I got the new Fluke 114 DVM today and tested the voltage from the O2 sensor. this one has the averaging function and analog bar graph.
Its a new sensor from RockAuto.com. Replacing the old one had no effect on gas mileage, it remained at 16 mpg.
After running a few minutes, at idle, I had 475 mv average, and the bar graph was fluxing all the way from zero to over-range, about once or twice a second.
At highway RPM, the avg. rose to abt 480 mv. and bar graph was fluxing the same way. I think J. Sweet said that at stochiometric, it should be abt 500 mv....so should I conclude that the control system and all sensors are functioning properly, maintaining optimum mixture?
So then either I am a lead--foot (no way), or the tranny is not maintaing proper ( low) RPMs (I am thinking). Like I said, It winds up to 3300 RPM or so going up to hwy speed, and will never shift into third until you manually back off the gas for a second--so its like having only a semi-auto transmission. And it turns about 3200 rpm at
60 mph. I have tried twiddling with the kick-down cable a lot, and can't seem to get the tranny to shift at lower speeds and fully automatically with *any* adjustment. My 88 Camry maintains LOW RPMs....while this Volvo winds up like a top!I was hanging on to this car beacause its its easy to work on /fix myself.....but there comes a time when the rising price of gas will make it better to buy a recent-model high gas mileage car, and bite the bullet on a monthly car note to pay.
I like those VW diesel engines that get 40 or so MPG!
Thanks, geronimo