I opened up the hood to my 2009 tC a few minutes ago and spotted this damaged wire. It seems like a rodent or something chewed it in two spots. It's damaged, but not completely cut through.

I'm afraid to start the car right now. Can anyone tell me what this wire is, what its purpose is, and a part number or where I could find a replacement?

Thanks!

 

O2 sensor wiring from the looks of it. you'll need a new O2 sensor...

 

Thanks for your response, jct.

Is it safe for me to drive it about 6-7 miles to my mechanic's workshop? Should I tape up the wires first?

Thanks again!

 

Depending on location it is either Item #6 or #7.

It tells the computer if the fuel mixture is burning rich (less oxygen) or lean (more oxygen).
So you should be able to drive 6 or 7 miles OK. Up to you if you want to tape it up.

=MR_LUV

 

If you're gonna drive it like that, unplug the harness from the sensor first. This will throw a check engine light since it's not connected. Better to do that than to chance that the wires are shorted. The air/fuel sensor has a heater circuit, and if it's shorted it could damage other components (ECU, etc.)

See how the car runs/drives with the sensor disconnected before hitting the road, then proceed slowly and carefully.

 

Am I the only one that doesn't see a problem with cutting away the damaged portion of the wires are reconnecting them -- even if it means adding wire to the sensor? I mean, this doesn't seem to be much different than when I cut the connector off of my primary o2 and extended the wires to accommodate an o2 bung that was much further away than it previously was.

Seems like it would be much cheaper, that's all.

 

I actually still have photos from when I did it. Have a look. I know the OP probably already just replaced the sensor, but maybe this will help someone in the future.