The ghostly black cat (90 vdp) is at it again. Code 44, O2 sensor issue. That O2 sensor in these early 90's cats play havoc with the ECU. I can drive a good 8-10 miles straight on the highway, come to a stop and the check engine light comes on, VCM says 44. I can shut the car off for 20 minutes and the light is gone. This car is so quiet that at idle I can actually feel a slight rumble, and a slight decrease of RPM at a stop sign and that light will trigger.
The O2 sensor located right in from of the catalytic converter and is slightly recessed in its setting. Anyone know a trick to getting that out? You can only get 1/4 of the bolt to fit on a wrench. I don't want to strip that. Plus you may get a 1/4 turn to loosen it because of the angle.

 

I have read somewhere, hahahaha, about a special tool for removing O2 sensors, and now I cant find it, damn.

I have a real gut feeling it was Snap On, and that is going to be serious $, but beats buggering things up.

There must be tool type suppliers in your area that will know what you are looking for, and I dont mean Walmart, more like specialist mechanics tools.

 

Yes, I believe you are correct. I am going to find one, or make one!

 

I found one, its 22mm by the way. The original exhaust shielding is still in place on this vehicle. It would have to be cut off in order to get the socket to seat properly. I am going to try troubleshooting other areas before I cut that shielding back.

 

I used adeep socket that allowed me to turn it with an open end wrench (i ground the sides flat square that the wrench would fit and get a 90 degree turn at a time) I put the wire out through the top of the wrench and also heated the pipe to expand the fitting.

 

o rallies auto parts has loaner tools for 02 sensor changes. you leave a deposit and bring them back and get it back... i would suggest to try that

 

Yes, I was able to get the socket, for those of you who may go through this again, its a 22mm. Before I cut that shielding back I will try what you did Lumpy, I'll let you know.

 

I believe I have a faulty O2 sensor. As a matter of fact when it starts acting up and throws the check engine light, the car runs better than ever. Smooth as it should. That is the job of the O2 sensor, when it fails, or reads lean or rich, which in my book means fails the car defaults into closed loop mode. Which means the computer over rides the O2 center. Which shows mean the sensor is no good.