What to Do When the Oxygen Sensor Fails?
2 Answers
Solution for a failed oxygen sensor: Simply replace it with a new one. The oxygen sensor is a crucial component in a car, typically installed near the catalytic converter. All vehicles are equipped with a catalytic converter, which is designed to purify exhaust gases. There are oxygen sensors both before and after the catalytic converter. The oxygen sensor in front of the catalytic converter measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases. This sensor transmits data to the ECU, which then adjusts the air-fuel ratio based on this information. The oxygen sensor behind the catalytic converter checks whether the catalytic converter is functioning properly. If the data from both the front and rear oxygen sensors sent to the ECU are identical, it indicates that the catalytic converter has failed. In such cases, the vehicle's dashboard will illuminate a warning light to alert the driver.
It's quite common for the oxygen sensor to fail. I've encountered this issue before, which mainly causes the engine warning light to come on, increased fuel consumption, and abnormal exhaust emissions. You can first use a simple OBD2 scanner plugged into the car's diagnostic port to read the fault codes and confirm the problem is with the oxygen sensor. If the fault code indicates an issue with the oxygen sensor, the next step is to check if the sensor wiring is loose or corroded. If you're doing it yourself, you can try disconnecting the sensor connector and cleaning the carbon deposits, but don't pull it hard to avoid damage. Most of the time, an aging sensor needs to be replaced with a new one, which costs a few hundred yuan. Buying the correct model online for your car and installing it yourself can save money. Remember to regularly clean the engine compartment dust to extend the sensor's lifespan. After repair, pay attention to whether the warning light turns off.
