What are the effects of a faulty oxygen sensor on a car?
2 Answers
The effects of a faulty oxygen sensor on a car include: excessive emissions, deterioration of engine performance, stalling at idle, inaccurate engine operation, and reduced power. The function of the oxygen sensor is to control vehicle exhaust emissions, reduce environmental pollution caused by the vehicle, and improve the fuel combustion quality of the car engine. Common faults of the oxygen sensor include: oxygen sensor poisoning, carbon buildup, ceramic breakage in the oxygen sensor, burnout of the heater resistance wire, and internal wiring disconnection. Cars have a front oxygen sensor and a rear oxygen sensor: the front oxygen sensor serves as a feedback mechanism, detecting the oxygen content in the exhaust gases produced after the combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. A high oxygen content indicates a lean mixture, while a low oxygen content indicates a rich mixture. The rear oxygen sensor checks the purification effectiveness of the catalytic converter by measuring the oxygen content in the purified exhaust gases.
I've been driving for over a decade. Last year, my oxygen sensor failed without me noticing, and I felt like the car was guzzling fuel like crazy. A route that normally consumed 8 liters per 100 kilometers suddenly shot up to 12 liters—it was heartbreaking to pay for all that extra fuel. The exhaust also smelled terrible, unbearable even with the windows down. Driving felt like dragging through mud, with frequent jerks during startup, and the dashboard warning light was glowing like a bomb alert. When I finally took it in for repairs, the mechanic said continuing like this could eventually ruin the catalytic converter. Replacing the sensor only cost 500 bucks, and it’s been a huge relief since. Now I get regular check-ups to avoid any surprises—saving fuel and staying safe.
