A1Lexis

iTrader: (6)

I haven't seen a DIY for a smog sensor cleaning on the SC so I thought I would post one. My SC is an 05 with 52K. As you can see in the pic, it was FILTHY with leaf particles. With some high mileage SC's on the road, you can bet they have never been cleaned. If you have 15 minutes and can turn a wrench, you can do this.

Tools needed - 10mm socket - flat head screwdriver

Open the hood and locate the smog sensor on the right side of the front radiator support.
Using a 10mm socket, remove the one bolt.
Next, disconnect the wiring harness.
Now the sensor is completely removed from the car.
Using a flat head screwdriver, open the four clips that keep it secured.
With the sensor now open, you should see the filter.
Remove it and clean it. I used dish washing detergent and worked the grime and dirt out with my hands until it became clean.
I then used a heat gun and made sure the filter was completely dry. A hair dryer will work also.
Put the filter back in, ensure the four clips are secure, reconnect the wiring harness and secure it with the 10mm bolt. Your done!!

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mrblister

Great write up. Is the smog sensor the device that closes the outside air supply when it senses fumes when your in traffic

A1Lexis

iTrader: (6)

You are correct. Like when you are stuck behind a bus or diesel truck.

mandyfig

How did you come about this cleaning? I will do mine tonight.

lexie

Thanks for the great write up! I did not know that is the air sensor until now. I always thought the sensor was inside the passenger compartment air duct.

mandyfig

Well I cleaned mine, it was dirty for sure. Hoping it will do something good. How did you know it is for smog again?

A1Lexis

iTrader: (6)

A Lexus tech told me they had a LS430 with 140K miles come in for service and the filter had never been cleaned and was completely clogged. He told me the DIY method so I wanted to share it with CL. Glad it worked for you.

gripau1

I didn't even know there was a smog sensor, cool tips thanks.

tfischer

Thanks for that great tip.
My car is over 10 years old and I bet that the filter has never been cleaned.
I'll find out this weekend, and it won't cost me anything.
You have provided a great service to us all with that neat bit of heretofore unknown information.

def300s

What would the normal service interval be on this?

VVTiBob

Service interval would vary on driving and environmental conditions

mrblister

maybe change the whole sensor and charge you 300.00

loudzone

just did this cleaning this morning. i didn't pay attention to the configuration of the cover and put it up side down causing the sensor screen getting poked by the plastic stud. just want to remind the those who diy will need to make sure the circle indent on the cover is over the sensor while the plastic stud is next to the filter.

tfischer

I did this neat little cleaning a week or so ago. I went real slow and the whole thing took perhaps ten minutes.
The filter media cleaned up nicely with soap and water, and I dried it by squeezing in a paper towel.
Re-assembly, as noted above, must be done carefully to keep the correct alignment of the cover.
After 45,000 miles, my filter was only a little bit dirty, so this is not something that needs to be done very often.
My thanks to the OP for posting this helpful advice.