When To Replace Automotive Oxygen Sensors
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Automotive oxygen sensors work together with your Engine Management Computer (ECU) to help your vehicle maintain optimum operation and performance.
There are likely several oxygen sensors installed in your vehicle's exhaust system. Oxygen sensors, also known as lambda sensors, are measuring devices for determining the oxygen content in your engine's exhaust. The oxygen sensor operates by continuously comparing the oxygen content in the exhaust gas with the surrounding air. It uses that difference to generate a signal, then sent to the ECU, which adjusts the fuel flow at the fuel injectors.
A properly operating O2 sensor allows the ECU to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio to receive the maximum performance and mileage out of your vehicle, while also reducing pollution. Therefore, a faulty oxygen sensor costs you money and performance. If your oxygen sensor is not functioning properly, your engine's ECU is guessing how much fuel to send to the fuel injectors. This will cause your engine to run rich if too much fuel is sent, which wastes gas and reduces mileage. Or your engine will run lean if not enough fuel is available, which produces excess nitrogen-oxide pollution and may also cause engine damage.
So how do you know if your oxygen sensors are working properly? 02 sensors that completely fail tend to do so instantaneously, usually due to contamination. A failed oxygen sensor will usually cause the check engine light to come on. Without a code reader, there are tests you can perform to analyze an oxygen sensors performance.
However, generally sensors gradually degrade in performance and slowly begin to send inaccurate reports to the ECU. Therefore, independent mechanics advise that, even if your check engine light has not come on, sensors be replaced about every 8 years, or 100,000 miles.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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