|
Do you have the exact CEL code? Was there only one CEL code stored or multiple ones?
You may have killed the O2 sensor in your attempt to clean it. O2 sensors in general, cannot be serviced, they are a wear item and must be replaced. You can clean the carbon on the outside of the 02 sensor, but does nothing to clean the actual element hidden inside a "cage" behind the outer sheath. Using throttle body cleaner or other solvents that can dissolve carbon, could make things worse as it would dissolve contaminants and push them further into the sensor substrate, causing the sensor to read incorrectly. Old fix was to heat the sensor with a torch until it hit a certain temperature to "cook" off the contaminants. Even that was a shot in the dark, as if temperatures are not watched or the sensor heated too unevenly (too cool or too hot), you'll end up fouling the sensor.
There is a MAF sensor on the intake that owners have reported good results after cleaning with a MAF sensor safe solvent. Same goes to the IAT sensor, which is right next to the MAF sensor (same module). For a DIY guide, just do a quick search on this forum and others - lots of decent DIY guides out there. Cleaning the throttle body can also help with fuel economy. Other simple things to do are checking tire pressures, making sure the tires are plumped with air, especially in this colder weather is very important.
Since the fuel economy didn't change that much after the attempted "cleaning" it sounds like the O2 sensor was dead or dying to start off with. For now, start with the simple stuff, see what that does for fuel economy. Pretty much have to replace the sensor - as there is no guarantee that it will read correctly now. Smack your buddies at work as well - for trying to convince you to clean the O2 sensor.
__________________
2002 Corolla S, 1.8L 1ZZ-FE VVT-i
2003 Matrix XRS, 1.8L 2ZZ-GE, VVTL-i (RIP)
2009 Matrix XRS, 2.4L 2AZ-FE VVT-i
|
Linear Mode
