I tried two times with two different cars and it doesn't work.

[@Reza-nz2re]

What if i use carbon cleaner foam like DCS?? It will clean the carbon in the O2 sensor faster and will look like a new sensor but for a long run can damage the ssnsor??

[@PhillipsVision]

Mr Reza never used that cleaner. You could try it, but at the end of the day sometimes the sensor just needs to be replaced

[@Reza-nz2re]

@@PhillipsVision ok thank u for the information

[@blamm5348]

Not that expensive? Lol

[@jpks5646]

Really !! Mine is over 300 bet you have Ford focus

[@joejovip26]

same. my failing o2 upstream sense is 330.00 So kinda expensive Lol

[@juarezzz3475]

haha

[@skottys3]

$250 each in Australia

[@anthonypyshny4195]

Just bought them ,my coil that operates 1and4 went bad all the carbon clogged it up

[@RandoDred]

What scanner did you use?

[@PhillipsVision]

A Bluetooth scanner with Torque Pro app

[@robertrose3068]

No anti-seize. Not a gpod idea. Which scan tool is that? 👍

[@PhillipsVision]

It’s the app Torque Pro running through a Bluetooth OBDII scanner

[@benjaminwillard2394]

you gotta soak the sensors in gas for at least 24 hrs and when you're dealing with 4 o2 sensors that cost $260 per side you might want to try saving $570 including taxes.

[@jaguarpaw46]

Sometimes cleaning can work sometimes not . Cleaning only cleans outside of oxygen sensor

[@simianrogue]

I wish these Lambda sensors were cheap for a Yamaha Motorcycle - over £200 for a new OEM sensor. :o(

[@4X4JEEPMODS]

You better put some anti-seize and those threads before you screw that thing on 😉

[@Scatpack23]

Can I use brake cleaner ? I don't want to spend 140

[@PhillipsVision]

I would recommend either carb cleaner or gasoline

[@seanchu9139]

you didn't show proof that after changing the O2s, your P0174 proportion too lean code does not show up anymore

[@babamama999999999999]

Cleaning it from carbon is fine but will it work again?? Anybody know??

[@chuckzollner8846]

Do I need to disconnect the battery when taking off/replacing the O2 sensor

[@PhillipsVision]

You should anytime you are working with electrical components, however, I do not do it all the time

[@SOUSEGOD_MUCKCITY]

Have a 14 Altima need a o2 sensor rear bank 1 . Nissan dealership $360.....smdh !!!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

LOL Nissan sure has gone downhill.

[@jeffreykuhns6581]

Use Berkebile Gum cutter. Regular carb cleaner won't do the job.

[@edwardmcgowan9206]

You hiring? Because $240 for the cheapest O2 sensor for my car seems a little pricey lol

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

No before comparison?

[@PhillipsVision]

The sensors used in this video were already dirty and registering bad readings.

[@devhunt4287]

That's what we wanted to see, the bad readings pre clean, and the after readings after cleaning

[@J.KNOCKZ]

Is it still working for you

[@PhillipsVision]

I never used the ones that were cleaned because it didn’t properly restore them to peak performance

[@ariyako]

Not that expensive?? $500 here for o2 sensor ktm 390

[@allanell1721]

A bit expensive for a $75 item......

[@AB-xh4vr]

Wonder if CLR would do any good

[@jokers7890]

@Coyote lol

[@amyjojinkerson5668]

I call the Johnson bars

[@travislarson9776]

Pssh dealer just quoted me $2400 for a 19 ram 3500

[@PhillipsVision]

You can do it yourself for approx $300 to replace all sensors

[@travislarson9776]

@@PhillipsVision where do I get cheaper sensors though? I’ve tried to see if earlier models had same part number but they’re different. The one I need they said it’s 2,400

[@PhillipsVision]

@@travislarson9776 I get Bosch sensors from Autozone and Advance, around $59.00 each. I know mechanics who say only use dealer sensors because they perform better. I’ve had issues with cheap Chinese ones but not with Bosch.

[@travislarson9776]

@@PhillipsVision hmmm I’ll have to just buy one and see it it works

[@travislarson9776]

@@PhillipsVision just curious if they’re about 60 each where’d you get 300?

[@user-ib8jh7qb9m]

My sensors are 230.00 a peice what planet are you on I wouldn't be looking for cleaning ideas if they were even 60 a peice!!!!!

[@PerryEveritt]

Not that expensive ford custom 2020 £600

[@YMBey]

Soak overnite

[@laragreene8328]

Those last usually such a long time I dont mind buying a new one.

[@norxand]

£480 for my sensor mecedes

[@allenpickett5307]

Not expensive really mine are 200 a piece

[@gregander1241]

It may be a destroyed catalytic converter

[@abdullahh157]

first!

[@patrickpirelli7897]

£150 pound each over here in england so if there bot that expensive, my van is a vauxhall vivaro 2.0l cdti on a 2012 plate, i look forward to you postong me the not that expensive sensors 🤐🍳🪴