Oxygen sensors are used in cars to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. When there isn't enough oxygen, the engine runs rich, making it difficult for the vehicle to accelerate. The symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor include lack of power, lack of acceleration, or reduced fuel economy. The other symptoms are clogged fuel injectors, a faulty catalytic converter, or a failing EGR valve.
What Is an Oxygen Sensor Inside of a Vehicle?
A sensor is an integral part of an engine in a car. Sensors in vehicles monitor the activities in the car engine and report to the driver. It detects and controls the engine's air-fuel ratio by regulating fuel injection. An oxygen sensor is a technological device fitted to measure the amount of oxygen present in the engine's exhaust gas. It is an important instrument used in cars. It plays a significant role in determining whether your vehicle is running well or not.
What Are the Most Common Causes for a Bad Oxygen Sensor?
The typical causes for oxygen sensors to fail are faulty wiring, electrical problems, degraded insulation, and clogged fuel injectors. It could be due to air pressure changes. Other causes include dirt, corrosion from incomplete combustion, freezing due to improper heating of the sensor, electrical voltage spikes from poor grounding, clogged air filters.
Causes behind a bad oxygen sensor include:
- Electrical or physical damage
- Aging or fouling
- Faulty connections
- Corrosion inside the sensor
- Overheating
When Should You Replace the Oxygen Sensor?
When the sensor produces false readings, the engine may need to shut off to avoid damage from running on too lean a mixture. If the engine suddenly starts running rough, or it's idling roughly or hesitating between gear changes, there is a chance that an oxygen sensor might be failing and needs replacement. It is best to replace the oxygen sensor at every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
If you need oxygen sensor replacement, we invite you to bring your vehicle to University Tire & Auto today!