Did Techron just damaged my Oxygen sensor?

[MoneyJohn]

Hello folks,

I have 2006 Nissan Sentra, 1.8S.
I have used Techron only once before this case, about a year ago. That time, I noticed improvements in terms of the way car was running. The feel was different. Hence decided to use again this year. My tank is about 13 gallon and I put 10 oz of Techron in that tank. Filled up Exxon gas in NJ.

Within about 100 miles of driving, engine light came on and showed the code P2A00, which likely means either of the following
- Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1
- Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
- Air Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
- Fuel pressure
- Fuel injector
- Intake air leaks

The car has almost 92K on it, bought used. The maintenance by the previous owner was not meticulous and drove 72K in 3 years.


FWIW, during last 6 months, we have gotten repeated P0455 code, which means
- Missing or loose fuel cap
- Incorrect fuel filler cap used
- Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close
- Foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap
- EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
- EVAP system hose leaking
- Fuel tank leaking
And was tested by mechanic twice, but did not find anything odd.

My questions are -
- Can Oxygen sensor thing (the code P2A00) be connected to my techron use?
- Can these 2 codes have some connection?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cknight49090]

I wouldn't worry about it you can replace the o2 and you would likely keep getting the code.

 

[SuzukiGoat]

92k is time to change the 02 sensor anyways.

But...that tiny amount of chemical wont have any tangible effect.

 

[Quest]

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3270869/Re:_PEA_and_Amine-based_Fuel_S#Post3270869

400ppm (parts per million) of PEA (techron) in your gas isn't gonna kill your O2 sensors.

You have some other genuine issues to begin with. Let's get them resolved first before you lay blame on the fuel additives.

Q.

 

[Robenstein]

usually around 100k you need to change oxy sensors anyways. They do wear out.

 

[zzyzzx]

I also think your O2 sensors are worn out anyway.

 

[SatinSilver]

No

 

[KrisZ]

I don't know where people get the idea of oxygen sensors being "worn out". These are not wear and tear components and do not need to be changed at a set mileage interval.
Sure, they can fail, get lazy etc. but it is largely dependent on vehicle maintenance, fuel quality and type of usage.

Since there was also an evap leak code being thrown before, I'm inclined to think that perhaps there is a vacuum leak somewhere or maybe one of the injectors is malfunctioning.

 

[ram_man]

Dont just replace stuff clear the code replace the gas cap (cheap enough so might as
Well ) then drive it if the light come back then adress the issue, or take it somewhere that will properly diagnose it.

 

[MolaKule]

Quote:
My questions are -
- Can Oxygen sensor thing (the code P2A00) be connected to my techron use?...]


No.

Replace the sensors that were already failing.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
I don't know where people get the idea of oxygen sensors being "worn out". These are not wear and tear components and do not need to be changed at a set mileage interval.
Sure, they can fail, get lazy etc. but it is largely dependent on vehicle maintenance, fuel quality and type of usage.

Since there was also an evap leak code being thrown before, I'm inclined to think that perhaps there is a vacuum leak somewhere or maybe one of the injectors is malfunctioning.


Yes, they do wear out. I have seen a set recommended replacement limit (mileage) in a Catco catalog.

No, it's not from the cleaner directly but it may have cleaned some stuff off it and shows itself as not working very well.

 

[antiqueshell]

Nope.

You have 92k on those sensors, and it is more likely that oil or coolant residue would contaminate those sensors than the small amount of PEA. Important to note that PEA does NOT leave its own residue behind in the combustion process which is that makes it the outstanding detergent it is.

 

[mclasser]

Originally Posted By: Robenstein
usually around 100k you need to change oxy sensors anyways. They do wear out.

I've taken nearly all my cars well above 100K miles and never had to change an O2 sensor. Guess I've just been lucky.

 

[Tones]

I have had O2 sensors go out in 30k miles. You have been very lucky. 90k on a sensor is quite good. The sensor was on its way out anyway. Buy one at Amazon and change it yourself. Its not difficult.

 

[moklock]

I actually was able to put off an upstream O2 replacment for a slow response code a couple times with some Techron. YMMV

 

[GaleHawkins]

Yes based on doing it with Sea Foam usage but over time the code always reset.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: beast3300
Originally Posted By: KrisZ
I don't know where people get the idea of oxygen sensors being "worn out". These are not wear and tear components and do not need to be changed at a set mileage interval.
Sure, they can fail, get lazy etc. but it is largely dependent on vehicle maintenance, fuel quality and type of usage.

Since there was also an evap leak code being thrown before, I'm inclined to think that perhaps there is a vacuum leak somewhere or maybe one of the injectors is malfunctioning.


Yes, they do wear out. I have seen a set recommended replacement limit (mileage) in a Catco catalog.


Following that logic you would have to replace every part in your car at a set mileage interval as I'm sure manufacturers of wheel bearings, pulleys, struts, shocks, bushing, other suspension components, etc. all have some sort of design lifecycle in mind for these components. In fact you should replace the entire car with a new one every 150k, regardless of its condition, because that's the designed lifecycle of most cars on the road.

Now we all know that there are plenty of cars that make it well past the 150k mark as well as plenty of others that start having major issues well before the 150k mile mark. It all depends on the maintenance and how the vehicle is used.

The same applies to oxygen sensors. They do have a design lifecycle, although it's not really officially published, but that doesn't automatically mean they will fail after hitting some magic number. Better yet, unlike a lot of other components, oxygen sensors are part of a sophisticated, self-monitoring system that will alert the user of part malfunction most of the time.

I simply don't get the logic, that's all.

 

[racin4ds]

The first code is your 02 sensors, replace at least the upstream one but I'd suggest doing both. Nothing to do with the Techron, just coincidence

The second code is telling you there is a leak in the EVAP purge system somewhere and takes a VERY good technician with the proper equipment to find and repair. EVAP issues on older cars are a nightmare... Ive seen so many failures in my years as a technician and most just cover the light and drive on because they are so darn expensive to repair/replace.