Quick Question,
Unplugging the 1st o2 sensor (in the manifold) for a couple seconds would cause the CEL to come on . Would it stay on even if I plugged the sensor back together? I am talking about the plug that is on the end of the o2 sensor, not removing it from the manifold. I am assuming it would go into safe mode and dump extra fuel in, so I wouldn't have to worry about it running lean.

Reason:
I have a lazy o2 sensor. I am getting 20.8 mpg. I just filled up today and the past two times I filled up with Shell gasoline that has NO alcohol or ethanol so it is pure gasoline. When running the usual Shell or Bp w/ 10% ethanol I get roughly 20.2.
No dragging brakes, no speed starts, no racing, mostly 55mph.

I am going on a LONG trip at the end of this month and since Honda has to fix any emission problem on the 97 Accord for free, i'd like to have that done since I am nearing the max terms of the requirements and have lost my job and have another tuition bill. So the difference between 28 and 20 mpg on a long trip will save me a lot of money.

Thanks Guys

 

If you're talking about the Emissions recall for the Accord, that is only up to 150k miles. And they won't change O2 sensors. It was the air filter, dizzy, spark plugs, spark plug wires, and maybe one or two other things. But the O2 sensors weren't part of it.

Unless you're referencing something else that I wasn't aware of.

You could try like a spark plug defouler possibly to see if that helps it out. People use those so the O2 doesn't trip with say like a test pipe.

 

Appreciate the response MuffinMan!

However, the lawsuit by the EPA towards the Accord states that any emission related item that triggers the CEL must be fixed by Honda for free until 150k miles or 14 years after. It includes the o2 sensors and even the cat. It also includes what you stated because they give you a free tune up and replace all that. I had that done @ 100k miles with no effect of the mpg. I'll try to find the articles for you.

 

http://moneyfortherestofus.com/2007/...rds-95-96-97s/

It says repair of the emission system.

But back to the OP.
MuffinMan, would it be okay to unplug the o2 sensor for a couple seconds? And would the CEL stay on even if I turned the car off and back on?

 

It would if it was OBD2. During the CEL process in an OBD2 vehicle, the computer constantly re-tests the system to make sure the problem still exsisits. That why OBD2 vehicles dont throw code right away. On an OBD1 system evertime the key is turned on, it checks fore codes. If it finds any it will tghrow a CEL. After the vehicel is turned off the computer re-sets which means it has to find the code all over agin next start-up.

 

OBDII it'll stay up

 

Thanks guys.

I'll give it a try tomorrow in the morning and see what happens. So unplugging it won't cause any damage, right? It should pour extra fuel in since the mixture is unknown to prevent a lean mixture.

 

I inadvertantly left my o2 sensor unplugged on my ODBII (98 Accord F23A1). I noticed when CEL light came up. Stopped the car, popped the hood, plugged it in, CEL light turned off more or less immediately.

BTW, rather than trying some kind of low-level fraud on Honda recall, it's probably simpler to just buy a new sensor. I got mine for $36, IIRC (Denso).

 

Where did you buy that new sensor at?

 

I'll still give it a shot.

And where did you find it for $36? Was it a universal Denso or a OEM replacement. Was it for the front or cat?

 

$36 is probably eBay

 

So you think the CEL will stay on? Haven't had time to try it out. No garage and its ice cold outside!