Bad Oxygen sensor symptoms can be quickly identified through simple tips. Oxygen (O2) sensor is an important part of a car’s emission management. Oxygen sensor is situated in the exhaust framework and permits the fuel infusion and motor timing to work proficiently. This helps with outflows control. A faulty oxygen sensor should be replaced in all cars after a certain time. In case your car has a bad O2 sensor – symptoms will show up. You have to be intelligent is reading those signs!
Here are some quick symptoms of a bad O2 sensor
- Check engine light in dashboard turns on
- Poor fuel mileage is notices
- Engine missing sound of is not running smooth
- Engine misfires regularly and is rough
- Higher CO2 emission levels noticed during regular pollution check
Before getting into details, let us understand the functioning of an O2 sensor:
An oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe of the car and it is used to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. It compares the O2 content in the exhaust gases with the O2 content in air. Two scenarios can occur in case of a faulty O2 sensor:
- Exhaust gases have too little O2 content
- Exhaust gases have excessive O2 content
In both cases the oxygen sensor informs the Electronic Control Module to re-adjust the air to fuel ratio in the engine of the car.
If the O2 sensor becomes faulty, it is unable to inform the engine to adjust the air to fuel ratio which results in harmful emissions in the environment and also damages the catalytic converter which results high cost repairs.
A standard O2 sensor operates well for 60,000 – 90,000 kms and generally requires replacement after that. A replacement is mandated as it is installed in an area of high emissions.
Below are some bad oxygen sensor symptoms which mean it’s time to replace your car’s faulty O2 sensor:
Symptoms of a bad O2 sensor #1 – Engine Light turns on
The primary bad oxygen sensor symptoms or problem results in the Check Engine Light turning on. The ‘Check Engine Light’ will turn on when you have a faulty o2 sensor. When these turn on, immediately contact Pitcrew expert car professional for a proper diagnosis.
Symptoms of bad oxygen sensor #2 – Poor Fuel Mileage
Oxygen sensors or O2 sensors have a gigantic part in altering a car motor’s air and fuel proportion, that the engine consumes to deliver power. A bad oxygen sensor may enable excessive fuel to be included in the oxygen (O2) and fuel combination, bringing about poor fuel mileage. A simple indication of excessive unburnt fuel is that the exhaust of the car or car’s silencer will give out black smoke. This is because of unburnt carbon. This clearly is a problem of faulty oxygen sensor.
Symptoms of a bad O2 sensor #3 – Engine Missing
Engine missing is also typically caused when a faulty oxygen sensor influences the air and fuel mix and combustion in the engine. It is clearer when the vehicle is running at a low speed or is in idle mode. When the power goes off subsequent to accelerating, at that point it demonstrates an issue in oxygen sensor. A bad O2 sensor problem should be taken care of quickly else it may result in costly car repairs.
Symptoms of bad oxygen sensor #4 – Misfires and Rough Engine
You may see your vehicle is misfiring, running harsh, or irregularly while idle due to the bad O2 sensor problems. As the oxygen sensor output helps control engine timing, combustion intervals, a faulty sensor can disturb these engine capacities, causing an irregular engine idle. A bad O2 sensor symptoms are evidently felt, but often ignored as the car continues to run. It is best that, you give the car a checkup from a good car mechanic.
Symptoms of a bad O2 sensor #5 – Emission Levels
In case you find a degradation of the emission level of the vehicle during regular pollution checks, faulty o2 sensor can be a reason behind it. The sensors will more often keep emissions below the defined thresholds. Replace the faulty oxygen sensor immediately before it runs havoc on other engine components.
If you see any of the above symptoms in your vehicle, visit your car garage and get the oxygen sensor checked. If replaced timely, it can save you significant costs which can come your way in case the catalytic converter of the car picks up any fault.
In case you want to replace the faulty O2 sensor on your own, here is a DIY video just for you. Please note that the location of the O2 sensor varies from vehicle to vehicle.
This video is courtesy Chris Fix Youtube channel
Hope you find the article informative. Continue to visit the www.pitcrew.co.in blog for more such interesting content related to you car.
Really nice article. Oxygen sensor plays a vital role in the performance of the vehicle and faulty oxygen sensor has negative effects on the fuel economy of the vehicle as well as it also has indirect effects on other components of the vehicle. The appearance of check engine light should not be underestimated and the cause behind the appearance of such sign should be identified and repaired in time to keep the engine in working order.