O2 sensor replacement

My 96 I've owned for 3 months has 130,000 miles on it. I'm getting an occasional code for a lean condition. I've been running Techron in it to clean the injectors. Should I be replacing the 02 sensor based on age and miles? I'm not getting a code for it. Thanks

You need to find the problem. A bum sensor gives a more consistent code. A scanner will let you read the sensor pulses.

Specifically what code?

I am thinking you thought to check the exhaust manifold for cracks.

Code P0171 for a lean condition. I believe I found what was causing it. The vacuum line that runs from under the supercharger snout is cracked at the rubber connector at one end a loose fit at the other end. But I still have the O2 sensor separate question: when the sensor is old will it slow down in its response and affect performance? Or should it only be replaced if it throws a code? Thanks

Cliff96 wrote:

Code P0171 for a lean condition. I believe I found what was causing it. The vacuum line that runs from under the supercharger snout is cracked at the rubber connector at one end a loose fit at the other end. But I still have the O2 sensor separate question: when the sensor is old will it slow down in its response and affect performance? Or should it only be replaced if it throws a code? Thanks

The ECU compensates for slowness of older sensors.

In my experience it makes somewhat of a difference if you replace it but not so much that you say Oh Wow Why Did I Wait!!!

If you do replace it, *get a name brand sensor* like NTK or Denso.

My "gut feeling" on this is that if you know how to use a scanner to check the sensor performance and the scanner shows performance is below par, then replace. Otherwise, replace if a sensor related code is thrown and you cannot find another cause. I replaced a sensor for 'maintenance' one time (used an ACDelco sensor, too) and the *new* sensor threw a code. I was not happy about that. Replaced that with a Denso, I guess you could call it NOS, from Rick W... problem solved...

I've had this car about 3 months. I replaced the sc coupler a few weeks ago because of rattling. When I removed the vacuum hose under the snout last night there was a tiny shard of plastic from the old coupler stuck into the metal tube that I pulled out. I'm sure that was mostly blocking the airflow.

Cliff96 wrote:

I've had this car about 3 months. I replaced the sc coupler a few weeks ago because of rattling. When I removed the vacuum hose under the snout last night there was a tiny shard of plastic from the old coupler stuck into the metal tube that I pulled out. I'm sure that was mostly blocking the airflow.

...sounds like you maybe found the problem...