Will a Faulty Oxygen Sensor Affect Fuel Consumption?
3 Answers
It does affect fuel consumption. Here are specific details about the oxygen sensor: 1. Function of the Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor detects the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust and sends feedback signals to the ECU. The ECU then adjusts the fuel injector's fuel injection volume to maintain the air-fuel ratio of the mixture near the theoretical value. Therefore, if the oxygen sensor malfunctions, the mixture can become too rich, leading to increased fuel consumption. 2. Timely Replacement: The oxygen sensor is used to control and monitor the fuel-to-air ratio. If it is damaged, the electronic injection system cannot regulate fuel injection properly, resulting in higher fuel consumption. It is recommended to replace the oxygen sensor every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers.
Last year, my car's oxygen sensor failed, and the fuel consumption suddenly increased significantly. This component is located near the exhaust pipe and monitors the oxygen content in the exhaust to help the engine computer adjust the air-fuel ratio. When it fails, the computer starts guessing, often adding more fuel to prevent engine issues, resulting in rapid fuel burning and reduced power. After replacing the sensor, my fuel consumption returned to normal, and the exhaust emissions also became cleaner. Don't delay regular maintenance, especially for older cars—professional diagnostics can quickly identify the problem.
My car once had an oxygen sensor failure, causing fuel consumption to jump from 8L/100km to 10L/100km - not just wasting money but also reducing power. Since the sensor couldn't read data accurately, the engine would inject extra fuel as compensation, leading to increased fuel burning and worse emissions. The repair isn't too difficult - you can either buy the part and replace it yourself or have a mechanic do it, but don't delay to avoid damaging the catalytic converter. Pay attention to fuel consumption changes during daily driving, and get it checked immediately if the dashboard warning light comes on.
