Does anyone have any data on the average life of an O2 sensor? Is it an item that is replaced during a XXKm service usually? if so, what is that interval?
Around 60,000 Km is the usual life expectency of an o2 sensor. But they have been knowen to give false readings before this time(many time really) It has now gotten to the point with newer cars, that with every tune up an o2 sensor is a recommended part to change.
O2 sensors don't give a static reading, but have outputs that oscillate. As the sensor gets old, the period of oscillation increases. The latest generation of ECUs will detect the long cycle time and set an appropriate internal code (and light the "check engine" lamp). It takes a while for an O2 sensor to age out, but there are any number of contaminants that will seriously mess up an O2 sensor, regardless of age, causing odd readings. There are several types of O2 sensors, and they tend to be part of the modern ECU's "closed" control loop, so diagnosing problems can be a bit technical for a mechanic that doesn't have an electronics degree. It's a lot easier to just replace it periodically, "just in case".
I have one of those. Doesn't seem to be helping at the moment Seriously, I may put the scope on it and see what is hapenning. can be a bit technical for a mechanic that doesn't have an electronics degree. It's a lot easier to just replace it periodically, "just in case".[/QUOTE]
The 550 service manual says to replace at 60,000km. Many have been changed much earlier, for good reason.
You betcha -- and pretty quickly, too. One of the most commonly listed contaminants. See http://www.picotech.com/auto/lambda_sensor.html (and other google'd sources on "O2" or "Lambda", such as http://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/o2sensor.htm) for more than you really wanted to know.
