Your vehicle’s oxygen sensor is more important than you might think. Mike’s Automotive advises that a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause a ton of engine performance issues. We are going to list those issues below, and we can replace your bad oxygen sensor if it needs it. This auto part has an average lifespan of 50,000 to 60,000 miles.
Excess Black Exhaust
The oxygen or O2 sensor assesses how much oxygen is released in your vehicle’s exhaust. It reports the oxygen levels to the engine control unit (ECU) so it can make adjustments in the combustion chamber if necessary. A bad O2 sensor might report the wrong levels to the ECU and, consequently, your vehicle will end up with too much fuel in the combustion chamber and excess black exhaust.
Excess Vehicle Emissions
Another problem too much fuel causes is excess vehicle emissions. This means that if you live in a state that requires emissions testing, your vehicle may fail. The more fuel the engine burns the more carbon in the exhaust. As a consequence, these high carbon levels will end up in your vehicle’s exhaust.
Idling That Is Rough
A faulty O2 sensor can also cause the ECU to increase the amount of air in the combustion chamber when it doesn’t need it. This will cause your vehicle’s engine to become fuel-starved. Consequently, you will notice that your idling is rougher than normal and, in severe cases, your vehicle may stall.
Power Loss or Surge
Your engine performance can also be affected by too much air or fuel. When there is too much air in the combustion chamber, your acceleration will lag and you will notice power loss when your engine is under stress. Too much fuel will cause your acceleration and your engine performance to surge forward.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Either condition can cause a noticeable reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. When the engine isn’t running efficiently, it burns through more fuel. Unfortunately, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor affects your engine’s performance and, as a result, how many miles you get to the gallon.
Stalling or a Dead Engine
Finally, when there is excess air in the combustion chamber, your vehicle may stall or you may not be able to get it started at all. If the vehicle is flooded with fuel, this, too, can stall the engine or prevent it from starting.
One final sign of a faulty oxygen sensor is smelling rotten eggs coming from the catalytic converter that is clogged with carbons. Mike’s Automotive in Del City, OK, can help. Call us today to schedule a service appointment.
