In a message dated 08/31/1999 2:07:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
webbd@... writes:
Is there a way to test the oxygen sensor on my 93 EV?
Dennis -
I have a fault code reader for my 93 Mercury Tracer, which I used while
troubleshooting power loss problems. It told me there were possible faults
with the oxygen sensor and mass air flow sensor. A do-it-yourself book
described how to test the oxygen sensor by removing it from the vehicle and
applying heat to the tip with a propane torch while monitoring the output
cable with a voltmeter. It passed the test. The MAF sensor also passed the
crude test provided for free by an auto parts store. I eventually caved in
and surrended the car to a shop specializing in engine diagnostics, and they
found high resistance in the MAF cable, along with dirt on the sensor itself.
A cable replacement and cleaning of the MAF sensor cured the problem.
Warning: the specialist told me that the do-it-yourself test for the oxygen
sensor was a very bad practice, a good way to fry the sensor. Apparently I
was lucky.
I'm going to miss the simplicity of my '71 Ford when we finally depart
company. It has a 6 cylinder engine with manual transmission, and it just
keeps going and going and going... I believe the reports that say you can't
kill that engine!
Bill Armstrong, EVC Speculator
'71 Econoline (home brew camper)
