S70 O2 sensor

smithy · Post by **smithy** » 17 Feb 2005, 06:11

The CEL is on in my '97 S70 and the code I pulled is for the Oxygen sensor. The rich mixture prognosis seems likely since my mileage has dipped and the car is running a bit poorly with a rough idle and the like. I pulled it last night to see how fouled it was and it had quite a bit of carbonization. I've read before of a way to clean the sensor involving a torch and some brake cleaner but I wanted to get some feedback on this procedure from anybody who has tried it. I know its simple to switch out a new one, but I don't want to pay for a new one right now if I can avoid it. I also don't want to ruin the sensor by cleaning it incorrectly. I've heard of wiring in a generic Bosch but that too seems like a bit of a pain in the neck. I guess I'm just trying to be cheap. If anybody has had any luck cleaning this thing or more importantly if things went terribly wrong and they had to get a new one, please let me know. I've been down that road recently with my 850 with a different sensor and I don't want a repeat performance. Thanks in advance.

smithy · Post by **smithy** » 17 Feb 2005, 06:18

Sorry, it's early. My S70 is a '98. Back to the coffee pot.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 19 Feb 2005, 23:08

The carbon build up is normal on an O2 sensor. I would replace it, but only with a Volvo sensor. If you replace it with a Bosch sensor not from Volvo, it will not work correctly. Volvo's sensors are customized for their engines.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 20 Feb 2005, 09:39

Bosch makes the Volvo senors and they are a LOt cheaper than Volvo. An easy change if you can get under the car . What codes do you have as that will tell you what is need of replacement?