What are the symptoms of a faulty car oxygen sensor?
3 Answers
Here are the symptoms of a faulty car oxygen sensor: Unstable idle: When the engine is idling, such as during vehicle startup or deceleration to a stop, there may be momentary stalling or engine shutdown. Decreased acceleration performance: The engine's acceleration performance declines, with deviations in the tachometer display and the illumination of the engine warning light. Oxygen sensor fault light: The function of car sensors is to monitor various operational conditions of the vehicle. If the speed sensor is damaged, the oxygen sensor fault light will illuminate, requiring prompt inspection and repair at a service center. Increased emission pollution: When the sensor fails, the ECU cannot obtain this information and thus cannot determine if the amount of fuel being injected is correct. An improper air-fuel ratio can lead to reduced engine power and increased emission pollution.
When the oxygen sensor in my car failed last year, the engine malfunction indicator light came on almost instantly, flashing like a little alarm. Fuel consumption noticeably increased while driving. Previously, a full tank could last 600 kilometers, but now I had to refuel before hitting 500, costing me a lot more money. The engine also frequently shuddered at low speeds, as if gasping for breath, and the power delivery wasn't smooth, with painfully slow acceleration. Later at the repair shop, the mechanic said the exhaust emissions were way over the limit. Not only does this pollute the environment, but leaving it unfixed long-term could damage the catalytic converter. In short, this small issue can lead to big troubles. It's recommended to get it checked as soon as the warning light comes on, unlike me who waited until fuel consumption doubled before taking action.
As a car enthusiast, I've noticed there are quite a few signs of a faulty oxygen sensor. The most common one is the persistent illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard, indicating that the ECU has detected abnormal data. Fuel consumption increases significantly because the engine can't properly adjust the air-fuel ratio, leading to incomplete combustion. This results in an unstable engine feel, especially noticeable during acceleration or idling with more pronounced shaking. Power output also decreases, making the car sluggish when starting and weak when climbing hills. Over time, it may even affect the catalytic converter, which is much more expensive to repair. I recommend regular OBD checks to identify issues early and avoid the regret of sudden engine stalling while driving.
