The oxygen (O2) sensor in a well-maintained vehicle can last longer than 100,000 miles. There will come a time, however, when the O2 sensor goes bad. Demore’s Automotive is going to list some signs below that indicate that your vehicle has a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. As you will see, the faulty O2 sensor can seriously affect your automobile’s engine performance.
Black Exhaust Smoke
One of the first things that can happen with the faulty O2 sensor is that you will suddenly see black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is because there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber. This can happen because the faulty oxygen sensor is sending incorrect exhaust data to the engine control module.
Check Engine Warning Light
Another thing that will happen very quickly is you will end up with the check engine warning on your dashboard. Usually, when an oxygen sensor goes bad, it issues an error code to alert the engine control module of the problem. The error code causes the module to turn on the check engine light to make sure you know something is wrong.
Engine Performance Trouble
A bad O2 sensor can also cause engine performance problems such as stuttering or surging. When the O2 sensor cannot send the oxygen levels in the vehicle’s exhaust to the engine control module, the module will make adjustments in error in the combustion chamber. This can affect how well your engine performs, including causing it to stutter or surge as discussed above.
Fuel Efficiency Reduction
You may also notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. This can get frustrating and expensive. When the engine isn’t running efficiently, which can be caused by a malfunctioning O2 sensor, it will burn away the gasoline or diesel fuel quicker.
High Emissions Levels
Another sign your oxygen sensor is having problems is high emissions levels in your vehicle’s exhaust. The more fuel your engine burns the more carbon is released in the exhaust. This can cause your vehicle to fail the emissions test until such time as you get the oxygen sensor replaced.
Rotten Egg Smells
Finally, a malfunctioning O2 sensor can cause catalytic converter problems. When this happens, you will smell rotten eggs coming from your engine and also in the exhaust. Important to get the catalytic converter replaced as soon as possible or you may run into the dangerous situation of inhaling vehicle exhaust.
Demore’s Automotive in Palmer, MA, is here to help. Call us today if you believe your oxygen sensor is going bad.
