Can any car utilize a heated O2 sensor?

[fleabag]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxygen_sensor
"

:Sensor failures

Normally, the lifetime of an unheated sensor is about 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Heated sensor lifetime is typically 100,000 miles. Failure of an unheated sensor is usually caused by the buildup of soot on the ceramic element, which lengthens its response time and may cause total loss of ability to sense oxygen. For heated sensors, normal deposits are burned off during operation and failure occurs due to catalyst depletion, similar to the reason a battery stops producing current. The probe then tends to report lean mixture, the ECU enriches the mixture, the exhaust gets rich with carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, and the mileage worsens.

Leaded gasoline contaminates the oxygen sensors and catalytic converters. Most oxygen sensors are rated for some service life in the presence of leaded gasoline but sensor life will be shortened to as little as 15,000 miles depending on the lead concentration. Lead-damaged sensors typically have their tips discolored light rusty.

Another common cause of premature failure of lambda probes is contamination of fuel with silicones (used in some sealings and greases) or silicates (used as corrosion inhibitors in some antifreezes). In this case, the deposits on the sensor are colored between shiny white and grainy light gray.

Leaks of oil into the engine may cover the probe tip with an oily black deposit, with associated loss of response.

An overly rich mixture causes buildup of black powdery deposit on the probe. This may be caused by failure of the probe itself, or by a problem elsewhere in the fuel rationing system.

Applying an external voltage to the zirconia sensors, e.g. by checking them with some types of ohmmeter, may damage them. [1]"

My suspicions were correct in thinking that a non heated O2 sensor would fail earlier than a heated one simply because they get covered in carbon soot, usually because of a cold startup initiating a rich condition until it goes out of open loop and into closed loop. So I was wondering, is it possible to "upgrade" a car to a heated O2 sensor?

 

[thedarkwolf]

Probably. I know in the 80s- early 90s turbo dodge world people do upgrade from the old 1 wire o2s to the newer 4 wire heated o2s. The computer only cares about the signal wire so you just have to run the extra wires yourself.

 

[Ronstang]

Fords have been using HEGO (Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen) sensors since they started putting SEFI (Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection) in the cars in the mid 80s.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Even the Dodges were using heated 3 wire sensors in 87 or 88 and 4 wire in 89.

 

[fleabag]

I was wondering, on a car that came with a heated O2 sensor, when you turn the key to ON would the O2 Sensor be heated? From what I know heated O2 sensors are constantly being heated, is this true? One thing I'd have to worry about is having the heated O2 sensor costantly being heated even if it isn't being used.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I doubt its being heated when the key is turned to ACC but I've never bothered to check. I have an exhaust gas temp gauge in my van and it read as high as 1600 degrees so I doubt the the heater would hurt the o2 sensor any.

 

[bruceb]

They are only heated for a short while until the engine and exhaust get up to temperature. Then the computer turns off the heater in 02 sensor as at that point, it will not be needed. The main purpose of heating it, was to get it to respond quickly & properly while the engine warms up, especially in winter time, so as to minimize engine emissions.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: bruceb
They are only heated for a short while until the engine and exhaust get up to temperature. Then the computer turns off the heater in 02 sensor as at that point, it will not be needed. The main purpose of heating it, was to get it to respond quickly & properly while the engine warms up, especially in winter time, so as to minimize engine emissions.

What he said.

You can use a heated sensor in a car that doesn't have a controlled heater circuit, but it's probably easier to just leave the heater wires disconnected. The exhaust gasses will bring it up to temp.

Are you asking b/c you found that a heated replacement is cheaper, or because of the longevity? If the latter, disregard my advice, since it's not what you were asking about.

 

[fleabag]

I would like to have the O2 sensor last longer and heat up quicker so it can go into closed loop mode sooner.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: fleabag
I would like to have the O2 sensor last longer and heat up quicker so it can go into closed loop mode sooner.

You would need to have a mechanism for turning off the heater or you will likely burn out the sensor from the heating element sooner than an unheated sensor would wear out.

ZV