A key part of your car’s emissions control system, auto oxygen sensors monitor the amount of oxygen present in your exhaust and send that information to your engine’s computer. They help your vehicle’s engine run efficiently by keeping oxygen levels at an optimal ratio. Running too lean or rich can lead to excess pollution, poor performance and engine damage.
How They Work
Auto oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and report their findings to your vehicle’s computer (ECM or Engine Control Module). They ensure that your vehicle’s emissions are constantly within the appropriate level. Oxygen sensors can be found in many different locations throughout the exhaust system. Some vehicles are equipped with two sensors, while others may have four or more.
These sensors measure the fuel-to-oxygen ratio and generate a voltage that relays this information to the engine computer. If the sensor isn’t working, it can lead to poor fuel economy, a faulty air-fuel mixture and even rough idling or misfiring. Modern cars have a variety of oxygen sensors that range from single wire thimbles to heated, planar, titania and wideband sensors. Some of these sensors even feature an internal heater to sustain their response time when exposed to low exhaust temperatures.
Why They Fail
Oxygen sensors are an important part of the emissions system in most vehicles. They monitor the amount of oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust and send the information to the engine control computer. Over time, these sensors become coated with byproducts from combustion, such as sulfur, lead, fuel additives, and oil ash. These deposits prevent the sensor from sending the right signal to the engine.
A poor functioning oxygen sensor can cause a host of problems, including misfires and hesitation. Additionally, a bad sensor can negatively impact your gas mileage and performance. If you’re seeing signs of a failing oxygen sensor, such as poor gas mileage or an irregular engine idle, it may be time to replace the oxygen sensor. This will ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, while reducing the amount of toxic emissions it produces.
How To Replace Them
The oxygen sensor is a critical part of your car’s emissions control system. It detects a change in the air to fuel mixture and sends a signal to your vehicle’s computer. Oxygen sensors are a sensitive piece of technology that must operate under harsh conditions in your car’s exhaust system. They withstand extreme heat, combustion byproducts, and high velocity particulates.
In most vehicles, they should be checked or replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. One-wire and two-wire unheated sensors rely on hot exhaust gas to heat up the ceramic element that reads oxygen levels. Heated sensors, on the other hand, have a built-in heater that reduces the amount of exhaust gas that needs to contact the ceramic element. A faulty oxygen sensor can significantly lower your fuel economy, cause your engine to misfire or stall, and even lead to poor performance. It is also a common reason for your check engine light to come on.
Cost
An oxygen sensor is one of the most important parts of your vehicle’s exhaust system, to know more click here SuncentAuto.com. It helps your engine’s computer calculate the right air-fuel mixture to ensure a smooth-running engine. It can also help you avoid costly emissions tests if it’s in good working order. A failing sensor will cause your vehicle to run poorly, use a lot of gas and pollute more than it should. Oxygen sensors are usually located in the exhaust manifold near the engine and before the catalytic converter. They are typically available in 1, 2, 3 or 4 wires, but most late-model vehicles have four-wire sensors, including a heater circuit that the PCM turns on to quickly warm up the sensor to operating temperature.
Last Word
Oxygen sensors are important to the performance and efficiency of your car. They are responsible for monitoring oxygen levels in your exhaust stream and sending that information to your engine’s computer. They detect whether the air-fuel mixture is rich or lean and tell the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to adjust the fuel ratio. If your sensor isn’t functioning properly, your car will use more fuel and release toxic emissions.
