O2 Simulator

O2 Simulator

Paul
aka Trebuchet03
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By trebuchet03

4 ratings

- Video 1 -

Tricking your car's computer into thinking everything is A-OK with your catalyst. Much cheaper than buying real O2 sensors.

First: It is illegal to tamper with ANY emissions control system in your car in the United States.

What: Simple oscillating circuit using the very common 555 timer IC (it does not have to be the CMOS version, so you can save the $1 if you buy new).

Why?: The OBDII P0421 (Warm up catalyst efficiency below threshold) code popped up. My dad thought he would be nice and just replace my catalytic converter (cat for short). Well, its the downstream O2 sensor that is bad (that's the one after the cat)... A New sensor costs between $60 and $150+ This device cost me less than $5 for EVERYTHING including a nice little case.

How to make: No, I'm not going to supply the circuit diagram. You can find it online somewhere - but its a basic astable oscillator ;) And because it is illegal to use, I don't want to bring trouble to supersoda or its creator(s).

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It works! I was able to fool my car's ECU into thinking everything was A-OK. However, I bought an OBDII scanner from harbor freight ($40) so I can read/clear codes quickly (this tool was very much worth it). No need to hack my ECU harness when I can just wait until I have money for real car parts.

Yes, if you remove your cat and replace with a test pipe for "off road use only" - this will effectively fool the computer.

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I swear... I have done more than auto hacks and projects :P But I don't want some kid blowing a hand off if I explain how to make ammonia tri-iodide from household products - and unless I have something really unique on a pneumatic cannon... we're pretty covered already :P

By salomorales	2006-04-01 12:40:45
I think this looks and sounds really cool and if you have done any more projects i think you should post them all, regardless of their nature. Its awesome to know what people can think up.

By trebuchet03	2006-04-01 18:45:46
heh... maybe - unfortunately, I lack pictures for lots of things (not all unique really) -- search google for the soda can stirling engine. I don't have pictures of the one I built last year, but plenty of other people have pictures and instructions :D But come to think of it... I do have another auto modification that is quite practical....

By bikeracer	2009-02-19 23:16:05
What size resisters and capscitors did u use? I made a 02 simulator but cant get the output voltage right. could u help me?

By jcook	2009-02-20 20:20:37
Ha, nice hack man.