How To Clean An Oxygen Sensor: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove and Clean Your Vehicle's O2 Sensors PDF download Download Article Step-by-step instructions for spotless oxygen sensors Co-authored by Jason Shackelford and Amber Crain

Last Updated: December 17, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Removing the Oxygen Sensors
    • |
  • Cleaning the Oxygen Sensors
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
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  • Tips
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  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
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This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 519,644 times.

A dirty oxygen sensor can cause your vehicle's “check engine” light to come on and result in other symptoms like decreasing the car's fuel efficiency. In this article, we'll walk you through how to remove and clean your car's O2 sensors so you can save yourself a trip to a mechanic and get your car back on the road again. Scroll down to get started!

Things You Should Know

  • Jack up the car so you can access the oxygen sensors. Spray the sensors with WD-40 and unscrew them with a wrench to remove the sensors from the vehicle.
  • Fill an industrial plastic container with gasoline and place the sensors inside. Cover the container and let the sensors soak overnight.
  • Remove the sensors from the container and dry them off with a cotton cloth before reinstalling them.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Oxygen Sensors

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  1. Step 1 Put on work gloves and protective eyewear. 1 Put on work gloves and protective eyewear. Since you'll be dealing with gasoline and various car parts, it's important to protect yourself from potential harm. Before you begin to lift your car and locate the oxygen sensor, put on a sturdy pair of work gloves to protect your hands and wear a pair of protective eyeglasses or goggles in case WD-40 or gasoline comes near your eyes.
  2. Step 2 Use a car... 2 Use a car jack to elevate the vehicle. Park the vehicle on level ground, put it in “Park,” and engage the emergency break. Place the jack under part of your vehicle's chassis (including an axis or the side of the car frame) and lift the vehicle.[1]
    • Purchase a car jack at any auto-parts store. Speak with the sales staff and let them know the type and size of vehicle you have, so they can recommend an appropriate jack.
    • Consider disconnecting the car's battery before you start working on any electrical sensors, including the oxygen sensor.
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  3. Step 3 Identify the oxygen sensor(s). 3 Identify the oxygen sensor(s). Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it may have more than one oxygen sensor. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for the exact locations of the sensors. All vehicles have at least two oxygen sensors: one in front of your car's catalytic converter, and one in the car's exhaust manifold.[2]
    • If your vehicle has more than one exhaust manifold, there will likely be an oxygen sensor inside each one.
    • The oxygen sensor will look something like a spark plug: roughly 2 inches (5 cm) long. One end will have a hexagon shape—for a wrench to fit over—and the other end will be threaded to screw into your vehicle.
    • Let the vehicle cool off completely before you touch the oxygen sensor—it's attached to the exhaust or muffler pipe, so if the pipe is hot, the sensor will be, too.
  4. Step 4 Spray the sensors with WD-40. 4 Spray the sensors with WD-40. As your vehicle's oxygen sensors are seldom removed, they will probably be firmly stuck in place. To loosen them, spray the sensors with a lubricant like WD-40 and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. The WD-40 will lubricate and loosen the sensors, making them easier to remove.
    • Purchase WD-40 at any local hardware or auto-supply store.
  5. Step 5 Remove the oxygen sensors from their housing with a wrench. 5 Remove the oxygen sensors from their housing with a wrench. Use a sturdy wrench to loosen the sensors. Place the sensors somewhere clean, such as in a plastic bowl or on a clean, flat spot on your vehicle, so they won't get lost or dirty.[3]
    • If you're not certain of the sensors' wrench size, determine it by attempting to fit a medium-sized wrench over the head of the oxygen sensor. If the first wrench you try doesn't fit, adjust the wrench size smaller or larger as necessary.
    • Alternately, use a wrench with an adjustable opening size.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning the Oxygen Sensors

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  1. Step 1 Fill an industrial... 1 Fill an industrial plastic container with gas and submerge the sensors. Make sure the sensors are fully immersed in the container and none of the liquid splashes out or gets on your hands.[4]
    • Gasoline is enriched with additives that act as detergents to safely clean oxygen sensors. Alternatively, use a specialized commercial oxygen sensor cleaner instead of gasoline. Avoid using home remedies like vinegar or household detergents since they can damage the sensors.[5]
    • Make sure the container can safely contain gasoline. Not all types of containers will be gasoline resistant.
    • If you're purchasing the bucket or container at a hardware store, ask the sales staff to recommend a sealable, gasoline-safe plastic.
    • Never smoke, light a candle, or have any other type of open flame when working near gasoline.
  2. Step 2 Cover the bucket or container with a lid. 2 Cover the bucket or container with a lid. Due to the flammable nature of gasoline, it's important to cover the bucket or industrial container of gasoline. This prevents the gas from catching fire, and also keeps any wandering animals from getting into the gas.[6] Make sure to seal the lid tightly.
    • If you're soaking the sensors in a bucket or a container that does not have its own lid, find something to cover the opening with. Look for an appropriately sized lid among your pots and pans in the kitchen, or simply place a piece of plywood or a large book over the bucket opening.
  3. Step 3 Allow the sensors to soak overnight. 3 Allow the sensors to soak overnight. The gas won't clean the oxygen sensors immediately; you'll need to let them soak for at least 8 hours. While the sensors are soaking, pick the container up and swirl it around several times so all parts of the sensors are being cleaned by the gasoline.[7]
    • For safety, store the container in a cool, dark place outside (like in a shed). Don't keep the container of gas inside a house or basement, and make sure there aren't any fuel-burning appliances, open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters, or electric mowers nearby.[8]
    Restore fuel efficiency with clean sensors. "My car's declining gas mileage was frustrating. This guide taught me how bad oxygen sensors can impact MPG. After an overnight gasoline soak and reinstalling the now-clean sensors, my fuel efficiency is restored!" - Guillermo M. Protect skin while handling gasoline. "I appreciated the tip about wearing gloves when working with gasoline — that stuff can really dry out your hands! The gloves kept my skin protected." - Fred W. Choose a safe sensor soaking location. "I soaked my sensors in a sealed Tupperware container in my locked, detached garage just to be extra safe. No spills or fumes! The guide's tip to store gas away from flames and appliances gave me peace of mind." - Jorge A. Save on mechanic bills with DIY cleaner. "My mechanic quoted $300 to replace my car's oxygen sensors. Instead, this guide allowed me to clean them myself over a weekend with some cheap materials. Huge money saver!" - Ron H. Have a story our readers should hear? Share it with 1 billion+ annual wikiHow users. Tell us your story here.
  4. Step 4 Remove and dry the sensors. 4 Remove and dry the sensors. Reach into the bucket or container of gasoline and remove the sensors. Then, use a clean cotton cloth to wipe the gasoline off the oxygen sensors and dry them fully.[9]
    • Wear a pair of thick rubber gloves to remove the oxygen sensors from the gasoline.
  5. Step 5 Reinstall the oxygen sensors in your vehicle. 5 Reinstall the oxygen sensors in your vehicle. Once the oxygen sensors are dry, use your wrench to insert them back into their original positions and use a wrench to tighten the bolts. Then, use the car jack to carefully and slowly lower your vehicle.[10]
    • Start your vehicle and check to see if the “check engine” light is still on. It will likely have turned off; you may also notice that the cleaned oxygen sensors result in your car using substantially less gasoline.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Surely leaving the electrical contacts and wiring in gasoline for 8 hours can't be good? Community Answer Community Answer Don't put that part in gas. simply tape the wire to outside of bucket so the sensor only is reaching the gas. The bucket is overkill; a 2-cup glass measuring cup would be enough to clean two sensors. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 41 Helpful 233
  • Question Can I use any type of gasoline? Does it matter if it is special or regular? Community Answer Community Answer It doesn't matter. The octane rating should have nothing to do with it. It's the compounds in the gasoline that do the job. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 47
  • Question Can I use mass airflow sensor cleaner to clean my O2 sensor? Community Answer Community Answer Probably; it's just electrical contact cleaner, after all. Petrol is cheaper and easily available, so that's likely why they recommend it. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 28
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Things You'll Need

  • Car jack (optional but recommended)
  • Safety goggles
  • Work gloves
  • Wrench
  • WD-40 and gasoline
  • Bucket with a lid

Tips

  • If your oxygen sensor is faulty, broken, or permanently damaged, you'll need to replace the device. Consult with a mechanic or the staff at an auto-parts store to determine which type of sensor will fit your vehicle. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Wear protective gloves and handle containers of gasoline with care. Avoid breathing in gasoline fumes. Keep portable fuel containers out of the reach of children. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Since gasoline is toxic and flammable, it's important to cover the bucket or industrial container while the sensors are soaking overnight. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Store extra gasoline safely in a cool, dark place outside (like in a shed). Avoid storing gas inside your home or basement, away from fuel-burning appliances, open flames, pilot lights, stoves, heaters, or electric mowers nearby.[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-fix-your-cars-oxygen-sensor
  2. ↑ https://www.edmunds.com/car-maintenance/how-to-fix-your-cars-oxygen-sensor.html
  3. ↑ https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-fix-your-cars-oxygen-sensor
  4. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/how-to-clean-o2-sensor/
  5. ↑ https://www.vehiclescene.com/how-to-clean-an-o2-sensor/
  6. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/how-to-clean-o2-sensor/
  7. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/how-to-clean-o2-sensor/
  8. ↑ https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fuel-Container-Gasoline-and-Other-Liquid-Fuel-Safety
  9. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/how-to-clean-o2-sensor/
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://carfromjapan.com/article/how-to-clean-o2-sensor/
  2. ↑ https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fuel-Container-Gasoline-and-Other-Liquid-Fuel-Safety

About This Article

Jason Shackelford Co-authored by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician This article was co-authored by Jason Shackelford and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Jason Shackelford is the Owner of Stingray Auto Repair, a family owned and operated auto repair shop with locations in Seattle and Redmond, Washington. He has over 24 years of experience in auto repair and services, and every single technician on Jason’s team has more than 10 years of experience. This article has been viewed 519,644 times. 16 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 17, 2025 Views: 519,644 Categories: Engine Parts Article SummaryX

Before you can clean an oxygen sensor, you have to remove it from the exhaust manifold. To make this easier, spray the sensor with WD40 and let it sit for 15 minutes. Once the sensor is loose, unscrew it and let it soak in a container of gasoline for at least 8 hours. When you do this, prevent leaks and fires by making sure the container is gasoline resistant and by covering it with a lid. After they’ve soaked, dry the sensors off and re-install them. Keep reading to learn how to find the oxygen sensors. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Dave Livesey

    Dave Livesey

    Jul 25, 2017

    "Don't use a plastic bucket. Use a Mason jar, it's safer and can be put in a safe place. Plastic buckets..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jason Shackelford Co-authored by: Jason Shackelford Auto Technician Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 17, 2025 Views: 519,644 100% of readers found this article helpful. 16 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Dave Livesey

Dave Livesey

Jul 25, 2017

"Don't use a plastic bucket. Use a Mason jar, it's safer and can be put in a safe place. Plastic buckets..." more Kenda Boac

Kenda Boac

Jan 6, 2020

"I love this article. The instructions are clear and the pictures are perfect. It even offers instructions on how to..." more Rated this article: Guillermo M.

Guillermo M.

Jan 10, 2018

"My car's declining gas mileage was frustrating. This guide taught me how bad oxygen sensors can impact MPG...." more Jorge A.

Jorge A.

Feb 21, 2019

"I soaked my sensors in a sealed Tupperware container in my locked, detached garage just to be extra safe. No spills..." more Ron H.

Ron H.

Sep 19, 2019

"My mechanic quoted $300 to replace my car's oxygen sensors. Instead, this guide allowed me to clean them..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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