Bring your car, truck, or utility vehicle to Scott’s Auto right away if it is doing any of the following things. These problems are signs that the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning. Some people call the oxygen sensor the O2 sensor, and this sensor works with the engine control unit to report how much oxygen is released in the exhaust. We can replace your O2 sensor if it is faulty.
Illuminated CEL
One of the first things that will occur with a faulty O2 sensor is an illuminated check engine light. The sensor sends an error code to the engine control unit when it goes bad. The unit turns on the CEL because it cannot replace the oxygen sensor itself.
Poor Performance
The O2 sensor can also create problems in the engine. If it gets the oxygen levels wrong, the engine control unit may think that the combustion chamber needs more air. Consequently, this excess air will make your engine sputter and struggle to produce power.
Surging Performance
The opposite can also happen if the engine control unit thinks the combustion chamber needs more fuel. In this case, your engine will surge and pick up speed. This can happen unexpectedly, which can make driving your automobile a stressful thing.
Reduced Gas Mileage
Unfortunately, if the O2 sensor cannot read the oxygen levels correctly, these engine performance problems will not go away. As such, you will notice a reduction in the gas mileage that your vehicle gets out of a full tank of gas.
Burning Sulfur Odors
Sadly, the oxygen sensor can damage the catalytic converter prematurely. If it has read the oxygen levels incorrectly and convinced the engine control unit to put too much fuel in the combustion chamber, the catalytic converter will get clogged with sulfur deposits. As these deposits burn, you will smell rotten eggs coming up from underneath your automobile.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that the catalytic converter is clogged is black exhaust smoke. This also points to the fact that the combustion chamber is burning excess fuel. It might seem hard to believe, but a bad O2 sensor can actually cause all of these problems.
High Emissions Levels
In addition, because the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, the number of omissions in your vehicle’s exhaust will increase. This can be bad news if your vehicle needs to pass an emissions test.
Scott’s Auto in Litchfield, MN, is here to help, so call us today so we can replace the oxygen sensor in your exhaust system.