What is the Function of an Oxygen Sensor?
2 Answers
Oxygen sensor functions are: 1. To measure whether there is excess oxygen in the exhaust after engine combustion, converting the oxygen content into a voltage signal transmitted to the engine computer, enabling the engine to achieve closed-loop control targeted at the excess air factor; 2. To ensure that the three-way catalytic converter maintains conversion efficiency for all three pollutants in the exhaust—hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides—thereby transforming and purifying emission pollutants. Oxygen sensors are used in industries such as petroleum, chemicals, coal, metallurgy, papermaking, firefighting, municipal services, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and gas emission monitoring. Common oxygen sensor faults include: oxygen sensor poisoning, carbon buildup, ceramic breakage in the oxygen sensor, heater wire burnout, and internal wiring disconnection.
I've accumulated considerable hands-on experience in the automotive repair field, and the role of oxygen sensors is quite practical. Its job is to monitor the oxygen content in the exhaust gases in real-time, much like a car's snuff bottle sniffing changes in exhaust composition. It then sends this data to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel injection and air intake ratio, ensuring the air-fuel mixture burns both completely and efficiently. The biggest advantage of this is saving you fuel and money while also reducing harmful emissions. I remember a case where a customer's car had a carbon-fouled and damaged oxygen sensor, causing fuel consumption to skyrocket, acceleration to weaken, and black smoke to billow from the exhaust—replacing it restored the car to normal. I recommend using high-quality fuel to avoid sulfur contamination of the sensor. A quick check during each oil change ensures it stays clean and functional, which not only extends engine life but also makes driving smoother and more worry-free. Don’t underestimate this small device—it has a huge impact on the entire engine system.
