Suzuki: Suzuki Samarai, proportion valve, suzuki samurai


Question
Hi I read you other answer about the check engine light. I can't seem to locate the oxy sensor switch you were referring to. Is there anything else it might me or can you further direct me to the switch? It's a 1988 Suzuki samurai. Thanks for your help!

Answer
If you remove the dash cover above your knees, you will find a small two position slide switch about one to two hand widths forward of the lower edge of the dash and within a hand width of the steering column.  On some vehicles, it's actually on the steering column cover.  Move the switch to the opposite position, and the light will go out until the speedo turns it back on (in I believe 50k miles)  You can do this with the ignition on, and it will be a positive check that you've found the switch, and that it works correctly.  It will not harm any electronic devices because all that it does is turn the light on and off.  DO use a voltmeter and check the functioning of the oxy sensor.  It should fluctuate on average, between 0.3v and 0.8v for a normal sensor.  This will only occur after it's warmed up, and been driven five or so miles after warm up.  A marginal sensor will respond slowly, (only every five or ten seconds) and a dysfunctional sensor will not fluctuate at all.  Note that if the feedback loop is not functional, as would occur if the proportion valve in the carb not working, or wires broken or not plugged in, the voltage will not fluctuate.  If you rev it up, the voltage should change, and you will be able to infer that the sensor works, and something in the feedback loop is not.
scotty