o2 Sensor Fails Because of Ground?

[SlashGSX]

Ok I'm sorry for this stupid noob question, but will not having my front o2 sensor grounded cause it to fail within like 3 months? This is the second one I've put in the car in the past year. I installed it in November to clear a P0170 CEL and it worked for a while, now the CEL is back. I noticed that it wasn't grounded so could that be causing the sensor to fail?

I know the P0170 could be caused by several things so I am also going to replace my MAF, but I really don't want to keep going through sensors like this if I don't have to. Any help would be appreciated.

Edit: I forgot to add that the CEL will randomly go off for a day then come back on. This has happened to me like 3 or 4 times now. That leads me to believe that I have an electrical problem somewhere, but I'm not very experienced with electrical testing so I don't really know where to start.

 

[sniver]

Explain how you came to the conclusion that its not getting grounded?

It ought to be grounded as long as its screwed into the manifold..No?

 

[SlashGSX]

That's what I thought. I was grasping at straws and that was one thing I thought of. Just wanted validation that I didn't mess anything up.

 

[sniver]

Overly rich tunes/crappy running cars, can shorten the life of 02 sensors also, maybe you have other issues. Not sure where to go for this one. I'll think about it tonight though.

 

[SlashGSX]

I think I have it figured out now. I replaced my IAC last night because I was throwing that code, too, so that's taken care of. Pulled off the turbo manifold and I have a pretty nice crack on the underside of it that goes all the way through to the inside. Pretty sure that I my problem right there so I'm going to find a new manifold and see if that takes care of it. I'll be sure to update this thread either way.

 

[luv2rallye]

Just FYI the O2 sensor ground is the black wire, not the casing.