Will the engine shake if the oxygen sensor is broken?
2 Answers
If the oxygen sensor is damaged, the engine will shake. When there is a problem with the oxygen sensor, the car's computer cannot strictly control the fuel output, leading to situations where fuel is not delivered or is delivered too much or too little. As a result, the engine runs unsteadily and shakes, which may harm the engine's lifespan. Below are the functions of the oxygen sensor: 1. Detecting the oxygen concentration in the exhaust to ensure that the three-way catalytic converter achieves maximum conversion efficiency for the three pollutants in the exhaust: hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, thereby maximizing the conversion and purification of emission pollutants. 2. Controlling the amount of car exhaust emissions, effectively reducing the car's air pollution to the environment, improving the quality of fuel combustion in the car engine, and helping with the car's fuel consumption.
I experienced this issue a few years ago. While driving, I felt the engine vibrating intensely, like a massage chair. After taking it to the repair shop, I found out the oxygen sensor was faulty. The oxygen sensor, located in the exhaust pipe, monitors combustion conditions. When it fails, the car's computer can't determine the correct fuel injection amount, leading to uneven air-fuel mixture and irregular ignition, which naturally causes the engine to shake. It might also result in a sudden increase in fuel consumption and sluggish acceleration, especially noticeable during idle at red lights. I recommend checking the sensor at the first sign of vibration and paying attention to regular maintenance to prevent severe carbon buildup. Avoid prolonged low-speed operation. This approach not only prevents potential problems but also saves on repair costs—killing two birds with one stone.
