Understanding Bad Oxygen Sensor Symptoms

An oxygen sensor is one of the many overlooked, yet important components of your vehicle’s exhaust system. If your sensor goes bad, you'll surely notice it - and you'll want to make sure it's replaced promptly. Read on for more information or contact your local GreatWater-affiliated garage today.

‍

What Do Oxygen Sensors Do?

Oxygen sensors are an important component of your exhaust system. Specifically, they monitor fuel delivery, fuel economy, and emissions release.

‍

How Do Oxygen Sensors Work?

Oxygen sensors measure the amount, and the quality, of oxygen in your vehicle's exhaust pipe and compare it to any exterior oxygen readings. These readings are then relayed to the engine computer for analysis. If it's determined that the air-fuel mixture is off, then it's often the case of there not being enough oxygen in the mixture. If there's too much oxygen, it's considered "lean." The perfect air-fuel mix is important to a well-running engine.

‍

Watch for These Bad Oxygen Sensor Symptoms

If your oxygen sensor goes bad, there are plenty of signs and symptoms that are likely to indicate it needs service. Here's a look at some of what to watch out for:

Your Check Engine Light is On

A check engine light may illuminate due to a variety of issues, but one of the most common reasons is a bad oxygen sensor. Whenever your check engine light comes on, make sure you get a diagnostic check done to get to the bottom of the underlying issue.

Your Car is Getting Bad Gas Mileage

If your oxygen sensor goes bad, your car might not know how much fuel to inject into the engine. Often, this results in it injecting too much fuel, which leads to poor fuel economy.

There is a Bad Smell Coming from the Exhaust

Injecting too much fuel into the engine won't just result in poor fuel economy, but a foul, rotten egg-like smell coming from the exhaust. In some cases, you may notice you're emitting black smoke from the tailpipe.

You're Experiencing Poor Engine Performance

Experiencing rough idling and a loss of engine power? The culprit is likely the oxygen sensor. That's because bad oxygen sensors throw off the function and timing of your engine.

‍

How Long Do Oxygen Sensors Last?

Oxygen sensors typically don't require routine maintenance, but if you drive your car for many years, you'll likely need to service it. Most oxygen sensors last anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles and should be replaced as soon as they go bad.

‍

Can You Drive with a Bad Oxygen Sensor?

Yes, but it's wise to get the issue serviced as soon as you can. While your car can operate without a working oxygen sensor, the air-fuel mixture could be thrown off pretty significantly if your vehicle's powertrain control module doesn't know how much fuel to inject into the engine. Driving with a bad oxygen sensor could lead to several issues, such as reduced fuel economy, catalytic converter problems, and more.

‍

Contact Us Today

If you think you have a bad oxygen sensor, don't wait to get it serviced. Contact your local GreatWater-affiliated shop today to schedule a service appointment.