Date:         Fri, 30 Sep 2005 11:36:55 -0400
Reply-To:     Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Wil Haslup <wil@CHARMFX.COM>
Subject:      Re: O2 Sensors
In-Reply-To:  <433C811E.7050505@comcast.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Todd P. Last wrote:
> Does anyone have an opinion of the Walker vs. Bosch brand of O2 sensors?
> (These seem to be the only two direct-fit replacements)
>
> Has anyone ever heard of "retraining the computer" for a new O2 sensor?
> The local shop here said that they had to:
> Hold the O2 sensor lead to the computer in one hand, and alternately
> touch the alternator output terminal, and the ground with the other.
> They claimed that this would force the EFI computer to 'relearn' the O2
> program and was a fix for what they called sluggish response to the O2
> sensor.  It was a new one to me.
>
> Since whatever they did solved the morning stumbles that my Van had, I
> was wondering if there was actually something behind this - or if it was
> simply automotive voodoo.

Ha!  ...that's right up there with needing a muffler bearing or a
canewton valve!

I think some shops probably say stuff like that so owners don't start
installing the simpler items...letting them think there is more to it
than is apparent.

At the least I'd start shopping for a new mechanic.  ...maybe see if a
friend has a mechanic they trust and ask them what they think of that
explanation.


--

Wil

"You'll shoot your eye out, kid."
-- Department Store Santa - "A Christmas Story" (1983)