What are the causes of a faulty front oxygen sensor?
2 Answers
The causes of a faulty front oxygen sensor: 1. Oxygen sensor poisoning; 2. Poor engine combustion leading to carbon deposits on the oxygen sensor surface; 3. Ceramic breakage in the oxygen sensor; 4. Burnout of the heater resistance wire—for heated oxygen sensors, if the heater resistance wire is burned out, it becomes difficult for the sensor to reach normal operating temperature and thus loses functionality; 5. Internal wiring disconnection in the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is a standard component in automobiles, using ceramic sensing elements to measure the oxygen potential in the exhaust pipe. Based on chemical equilibrium principles, it calculates the corresponding oxygen concentration to monitor and control the air-fuel ratio of combustion, ensuring product quality and compliance with exhaust emission standards.
I've seen this a lot when repairing cars. The front oxygen sensor usually fails due to these situations: Poor fuel quality creates carbon deposits that coat the sensor probe, just like a range hood filter clogged with grease; A too-rich air-fuel mixture accelerates sensor aging, especially common for those often stuck in traffic; Coolant leaking into the exhaust pipe corrodes the probe - I just fixed a car with leaking cylinder gaskets last week; Underbody impacts against the exhaust manifold can directly shatter the ceramic core; Also, using the wrong silicone-based sealant during engine repairs can damage the sensor with high-temperature vapors. Remember to use quality fuel, avoid revving the engine when cold, and check immediately if white smoke comes from the exhaust.
