Hi again
Still waiting to buy the 2.1 gasoline auto but the owner managed to snap the main belt which tore through the 4 cables which link the sensors. He now says when he connects, them he gets an annoying warning and buzzer so he disconnected all of them and drives like that. What has he done? Is it so cryptic reconnecting them? What happens when you drive without them?
THanks again for your patience.

MJ in Marrakech

 

From it's position I'm struggling to see how the snapping of the main serpentine belt would break cables to the O2 sensors.
Don't know about a buzzing sound if you disconnect them but would expect you to get EML on.
Would probably be able to drive without them but certainly fail MOT test in UK and probably similar tests in other countries.

 

+1 to Blues boy's comments.

The 2.1 engine is no different with its O2 sensor placement and connector locations on the firewall and near the fan control module.
Only difference is the 2.1 isn't AWD, so there is no transfer case to work around and also the evap system is less complicated, so there is a little less plumbing on the firewall where the bank 1 sensors plug into the engine loom.
The sensor cabling goes nowhere near the serpentine belt and even if the belt parted, I struggle to imagine how it would reach that cabling to inflict any damage.

To my knowledge there is no warning buzzer utilised in the car, it relies on warning light indicators only and if bad enough invokes "limp home" to protect the engine or transmission.

You can get a buzzing type sound from the the miniature fan unit that is in the dash which is part of the climate control temperature sensing system, but I can't think of any other buzzing sources unless you had some debris that might have found its way into the heater fan.

 

At this point the cynic in me would be wondering if the guy selling the car may be trying to avoid changing dodgy O2 sensors with all the cost and awkwardness that can cause.
Just saying !

 

i would have been tempted to think the same thing but i think more cynically is it the mechanic that he took it to who is trying to make a fast buck by replacing the sensors when there's nothing wrong with them? The cables - where they broke - are more or less in the middle of the engine bay right at the back of the firewall. Is it possible that they cables are not those feeding the sensors but are something else entirely ?

 

Without seeing pictures it's hard to say.Still never heard of a warning buzzer for faulty or disconnected sensors.Have you got another mechanic that can have a look for you ?
Be careful.