Melted O2 Sensor Harness Plug

[chrisR34GTT]

Hi guys,

Recently installed a turbo back exhaust in my R34 and didn't replace the turbo heat shield and forgot to zip tie my O2 sensor harness away from the heat.. I know ! So for a few days the car ran great, then it felt like it was missfiring (noob assumption)/ cutting out. Thought it was coilspack or fouled plugs, so I popped the bonnet and discovered that my O2 sensor (on the harness side) had melted because it was resting on the turbo housing... So how can I determine if a) I need a new sensor or, b) which fuse to check?

Help would be great!

Chris

[GTRPSI]

Or c), redo the burnt part of the wiring first?

Hope you have not cooked something more serious like the ecu, im unsure if there is an inline fuse.

Edited July 24, 2009 by GTRPSI

[chrisR34GTT]

I can't redo any wiring as it is the side of the plug that was burnt, so only the internal crimp was exposed.. I don't know how to explain it better than that. I will post a photo tomorrow. I don't think I have harmed the ecu, but how can I check?

Anything else it could be, basically the the o2 sensor harness melted and one of the internal wires was touching the turbo housing... What else should I check?

[chrisR34GTT]

Had another look today and I think I may have damaged the computer... I reset the ecu by unhooking the battery and leaving the headlights on for a minute. Then when I turn the key to IGN I hear a whurring noise and the front demister light flashes, so I start the car and it stutters at idle. Give it some throttle and on the decel it nearly stalls.

Could I have really damage the ecu, what else could these symptoms be for? I think I might just get the car towed to a mechanic Monday, so any advice as to the direction I could point the mechanic would be great!

[GTRPSI]

Why dont you bypass the plug by stripping some wire on the o2 sensor and the wireing loom and make a bridge with some crimp type plugs and some wire?

If your ecu isnt getting any o2 sensor reading it will most likely run like a dog, also the ecu has to relearn after its reset.

Worst case a second hand ecu from the buy/sell section, should be less than $150.

[EJD001]

i dont see how you people are saying it would have hurt the ECU.. no charge or over over currant of power would have been sent through to the ECU. it would be running like a dog cause the wiring for the 02 sensor has melted- thus no signal getting through. Take it to a good Auto elec on monday and they might be able to solider a new plug and wire to the undamaged part of the harness in your car. Then take it for a drive..

You have to start with the obvious and simple things first, then if that doesnt work , look a bit deeper.

Hope this helps

[chrisR34GTT]

Yeah that does help, thanks guys. My thoughts were to replace the O2 sensor and take it from there also.