What are the effects of a faulty oxygen sensor on a car?
4 Answers
The effects of a faulty oxygen sensor on a car include excessive emissions, deterioration of engine conditions, leading to symptoms such as stalling at idle, inaccurate engine operation, and decreased power. More information about oxygen sensors is as follows: 1. There are two oxygen sensors: the front oxygen sensor, located at the exhaust manifold, is used to adjust the mixture concentration; the rear oxygen sensor, located behind the three-way catalytic converter, is used to monitor the working condition of the three-way catalytic converter. 2. Replacement cycle of oxygen sensors: Oxygen sensors do not have a fixed replacement cycle, but it is recommended to replace the oxygen sensor for vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers.
I remember a few years ago when the oxygen sensor in my old Buick Excelle failed. The fuel consumption suddenly skyrocketed, burning nearly 2 liters more per 100 kilometers, and the exhaust smelled terrible with a strong gasoline odor. The engine warning light stayed on constantly. The mechanic said this component controls fuel injection, and when it fails, the ECU just sprays fuel blindly—not only wasting money but also damaging the car. The worst part was the acceleration became sluggish, making it hard to overtake on the highway. I waited until the third day to get it fixed, and as a result, the catalytic converter got burned out, costing me an extra 2,000 yuan for nothing. Take this as a lesson, folks—if you see the engine light on, get it checked immediately. Don’t let small issues turn into big problems.
After my car's oxygen sensor failed last time, I clearly felt a lack of power, and the engine sounded particularly strained when going uphill. The fuel consumption soared from 8 liters per 100 kilometers to 11 liters, costing me an extra 200 yuan per month on gas. The emissions test was even worse, exceeding the standard by more than three times, making it impossible to pass the annual inspection. The mechanic said the air-fuel mixture was out of control, and driving like this for a long time could also cause carbon buildup on the spark plugs and excessive cylinder temperatures. I recommend everyone check their sensors regularly, especially after long trips or using low-quality fuel. Also, friends who have modified their exhaust systems should be extra careful, as high temperatures can easily burn out the sensors.
The most obvious symptom when my car's oxygen sensor fails is rough idling, with the steering wheel shaking noticeably at red lights. Fuel consumption increased by 20%, and the exhaust smells so pungent that I dare not open the windows. The check engine light stays on constantly, as the ECU misjudges the air-fuel ratio causing excessive fuel injection. The mechanic warned that severe cases could lead to incomplete combustion damaging the catalytic converter, with replacement costs running into thousands. Regular maintenance should include careful cleaning of carbon deposits near the sensor, and aftermarket exhaust modifications should keep sufficient distance from the sensor.
