How can an oxygen sensor be damaged?
1 Answers
If it's a new car, the main reason is the use of incorrect gasoline grade. The fuel used has an octane rating that does not meet the vehicle's requirements, leading to harmful substances in the exhaust corroding, clogging, or even contaminating the surface of the oxygen sensor, similar to lead poisoning. For an older car, check the catalytic converter. It might be clogged, causing excessive temperatures that burn out the oxygen sensor. Below are the functions of an oxygen sensor: 1. It measures whether there is excess oxygen in the exhaust after engine combustion, converts the oxygen content into a voltage signal, and sends it to the engine computer, enabling the engine to achieve closed-loop control based on the target air-fuel ratio. 2. It ensures that the three-way catalytic converter efficiently converts and purifies the three major pollutants in the exhaust: hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.