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What Happens When the O2 Sensor Malfunctions?

The oxygen (O2) sensor generally lasts between 90,000 miles and 100,000 miles. In some cases, you may get more mileage out of the sensor. The primary responsibility of this sensor is to keep track of the oxygen being released in your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s exhaust. This information helps the engine control module balance the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. J&M Auto Service advises that the following things can happen when the O2 sensor goes bad.

Check Engine Warning

One of the first things that will happen is your vehicle’s check engine light will turn on. In fact, a faulty oxygen sensor is a common reason for a check engine warning. Replacing the O2 sensor will turn off the check engine light and help prevent the following problems.

Black Exhaust Smoke

If the engine control module adds more fuel than is necessary into the combustion chamber because of skewed O2 data, your engine will have no choice but to burn away the excess fuel. When this happens, you might end up with black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe.

High Emissions Levels

The excess fuel will also increase the emissions levels in your vehicle’s exhaust. Consequently, if you live in a state that requires emissions testing for vehicle registration, your automobile will fail the test. This is because there are too many hydrocarbons in your automobile’s exhaust.

Performance Trouble

The increased fuel can also cause engine performance problems such as surging. Your engine will pick up speed by itself intermittently. If the engine control module adds extra air into the combustion chamber when it doesn’t need it, your engine will sputter and struggle to run. You will also notice that the engine’s idle has become rough and it is difficult to get your vehicle to accelerate.

Reduced Fuel Economy

All of these things can reduce your fuel economy. When the engine is not running efficiently, it will use more gasoline or diesel fuel than it would when it runs as it should. Consequently, you will have to fill the gas tank more often to keep your vehicle on the road.

Rotten Egg Smells

Finally, excess fuel burn that produces excess hydrocarbons might clog the catalytic converter. When this happens, you will smell rotten eggs in your vehicle’s exhaust.

Call J&M Auto Service in Tea, SD, today if you suspect your automobile’s oxygen sensor is bad. We can test the O2 sensor and replace it if necessary.

Photo by Birdlkportfolio from Getty Images via Canva Pro
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