strange problem

[theycallmebruce]

i installed my apexi turbo timer today. rigged up the o2 wire and tested it and it seemed to be working.

i then proceeded to tidy up the wiring. the wire to the o2 was very long and i didn't feel like cutting it so i just bundled and tied it up.

when i started the car, the 02 signal doesn't work properly. it's like in the 4.xx range. the funny thing is this...when i move my hand near where the bundle of wire is, the number drops. when i move it away, it goes back up!

sort of like a magnetic field is being generated by the bundle.
i'm gonna cut the wire to length next weekend and see if it fixes it.

 

[FDTT]

Well you solved your own problem right there. There is a magnetic feild. You made yourself a little electromagent there.

 

[psychlow]

What do you have the wire bundle next to? I bet it's picking up EMI from another source.... Maybe your radio? ECU?

 

[DevilSperm]

will a paper clip stick to it?

 

[theycallmebruce]

the bundle is right under the dash to the right of my steering column.

i mounted the relay for the TT just to the right of that, next to the kick panel.

i'll unbundle it and cut it to straighten the wire.
if the problem doesn't correct, is there a way to shield the wire?
can i wrap it in aluminum foil?

 

[GetEvryGear]

Originally posted by theycallmebruce
the bundle is right under the dash to the right of my steering column.

i mounted the relay for the TT just to the right of that, next to the kick panel.

i'll unbundle it and cut it to straighten the wire.
if the problem doesn't correct, is there a way to shield the wire?
can i wrap it in aluminum foil?

Aluminum foil and wires Wouldn't that possibly create a fire

 

[psychlow]

I'd wrap it in one layer of electrical tape, then one layer of foil, and one secure the foil with electrical tape. That way the wires won't short on the foil if there's any exposed sections, and the foil will stay put.

EDIT: Assuming straightening out the wires doesn't fix it for ya, which it probably will.

 

[98RedGs]

Just cut the wire and solder the wire back together that way you don't have all that slack in the wire.