Buick Encore: Heated oxygen and oxygen sensor caution

CAUTION: Do not remove the pigtail from either the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) or the oxygen sensor (O2S). Removing the pigtail or the connector will affect sensor operation.

The following guidelines should be used when servicing the heated oxygen sensor:

• Do not apply contact cleaner or other materials to the sensor or vehicle harness connectors. These materials may get into the sensor causing poor performance.
• Do not damage the sensor pigtail and harness wires in such a way that the wires inside are exposed. This could provide a path for foreign materials to enter the sensor and cause performance problems.
• Ensure the sensor or vehicle lead wires are not bent sharply or kinked. Sharp bends or kinks could block the reference air path through the lead wire.
• Do not remove or defeat the oxygen sensor ground wire, where applicable. Vehicles that utilize the ground wired sensor may rely on this ground as the only ground contact to the sensor. Removal of the ground wire will cause poor engine performance.
• Ensure that the peripheral seal remains intact on the vehicle harness connector in order to prevent damage due to water intrusion. The engine harness may be repaired using Packard's Crimp and Splice Seals Terminal Repair Kit. Under no circumstances should repairs be soldered since this could result in the air reference being obstructed.

HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR RESISTANCE LEARN RESET CAUTION

CAUTION: When replacing the HO2S perform the following:

• A code clear with a scan tool, regardless of whether or not a DTC is set
• HO2S heater resistance learn reset with a scan tool, where available

Perform the above in order to reset the HO2S resistance learned value and avoid possible HO2S failure.

HVAC DUCT HEAT STAKE CAUTION

CAUTION: When separating air conditioning ducts from each other care must be given not to break or damage the hot melted (heat staked) areas of some ducts

Damaging the hot melt areas attaching the ducts to the instrument panel assembly may cause vibrations or rattling with-in the instrument panel assembly resulting in the instrument panel assembly needing to be replaced.

IGNITION OFF WHEN DISCONNECTING BATTERY CAUTION

CAUTION: Always turn the ignition OFF when connecting or disconnecting battery cables, battery chargers, or jumper cables. Failing to do so may damage the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or other electronic components.

INSTALLING HOSES WITHOUT TWISTS OR BENDS CAUTION

CAUTION: The inlet and outlet hoses must not be twisted during installation. Do not bend or distort the inlet or outlet hoses to make installation easier. Failure to follow these procedures could result in component damage.

LIFTGATE ASSIST ROD CAUTION

CAUTION: Apply pressure only at the end of the liftgate/hood assist rod that you are removing or attaching. Do NOT apply pressure to the middle of the rod because damage or bending will result.

OXYGEN SENSOR CAUTION

CAUTION: Handle the oxygen sensors carefully in order to prevent damage to the component. Keep the electrical connector and the exhaust inlet end free of contaminants. Do not use cleaning solvents on the sensor. Do not drop or mishandle the sensor.

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