Can you clean your oxygen sensor?

Answer 1

Yes. An oxygen sensor is susceptible to contamination by buildup of oil and grime associated with the operation of the engine and it's exhaust fumes and chemicals. As long as no damage has been done to the sensor itself. When you have other mechanical problems such as bad spark plugs or dirty fuel and clogged fuel filters or even a dirty air filter your car will not run well and will cause an overabundance of waste in the exhaust that will quickly clog the oxygen sensors. Some people say if you try to clean the sensors you will damage it. So what? If you are trying to clean it, it is because it already does not work properly. Right? So use a little common sense and go for it. The best way is to use specific aerosols from your auto parts store developed for the sole purpose of cleaning sensors such as the vehicles Mass Air Flow Sensor. And sensors should be cleaned often if you want them to last. Just do not try to clean an oxygen sensor unless you get a bad code on it, and are sure it is malfunctioning. So take care of your vehicle. Spray clean your throttle body where the throttle position sensor is located. Spray clean your (MAF) mass airflow sensor which is located on the air filter housing or tube. Clean out your EGR valves because they clog up with engine gunk. Replace your fuel filters and air filters. Do all this at least once a year. These will help keep your vehicle running in top condition which will keep your oxygen sensors from getting fouled up for a longer period of time. And if no physical damage occurs to any of these sensors they will last a very long time which means you keep more money in your pocket.