Oxygen Sensor Testing?

[GreekDriver]

How do I test to see if my oxygen sensor is dead? I don't have the complete records of the car, so I don't know if it's been replaced the last 40,000 miles.

Thanks!

[m42technic]

Voltmeter?

[KenC]

I'd say just replace it to be safe.

[Jand3rson]

I'd say just replace it to be safe.

Yeah, it's not hard, and they aren't TOO terribly expensive, like $90 or something like that. At least then, you will know it's brand-new.

[nando]

you can get them for $75 plus shipping on ebay

[OOMPH!]

does your check engine light come on when your car is at a stop? and then goes off when you start moving?

[Erick]

www.eap4parts.com where I plan on getting my front wheel bearing and my o2 sensor sometime this month.

[e30evolution]

you cant really check it with a volt meter properly, because the voltage osilates between 0 and 1v, you can check to see if it is creating a voltage, but you wont be able to tell if you have a lazy sensor. you need to hook it up to a scope.

[m42technic]

you cant really check it with a volt meter properly, because the voltage osilates between 0 and 1v, you can check to see if it is creating a voltage, but you wont be able to tell if you have a lazy sensor. you need to hook it up to a scope.

Depends on the refresh rate of your voltmeter...

[Jand3rson]

does your check engine light come on when your car is at a stop? and then goes off when you start moving?

My o2 sensor was dead, and my check engine light was on almost all the time. I finally just pulled the damn bulb for it out of the cluster. Useless fucking check engine light.

[nateb]

If your check engine light is not on can you assume your oxygen sensor is operating properly?

[Jand3rson]

If your check engine light is not on can you assume your oxygen sensor is operating properly?

I would assume so. 99.9% of the time, that's the reason the check engine light comes on in E30's.

[OOMPH!]

If your check engine light is not on can you assume your oxygen sensor is operating properly?

I say yes, also if your exhaust has a weird smell (carbon dioxide) then your O2 is probably bad.

[nateb]

When referring to the check engine light, is it the same as the flashing CHECK light that directs you to the overhead check panel?

The previous owner of my car took out the SI lights so if the check engine light is part of that then I won't see it until i fix that.

Thanks
-nate-

[m42technic]

If your check engine light is not on can you assume your oxygen sensor is operating properly?

I say yes, also if your exhaust has a weird smell (carbon dioxide) then your O2 is probably bad.

You cant smell carbon dioxide. You can however smell hydrocarbons. :P ;)