Where is the oxygen sensor located?
2 Answers
The oxygen sensor is located on the engine exhaust pipe. It uses a ceramic sensing element to measure the oxygen potential in the vehicle's exhaust pipe, calculates the corresponding oxygen concentration based on the principle of chemical equilibrium, and achieves the purpose of monitoring and controlling the combustion air-fuel ratio to ensure product quality and exhaust emission compliance. The functions of the oxygen sensor are: 1. To determine whether there is excess oxygen in the exhaust after engine combustion and convert the oxygen content into a voltage signal transmitted to the engine computer; 2. To enable the engine to achieve closed-loop control targeting excess air, ensuring that the three-way catalytic converter has high conversion efficiency for pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, thereby maximizing the conversion and purification of emission pollutants.
The oxygen sensor is usually located in the exhaust system. For regular cars, you can find 1-2 sensors along the exhaust manifold, near the engine section of the exhaust pipe. The front oxygen sensor sits at the exhaust manifold outlet, monitoring combustion conditions, while the rear oxygen sensor is installed at the catalytic converter outlet, specifically tracking exhaust treatment efficiency. Last time when helping a neighbor fix an old Buick, I discovered some V-type engines have a pair of sensors at both front and rear sections. Always remember to let the exhaust pipe cool completely before repairs - saw a rookie get a nasty burn blister once. Honestly, replacing a sensor isn't too difficult, but diagnosing trouble codes requires professional equipment for accurate results.
