Your car engine's performance relies on numerous sensors to tell the engine how much unused oxygen is in the exhaust and indicate whether the fuel mixture is too rich or lean. This information is essential to maximize your car's fuel efficiency. When the O2 sensor begins to malfunction, it can affect the performance of your engine. Replace a malfunctioning sensor, then plan on recycling the old one. O2 sensors contain a small amount of platinum, and some manufacturers and parts suppliers will take them for recycling. You can also "recycle" your own oxygen sensors by cleaning them and reusing them.
Log on to a recycling website such as NTK, and sign up for its program. You should receive a shipping label in the mail. Or call a local recycler and ask if you can drop off the sensors for recycling.
Collect the requested number of used oxygen sensors and place them in a padded postal envelope or box and attach the mailing label.
Bring the box to the post office or drive the box over to a recycling center that will accept them. Some recyclers will send back a Visa card or a check for the value of the recycled materials.
Remove the oxygen sensor from the vehicle. Put on your face shield or goggles and the fire-retardant gloves.
Turn on the blowtorch. You should always wear heat- and fire-resistant gloves when working with the blowtorch as well as eye protection.
Pick up the oxygen sensor with the tongs and hold the flame to the tip of the oxygen sensor, which is the rounded ceramic end, for several seconds. The tip gets coated with residue from the combustion process and this should break up the hardened residue.
Remove the sensor from the flame and let it cool for a few seconds before dipping the tip in the bucket of water for a few seconds to cool it down further. Do not hold it in the water for too long. There is no need to immerse the entire sensor, just the tip that you heated.
Spray the tip with compressed air to remove the buildup. Repeat the process as necessary.
Replace the O2 sensor in your car's exhaust manifold and test it. If you car's engine light still turns on, you may have to replace the sensor with a brand-new one.
