How to Deal with Oxygen Sensor Failure?
3 Answers
Solution for oxygen sensor failure: Simply replace it with a new oxygen sensor. Here is some information about oxygen sensors: 1. In engines using three-way catalytic converters to reduce exhaust emissions, the oxygen sensor is an essential component. 2. Since the purification capability of the three-way catalyst for CO, HC, and NOx drops sharply once the air-fuel ratio deviates from the theoretical value, an oxygen sensor is installed in the exhaust pipe to detect the oxygen concentration in the exhaust. It sends feedback signals to the ECU, which then adjusts the fuel injection amount to maintain the air-fuel ratio near the theoretical value.
I've been driving for half my life, and oxygen sensor failures are quite common, but they're not too difficult to handle. Typically, the issue is due to the sensor itself aging or being clogged with carbon deposits, or it could be wiring problems or unstable voltage. Be alert when the engine light comes on, fuel consumption suddenly increases, or the exhaust smells unusual. The first step is to visit a professional repair shop to read the fault codes with an OBD tool to confirm the issue—never guess or misdiagnose. If confirmed, try cleaning the sensor interface first, using a specialized cleaner to wash away carbon deposits; if that doesn't work, replace the part, which usually costs a few hundred to two thousand yuan. You can save some money by doing it yourself, but be careful not to damage the exhaust pipe connector. After replacement, clear the fault codes and test drive. Delaying repairs can cause the engine to shake and emit smoke, waste fuel, and damage the catalytic converter, which is not worth it. Regularly check the sensor's condition and inspect it before long trips to prevent issues.
Last month, my car's oxygen sensor failed, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket. The repair process was straightforward. First, I noticed the check engine light was on and the car felt sluggish, so I used a mobile app connected to an OBD diagnostic tool to check the trouble codes, confirming it was a sensor issue. I immediately went to the repair shop, where the mechanic checked the wiring and connectors—no issues found. Cleaning didn't help, so a new sensor was installed for 1,200 yuan. The car ran smoothly right after replacement. Here's a tip: Avoid sudden acceleration or frequent driving on dusty roads, as this part gets dirty easily. If the sensor fails, don’t delay repairs—not only does it pollute the environment, but poor engine efficiency also increases daily costs. Keep a spare part handy so you can fix it quickly if needed.
