The oxygen or O2 sensor is a sensor found in front of your tailpipe that is responsible for keeping track of how much oxygen is released in your engine’s exhaust. This sensor sends the information to your vehicle’s main computer, the engine control module, so it can make adjustments to the air and fuel levels in the combustion chamber. JTR Repair advises that you will notice one or more of the following signs if the oxygen sensor is going bad.
Black Exhaust
Let’s assume for the moment that the O2 sensor told the engine control module that the combustion chamber needs more fuel. If the sensor is malfunctioning and the combustion chamber didn’t need more fuel, the engine will burn off the excess fuel sent into the combustion chamber. As a consequence, your vehicle will start to release black exhaust out of the tailpipe.
Check Engine Light
When the oxygen sensor goes bad, it usually sends an error code to the engine control module. This will trigger the ECM (as it’s also called) to turn on the check engine light so you are aware there is a problem with your engine. In this case, the problem lies with the oxygen sensor. We can download the error code when we run a diagnostic check on your automobile. This code will point us directly to the problem.
Excess Emissions
Another sign that your O2 sensor is bad is failing an emissions test. Using the excess fuel example listed above, the more fuel your engine burns the more carbon is released in the engine’s exhaust. If the carbon levels reach higher than allowable amounts, your vehicle will fail an emissions test. Until the oxygen sensor is replaced, the ECM will continue to get incorrect oxygen information.
Fuel Efficiency Loss
You may also notice a significant difference in your vehicle’s fuel economy. If you find that you are heading to the service station too often, it’s likely that the engine is burning too much fuel or it isn’t getting enough fuel. When the engine doesn’t get enough fuel, it works much harder to produce the power you request when you press down on the accelerator.
Rotten Egg Smell
Excess fuel can also clog the catalytic converter and damage it. Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is responsible for changing carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If this part is failing, it will release sulfur smells that resemble rotten eggs. You may smell this rotten odor coming from the engine or in your exhaust.
Stuttering Engine
Finally, if the engine is burning too much fuel, it will surge forward like a bucking bronco. If the oxygen sensor’s incorrect readings cause the ECM to put too much air into the combustion chamber, your engine will struggle and stutter. You will also notice a lag in your vehicle’s acceleration.
JTR Repair in Crawfordsville, IN, would be happy to check your oxygen sensor to see if it is going bad. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
