Vanagon EuroVan
Previous (more recent) messageNext (less recent) messagePrevious (more recent) in topicNext (less recent) in topicPrevious (more recent) by same authorNext (less recent) by same authorPrevious page (June 2001, week 2)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
Date:         Mon, 11 Jun 2001 16:18:56 EDT
Reply-To:     CMathis227@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chuck Mathis <CMathis227@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: rear end of van hotter than surface of sun-UPDATE
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

The O2 sensor provides input to the ECU so that it can 'fine tune' the air fuel mixture. While you may be able to pass an emmissions check with the sensor unplugged even a serious knuckle dragger would probably catch it on visual inspection.

In a message dated Mon, 11 Jun 2001 2:59:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Philip Jones <Tewinot@AOL.COM> writes:

<< Hello All,

After an extensive search of Bentley, Muir, and VW's "Vanagon/Type II Fuel Systems ProTraining" manual, I came to suspect a faulty oxygen sensor as the culprit. The way I tested it was to unplug the signal wire from the sensor (the single wire), leaving the heating wire/ground (the double wires) plugged in. I did this with the engine/switch off so as to reset the memory in the ECU. I then took the van for a test drive (about 7 miles), and immediately felt the back of the van (the areas between the tail lights and the license plate). It was barely warm to the touch. Conclusions: running with O2 sensor plugged in causes van to run too rich, overheating cat converter. running with O2 sensor unplugged reduces cat converter temp.

Is the O2 sensor something that needs to be replaced immediately (if at all)? Does anyone on the list just leave it unplugged? A mechanic I know drove his van 100k miles with it unplugged. Is there any harm in this? The only difference I've noticed so far (besides a cooler cat. conv.) is the van idles higher once warmed up (around 1200 rpm).

TIA, Philip >>


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.