|
You may have to replace your oxygen sensor if your vehicle fails its state emissions test. The oxygen sensors in your car’s engine are integral to managing the level of harmful toxic fumes released into the environment. The sensor also controls the fuel levels released into the engine. How important is the oxygen sensor to proper engine function, and how can drivers diagnose problems with this engine part? How Does an Oxygen Sensor Work? The oxygen sensor was permanently implemented in the 1980s in accordance with federal and state emissions laws. It was incorporated into every new vehicle as a method of measuring emission output and restricting cars with exorbitant amounts of environmentally unsafe gasses from legal operation. Vehicles contain from one to four oxygen sensors and they are placed either on the exhaust manifold or inside the exhaust pipe close to the engine. They control the engine’s fuel injector by measuring oxygen levels. They send electric voltage transmissions that tell the injector to adjust the fuel mixture depending on the results. If the engine exhaust burns lean, that indicates a high oxygen content. If the exhaust burns rich, the oxygen content is low. This engine part’s main function is to maintain a healthy balance so the vehicle releases the least amount of fumes possible. Broken Oxygen Sensor Indications The first indication that a sensor may need attention is when the check engine light comes on. While modern vehicles may cover it under warranty for up to 100,000 miles, they are prone to premature degradation when exposed to certain elements over time such as sulfur – a byproduct in gasoline and a material present in all petroleum oil. At the first sign of a dashboard alert, a mechanic will read the repair code from the car’s computer and check for a malfunction. The second most obvious sign of a breakdown is a sudden drop in fuel economy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, repairing an oxygen sensor can increase fuel efficiency by 40 percent. When this component is damaged, it does not provide accurate oxygen richness and leanness, frequently causing the engine to speedily consume higher amounts of gas than necessary. Lastly, if the vehicle stalls, lurches forward or hesitates before accelerating, the oxygen sensor may be to blame. Aging sensors take longer to measure the oxygen levels, causing a delay in the signal, sometimes resulting in a bucking or skipping engine. Maintenance and Prevention Tips To reduce the chances of a failed oxygen sensor, drivers should continually schedule routine oil changes. When the component is exposed to sulfuric fumes from polluted oil, its working life will slowly decrease. Once an expired sensor is diagnosed, car owners should not delay replacement. This part of the emissions system directly affects many other important engine parts such as the catalytic converter. Excess fuel can contribute to an overheated or melting catalytic converter, or at the very least subject it to unnecessary wear and tear, accelerating the need for replacement. Replacing a catalytic converter is much more extensive and expensive. When you identify signs of a failing sensor, contact a trusted local mechanic to run diagnostic testing on your vehicle and replace the oxygen sensor, ensuring the engine begins to run at maximum efficiency. Source: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp
Related Articles -
auto repair, oxygen sensor, oxygen sensor repair, replace car parts, car repair,
| 
