An 02 Sensor Cheater can trick your car’s computer into thinking the catalytic converter is functioning correctly, potentially saving you money on a replacement. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for building your own 02 sensor cheater using inexpensive components.
Building Your Own 02 Sensor Cheater
This DIY project requires basic soldering skills and a few readily available parts. The total cost is significantly less than purchasing a pre-made 02 sensor cheater.
Materials:
- O2 sensor removal tool (recommended)
- Open-ended wrench (sized to fit removal tool)
- Ratchet (optional, for initial loosening)
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Utility knife
- 1 microfarad capacitor
- 1 megaohm resistors (5-pack, 1/2 or 1/4 watt)
- Electrical tape
- Protective covering (e.g., heat shrink tubing)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Disconnect and Remove the O2 Sensor: Disconnect the blue connector. Use the O2 sensor removal tool and wrench to remove the sensor. Applying penetrating oil beforehand can help loosen a rusted sensor.
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Prepare the Wiring: Carefully cut the rubber sleeve on the sensor wiring about two inches from the connector, exposing the wires. Avoid damaging the wires. Pull back the sleeve and secure it with tape.
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Identify and Cut Wires: Separate the two white wires from the gray and black wires. Cut the black wire and remove a small section from the gray wire.
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Soldering the Capacitor: Strip and twist the ends of the cut wires. Connect the connector-side black wire to one lead of the capacitor. Connect the connector-side gray wire to the other capacitor lead.
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Soldering the Resistor: Connect the remaining black wire (sensor side) to the soldered black wire and capacitor lead. Solder and insulate with electrical tape. Connect a resistor between the connector-side and sensor-side gray wires. Solder and insulate.
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Protecting the Connections: Cover the soldered connections with heat shrink tubing and/or electrical tape for added protection and insulation. Slide the rubber sleeve back over the connections.
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Reinstall the Sensor: Reinstall the 02 sensor, ensuring it’s properly tightened. Reconnect the blue connector.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only. Tampering with emissions equipment is illegal in many jurisdictions and is only for off-road use. Using an 02 sensor cheater to bypass emissions tests is illegal. carw.store is not responsible for any illegal use of this information.
