Modern cars are no less than an ecosystem where faults in even the smallest components can cause significant issues. One such component in your car is the oxygen sensor, and anything wrong with it can hamper your car’s performance.
The primary car oxygen sensor function in care is not just to ensure that your engine performs efficiently but also that it keeps the emissions in check. However, despite the significance of this essential component, most people are not aware of what this component is all about.
If you are one of those people, then don’t feel bad because this blog is here to your rescue. Here, we will learn and understand everything that you need to know about oxygen sensor function in cars. If you need expert assistance, an auto mechanic in Adelaide can help you diagnose and resolve any oxygen sensor issues. So, let’s dive in!
What is an Oxygen Sensor?
Also known as the O2 sensor, the oxygen sensor in your car measures the levels of oxygen from the car’s exhaust fumes. This little component plays a very important role in ensuring there is a proper mixture of fuel and air in every cylinder. Naturally, the ideal mixture will also go a long way in terms of the operational efficiency of the engine.
If you know what spark plugs do in your car’s engine, then you also know that combustion engines require a proper air-fuel mixture. This means that the ratio of air and fuel has to be just perfect, and even the slightest discrepancy can result in engine damage and harmful emissions.
Car Oxygen Sensor Function
The primary function of oxygen sensors in car engines is to monitor and detect rich and lean mixtures. The component will then spring into action and send signals to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to adjust the fuel injection as needed.
Most of the cars you see on the road these days come with at least two oxygen sensors. The first sensor, also known as the upstream sensor, is responsible for measuring oxygen levels in the exhaust before it reaches the catalytic converter.
Then comes the second oxygen sensor car, also known as the downstream sensdetect rich and lean mixtures. The component will thenor, which is responsible for measuring levels of oxygen after exhaust gasses have passed through the catalytic converter. The downstream sensor is mainly concerned with the catalytic converters’ efficiency in converting harmful exhaust gasses.
Most Common Issues with Oxygen Sensors
Issues with oxygen sensors are more common than you might think, but thankfully, a competent auto mechanic Adelaide can help you address these issues. But before you call out to a trusted mechanic, here are some of the most common issues you might face with your car’s oxygen sensors:
- Electrical Issues: This should not come as a surprise since we are talking about a sensor here, but electrical issues are true headaches. These issues could be anything from a damaged connector or a faulty wiring. Leaving these issues untreated for a long time can hamper the ECU’s ability to read with accuracy.
- Issues with the Catalytic Converter: A faulty catalytic converter is often a common culprit behind a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. This naturally affects the sensor’s ability to record accurate readings, resulting in more issues and rushing you for proper car engine service.
- Contamination in the Sensor: The sensors in your cars are small, and they need protection, as does any other component. However, leaving these sensors exposed to contaminants like oil hash, lead, or silicon can mess with the reading abilities of the oxygen sensor.
- Leaks in the Exhaust: You will often find that leaks in the exhaust contribute to added oxygen levels in the system. This can contribute to faulty sensor readings, making it important to rush to a car repair shop.
- General Wear and Tear: Generally, an oxygen sensor can last for years, but after a certain period of time, it will succumb to general wear and tear. This will have a direct adverse effect on the sensor’s ability to read accurately, leading to more problems.
Failing Oxygen Sensors: Symptoms and Causes
Bad oxygen sensor symptoms are easy to detect when you know where to look for the right sign at the right place. This is what makes it so important to remain mindful of these symptoms and take proper actions at the right time. Some of the most common of these signs include:
1. Lower Fuel Efficiency
This is one of the most common indications that something is wrong with your car’s oxygen sensor, and it is time to visit a car mechanic Adelaide. When the sensor does not read the air-fuel mixture ratio accurately, it directly impacts the engine’s efficiency.
This can result in either of two consequences: the engine using more fuel than needed or using insufficient fuel. Both of these issues could hamper the car’s fuel efficiency, making it important for you to schedule a car service Adelaide.
2. Strong Odours from Exhaust
A faulty oxygen sensor is often the culprit behind your engine running rich. This leaves behind a significant amount of unburned fuel in the exhaust, which can eventually give out a bad smell. You can identify this smell as a distinct smell of petrol or sulphur.
If you notice any such smell coming from the exhaust, it could be an indication of something wrong with the oxygen sensor. You must visit a reliable automotive repair shop as soon as possible before it causes extensive damage to the engine.
3. Unusual Sounds Coming From the Engine
Do you hear rattling or knocking from your car’s hood? Unfortunately, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your car’s oxygen sensor function. The reason behind this could be improper fuel burning, which results in carbon buildup in the combustion chamber.
Leaving this unattended for long will result in more buildup and cause more of these abnormal sounds. This makes it very important that you rush to an auto car mechanic and diagnose the issue since there could be other contributing factors here as well.
4. Black Smoke From the Exhaust
Another common symptom of a faulty oxygen sensor in your car could be black smoke coming from the exhaust. The primary reason behind this improper burning of air and fuel was a faulty sensor.
This often leads to incomplete combustion, leaving you with black smoke that exits the engine without proper combustion. This will directly affect your car’s fuel efficiency and increase harmful emission levels. Consider this a sign that you need to schedule a car repair Adelaide and get the issue fixed quickly.
Different Types of Oxygen Sensors
Cars with combustion engines come with different types of oxygen sensors depending on the engine specs of the car. Some of the most common of these types include:
- Unheated Oxygen Sensors: These are the oldest forms of oxygen sensors that depend on the heat from the exhaust to send signals.
- Heated Oxygen Sensors: These sensors are far more efficient than the unheated ones and play an important role in lowering cold-start smoke coming from the exhaust.
- Titania Oxygen Sensors: These are different sensors made of ceramics that lower the resistance when the engine is rich in fuel and increase resistance with lean fuel.
- Wide Band Oxygen Sensor: These sensors are becoming more common these days, which creates a higher level of voltage to change the fuel-to-oxygen ratio in direct proportions.
Read more: Spark Plugs: Essential Information You Need to Know
Wrapping Up
It is no longer a secret that oxygen sensors play a vital role in keeping your car’s engine healthy and emissions low. It is important to take good care of these sensors to keep your car running in an optimal condition.
You must adopt practices like regular maintenance, avoid using contaminated fuel, fix exhaust leaks, and keep an eye out for symptoms. If you notice any signs or symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor, you should schedule an auto repair service from your mechanic. This will help address the issue while it is small and keep your car in optimal condition.
