Will the engine shake if the oxygen sensor is broken?

[OSophie]

The engine will shake if the oxygen sensor is broken. The function of the rear oxygen sensor in a car is to measure whether there is excess oxygen in the exhaust after engine combustion, converting the oxygen content into a voltage signal and transmitting it to the engine computer. This allows the engine to achieve closed-loop control targeting the excess air factor, ensuring that the three-way catalytic converter maximizes the conversion efficiency of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in the exhaust, thereby optimizing the conversion and purification of emission pollutants. If the oxygen sensor malfunctions, it can lead to unstable idling and excessive fuel consumption. A damaged oxygen sensor significantly reduces engine power, causes sluggish acceleration, and results in black smoke from the exhaust pipe. Generally, when the oxygen sensor fails, the engine warning light will illuminate, the engine will idle unevenly, the exhaust will produce a sputtering sound, emit a pungent odor, and fuel consumption will increase. You can use a diagnostic tool to check the voltage, which typically fluctuates between 0.1-1 volts, changing more than 8 times in 10 seconds. If the voltage fluctuates between 0.1-0.5 volts, it indicates a lean air-fuel mixture. If it fluctuates between 0.5-1 volts, it indicates a rich air-fuel mixture. If the voltage remains static between 0.4-0.5 volts, it means the oxygen sensor is damaged.