36 My oxygen sensor light has come on. What am I supposed to do?
Description
This article is from the Watercooled VWs General FAQ, by Jan Vandenbrande with numerous contributions by others.
36 My oxygen sensor light has come on. What am I supposed to do?
A: Change the oxygen sensor (aka Lambda Sensor), and reset the oxygen sensor
light. Oxygen sensors are to be changed every 30k/60k miles depending
on your car. Many claim that the newer heated 3 wire ox. sensor can last a
lot longer than the designated 30/60 k miles. This is probably true, but
when it does go, your car will run very rich!
Some have reported poor running conditions, rough idle and significant loss
of power as well (recent news thread on r.a.t).
A bad O2 sensor will increase the catalytic converter temperature
significantly and could lead the substrate to loosen from the casing
(happened to me). You will hear a distinct rattling from your exhaust, and
eventually clog the exhaust system.
Note, engine temp will also increase, risking engine damage and possible
fire.
This increases back pressure and decreases the car's power to the point
where it may not sustain highway speeds.
Again depending on your model, a cat. conv. can be very expensive (US$400-
US$800 in my case), while the ox. sensor is about US$100. If you decide not
to replace the sensor, do follow Bentley's procedure periodically to check
whether it's still ok!
Note from M Sirota: I found a 16V converter at Wolf Sport for $365. I've
actually found a new 16V converter at Techtonics for only $125, but they
say it sucks.
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