Did I test my o2 sensor right? - YotaTech Forums
YotaTech Forums  

Go Back   YotaTech Forums > Toyota Forums Available > Toyota SUV & Truck Tech > 86-95 Trucks & 4Runners

Welcome to Yotatech!
Welcome to Yotatech,

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old 04-07-2008, 11:26 AM   #1 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
Did I test my o2 sensor right?

Okay, so I've been thinking my o2 sensor was going/is bad. So I decided to test it before I bought a new one. I took it off and hooked up a ohm meter to it and it read 5.9...

Is that within spec? Here is where I connected the meter...Notice the Black and Red..... :p



Am I good to go??? Does it need replacing?
This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 12:10 PM   #2 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
bueller?
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 12:14 PM   #3 (permalink)
Registered User
 
runethechamp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 586
Just look it up in the FSM. It will take you less than 5 minutes.
__________________
94 4runner SR5, V6 3VZE, 5 speed
Completely rebuilt engine with Toyota parts at 147k miles
Downey Coils, Aisin manual hubs, Cowl Louver mod, Hella 500 fog lights
Yeah, I know, not many cool mods here
runethechamp is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 12:24 PM   #4 (permalink)
Registered User
 
js9924's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tampa, Fl
Posts: 183
that is not the correct way to check the o2 sensor. you need to check the sensor when the car is running. the o2 puts out a very small millivolt reading check it by starting up the vehicle, then either pressing your probes through the shielding or by pressing pins into the wires and attaching your leads to the pins, you should be able to watch the millivolt reading fluctuate until it warms up then remain fairly constant you can check the heater when it is unplugged however. you do that by putting you ohmmeter probes at B+ and HT- which should be the two pins opposite the retaining clip on the harness. if you have trouble look at the FSM links in the sticky for pics. good luck

It looks like you are testing the heater and that is within spec
__________________
'94 T100 3.0

My mods page: http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/dmb

Last edited by js9924; 04-07-2008 at 12:26 PM.
js9924 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 12:38 PM   #5 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by js9924 View Post
that is not the correct way to check the o2 sensor. you need to check the sensor when the car is running. the o2 puts out a very small millivolt reading check it by starting up the vehicle, then either pressing your probes through the shielding or by pressing pins into the wires and attaching your leads to the pins, you should be able to watch the millivolt reading fluctuate until it warms up then remain fairly constant you can check the heater when it is unplugged however. you do that by putting you ohmmeter probes at B+ and HT- which should be the two pins opposite the retaining clip on the harness. if you have trouble look at the FSM links in the sticky for pics. good luck

It looks like you are testing the heater and that is within spec
That is what I was looking for. THANK YOU!

Don't worry, I'll be back!
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 12:48 PM   #6 (permalink)
Registered User
 
js9924's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tampa, Fl
Posts: 183
happy to help I am just returning the favor for many who have helped me
__________________
'94 T100 3.0

My mods page: http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/dmb
js9924 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 01:20 PM   #7 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: austin, tx
Posts: 1,825
Send a message via AIM to dcg9381
Good post, JS.
__________________
http://www.22REturbo.net
dcg9381 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 01:50 PM   #8 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
Alright, so when I tested the o2 sensor when it was off the vehicle I touched my ohm meter to the 2 black terminals/wires.

Now to test the actual sensor, I connect my meter to the blue and white wires, correct? What should the milivolt reading be once it remains somewhat constant?


I just tested it... I clipped the + (red) to the white wire. and the - (black) to the blue wire.

After I had them connected, I watched the meter BEFORE starting the truck. it started at about -1mv and went up to 30mv and kept going... Once I started the truck, it was at about +70 MV then went down to about 65mv, then jumped back and fourth between 63mv and 65mv for a little bit, then slowly kept dropping...

What does this all mean? Am I doing this right??? Agghhhh! I'm so confused!

Last edited by JohnRaven; 04-07-2008 at 01:53 PM.
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 02:59 PM   #9 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
I'm starting to feel like that little annoying kid who asks questions all the time...
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 05:07 PM   #10 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 223
how about testing a one wire o2 sensor?
gte718p is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 05:25 PM   #11 (permalink)
Registered User
 
js9924's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tampa, Fl
Posts: 183
As long as it was hooked up right, which I think it is, I think it is fine according to my manual (haynes) between 100-900 millivolts is the operating range for the o2 sensor in closed loop mode. what are your symptoms why did you think it was bad?

gte718p how is it possible to only have 1 wire?
__________________
'94 T100 3.0

My mods page: http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/dmb
js9924 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 06:26 PM   #12 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
Alright, so I must not have been getting a good enough connection to the wires. I fixed that...so now I KNOW I had it connected right and I'm pulling about .450 volts. So.... 1/2 a volt.... Is that within spec? (while the engine is running btw)

The reason why I think my o2 was/is bad is because I'm getting terrible gas mileage, and it looks pretty old, so I just thought it might be bad. I tried pulling the codes, but there were none to pull. So I wanted to make sure it was either good or bad before I spend $100 on a new one.

My 'rig'

1992 4Runner 3.0 automatic
31x10.5 BF Goodrich AT Tires
Cleaned throttle body
Sea foamed the gas tank, twice.
Tires properly inflated

New K&N Air filter
New NGK plugs and wires
Tires balanced, front wheel bearings repacked, and front end realigned.
greased about 6 Zerk fittings on the drive train, still need to get at a few more.

Last edited by JohnRaven; 04-07-2008 at 06:32 PM.
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-07-2008, 06:38 PM   #13 (permalink)
Registered User
 
machabees's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 159
You can get an O2 for cheaper than that. look around on here. others have purchased them for less than 50 on ebay and such.
__________________
Machabees, your truck looks like it eats puppies for breakfast.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Workhorse View Post
HAHA yea Murphy definitely smacked me in the head with a 3/4 inch torque wrench. ;)
machabees is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2008, 09:01 AM   #14 (permalink)
Registered User
 
JohnRaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 248
Okay, so I finally found the 'testing procedure' of the o2 sensor... WTF? That is a bunch of micky mouse crap. That doesn't make any sense at all.... I guess I'll just buy a new o2 sensor and see if that fixes my really bad gas mileage....
JohnRaven is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2008, 04:50 PM   #15 (permalink)
Registered User
 
js9924's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Tampa, Fl
Posts: 183
if the readings are correct (sounds like they are) it is fine and that is not your problem more than likely.

What are your symptoms? besides poor mileage
Any engine codes?
__________________
'94 T100 3.0

My mods page: http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/dmb
js9924 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2008, 04:56 PM   #16 (permalink)
Registered User
 
cutboggers's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Coquille, Oregon
Posts: 179
1 wire sensor = old carb junk, heard it was a "DUMMY" sensor
__________________
Heavy right foot, quick left foot!

faster than you
cutboggers is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-08-2008, 05:06 PM   #17 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco East Bay
Posts: 195
The O2 sensor, when warmed up and running, should fluctuate back and forth between about 0.25 volts and 0.85 volts about 8 times in 10 seconds. (you may need to run the truck at about 2500 rpm to keep the sensor temperature high enough, but mine will fluctuate correctly at idle). If it is just sitting at 0.45 volts, most likely the sensor is dead.

To diagnose your O2 sensor you go to .... under the truck? No! You go to the diagnosis box attached to the fuse box. There is a connector labeled Ox1 which goes right to the sensor. You'll need a voltmeter with one of the lcd bars that imitates a needle (you're looking for up/down 8 times in 10 seconds; too fast to watch digits). Start it up, give it 30 seconds to warm up, then hold it at 2500 rpm (thereabouts). Look for up/down 0.25 to 0.85.

If it reads zero or 13.1 you've got a connection problem. If it sits at 0.45 I'd suspect a dead sensor. What about sitting at 0.25 or 0.85v? Then the O2 sensor is probably working, but you're running too rich (mileage problems) or too lean (knocking?). To track that down you need to lean out the mixture (create an air leak) or enrich it (propane?) That may be the "micky mouse" you're talking about.

Do you have a connector labelled Ox2? Welcome to California! That's the second O2 sensor downstream of the catalytic convertor. If that one switching back and forth at the same rate as your upstream sensor, your cat's dead.

Toyota recommends replacing the o2sensor at 80,000 miles. But you can buy 4 good voltmeters for the price of an O2 sensor. Do the test.
scope103 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Old 04-09-2008, 07:11 AM   #18 (permalink)
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: austin, tx
Posts: 1,825
Send a message via AIM to dcg9381
Quote:
Originally Posted by scope103 View Post
The O2 sensor, when warmed up and running, should fluctuate back and forth between about 0.25 volts and 0.85 volts about 8 times in 10 seconds. (you may need to run the truck at about 2500 rpm to keep the sensor temperature high enough, but mine will fluctuate correctly at idle). If it is just sitting at 0.45 volts, most likely the sensor is dead. .
That's right.
The critical parts are having the truck fully warmed up and running it at RPM (not idle) to see it dither. Personally, I like to test it at the ECU with it plugged into the computer, just probe the back of the connector.

There's no "fixed value" test for the 02 sensor - it's meant to be dyamic.


Testing it at idle won't work - these trucks idle rich from the factory.
__________________
http://www.22REturbo.net
dcg9381 is offline  
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
3vze, 4runner, diagnosis, ox1, ox2

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
02 sensor code after sensor was replaced tiredandwired 95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 3 03-11-2008 07:41 PM
How to test knock sensor 89pickup 86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 19 09-21-2007 06:11 PM
trying to test my Throttle position sensor weakyota91 General Electrical & Lighting Related Topics 2 03-07-2007 10:26 AM
How do you test the knock sensor? bsanders30096 86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 4 05-17-2006 02:49 PM
April Car&Driver test the new FJ cruiser in a comparo test X-AWDriver FJ Cruiser 24 03-05-2006 08:38 AM


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 05:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.1.0
Powered by vbWiki Pro . Copyright ©2006, NuHit, LLC
2009 InternetBrands, Inc.