The oxygen (O2) sensor is tricky. In older imports, it lasts about 30,000 miles. In newer imports, it can last as long as 100,000 miles. Located in the tailpipe, this sensor detects how much oxygen is in the combustion chamber. The engine control unit uses this data to make adjustments to the air and fuel in the chamber. Uptown Imports advises that if the O2 sensor goes bad, the unit may make unnecessary changes in the combustion chamber that will affect how well your import runs.
Engine Performance Problems
For example, if the malfunctioning O2 sensor indirectly causes too much air in the chamber, your import’s engine will sputter and struggle to produce power. If the faulty O2 sensor indirectly causes too much fuel in the chamber, your import will pick up speed sporadically and unexpectedly.
Noticeable Fuel Economy Loss
Naturally, these engine performance problems can cause a reduction in your import’s fuel economy. Whether the combustion chamber has too much air or too much fuel, the engine will burn through the gasoline or diesel fuel quickly as it either struggles to run or surges.
Burning Sulfur Exhaust Odors
Too much fuel in the combustion chamber can cause serious problems for the catalytic converter. Sulfur will build up on the catalytic converter’s honeycomb surface if there are too many hydrocarbons in the exhaust. As the sulfur deposits burn, they will release a rotten egg odor in the exhaust.
Black or Dark Exhaust Smoke
The catalytic converter may also struggle to treat your import’s exhaust if it is being clogged by sulfur deposits. When this happens, or if there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber, the tailpipe will release dark exhaust smoke into the environment. The color is normally black.
Unusually High Emissions Levels
This is also a sign that your import is releasing unusually high levels of emissions into the environment. If you live in a state that conducts regular emissions testing, your import will fail the test due to the high emissions levels. Replacing the dying oxygen sensor can restore normal emissions levels.
Dashboard Warning Light
Finally, when the O2 sensor goes bad, it will alert the engine control unit that it is having problems. To alert you of the trouble, the unit will turn on the check engine light on the dashboard. This light will remain illuminated until you replace the malfunctioning oxygen sensor.
We can do that here at Uptown Imports in Minneapolis, MN, so call us today for a service appointment.