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O2 Sensor, When To Change ?

strafingmoose

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strafingmoose Enthusiast

strafingmoose

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Hi!

 

My truck has about 60k miles on it, and I think it still has the original O2 sensor. I posted a while back about how bad my gas mileage was (10MPG) and got the injectors cleaned, as well as the "butterfly valve", the filters were still clean. That didn't seem to help too much, but still, it was a used truck I bought so it is still a good thing to do.

 

Now I hear O2 sensor can really affect gas mileage. What is the typical interval O2 sensors need to be changed ?

strafingmoose Enthusiast

strafingmoose

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What's low? No codes? Heavy foot? Stock wheels? City/hwy ratio?

 

10 MPG. I wouldn't know about codes since I am not equipped to read ODBI (or whatever it is called). Tires are 245/75R16 TractionKing Plus (snow tires). I try to always keep it under 1500rpm in the city, 75/25 city/highway.

 

Thought I should get at least 12-14MPG and 13-15 when summer gas mix comes back.

hubbycap Senior Enthusiast

hubbycap

Posted
Posted
What's low? No codes? Heavy foot? Stock wheels? City/hwy ratio?

 

10 MPG. I wouldn't know about codes since I am not equipped to read ODBI (or whatever it is called). Tires are 245/75R16 TractionKing Plus (snow tires). I try to always keep it under 1500rpm in the city, 75/25 city/highway.

 

Thought I should get at least 12-14MPG and 13-15 when summer gas mix comes back.

 

 

Bad O2 would give a check engine light. Thats pretty weak mileage, even w/75% city, unless you're idling half the time. You may need to run some injector cleaner through it. I'm sure that there can be a big discussion here about which and how much, but a good quality gas treatment like Techroline for a couple of tanks may improve it greatly. Could even run it a little higher concentrate than recommended; like 3/4 tank to the can of treatment.

hubbycap Senior Enthusiast

hubbycap

Posted
Posted
Already had the injectors cleaned, but maybe I'll try that treatment of yours.

 

Thanks :shakehead:

 

 

If a shop has cleaned the injectors don't waste your money. If it was the $99 treatment with the can in the fuel rail that should be about it on that. How about that air filter?

strafingmoose Enthusiast

strafingmoose

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If a shop has cleaned the injectors don't waste your money. If it was the $99 treatment with the can in the fuel rail that should be about it on that. How about that air filter?

 

The one that is in the truck is still very clean, white.

Mikeee Enthusiast

Mikeee

Posted
Posted

Have you had it checked for the latest 'puter info?

 

Also, I believe that an O2 sensor can read slow. Have it checked with a big $ handheld to monitor the O2 output.

 

On mine, it gets dirty real fast and swings slow enough that a knowledgeable tech can observe/interput the O2 readings.

 

My 2¢

D&SYukonDenali Senior Enthusiast

D&SYukonDenali

Posted
Posted
<br />Have you had it checked for the latest 'puter info?<br /><br />Also, I believe that an O2 sensor can read slow. Have it checked with a big $ handheld to monitor the O2 output.<br /><br />On mine, it gets dirty real fast and swings slow enough that a knowledgeable tech can observe/interput the O2 readings.<br /><br />My 2¢<br />
<br /><br /><br />

 

+1

 

O2 sensors have a wide tolerance before they pop a code. Your gas mileage will be affected before a code is popped. I would replace them between 75K and 100K (closer to 75 if mostly city driving, closer to 100 if mostly highway).

 

Just my opinion.

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