How to Clean an Oxygen Sensor on a Buick Opel
- 1). Place the Buick Opel in "Park" and allow the vehicle to cool with the engine off for a half hour.
- 2). Open the Buick Opel and locate the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is found on the exhaust manifold, on the passenger side of the vehicle. The sensor is a white, rubber, plug-type component.
- 3). Remove the oxygen sensor from the vehicle using a socket wrench along with an oxygen sensor socket. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the sensor can be easily removed. Lift the sensor off of the exhaust manifold.
- 4). Heat the sensor tip with a blowtorch until it's about to turn red. Dip the sensor quickly into water. Clean the tip with compressed air immediately after removing it from the water. A can of compressed air can be purchased at a local auto store. This will cause carbon deposits to break free. Repeat this process until the carbon deposits are gone.
- 5). Place the oxygen sensor in a bowl with Seafoam cleaner. Allow the sensor to sit overnight. This will break up any remaining carbon deposits.
- 6). Pat the sensor dry using a clean cloth. Reinstall the sensor on the exhaust manifold; tighten and secure the bolts using the socket wrench. Close the hood of the Opel.
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