5 Symptoms of a Bad Oxygen Sensor
In this article, we will discuss a very important sensor known as an oxygen sensor commonly known as the O2 sensor. The combustion engine always produces exhaust gasses after the air and fuel mixture burns in the cylinder. These gases contain a lot of elements like carbon dioxide and oxygen. In the exhaust, there is a component known as an oxygen sensor which monitors the level of the oxygen in the exhaust gasses as they leave the engine. If a high level of oxygen expels with exhaust gasses then it means that the engine is working under power and it is known as a lean condition. If the oxygen sensor gets damaged and doesn’t work properly then it can raise various issues.
Top Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms:
(1) Check Engine Light:
The Oxygen sensor has a powerful influence on the ratio of the air and fuel combustion process. If the sensor detects a low level of the oxygen in the exhaust gasses during combustion the engine control unit will try to maintain the ratio of fuel and air, But if the oxygen sensor is not working normally, the vehicle engine control unit will not know to correct this problem. This causes the engine warning light to turn on the infotainment system of the vehicle.
(2) Bad Fuel Economy:
If there is a high level of air and fuel mixture in any combustion cylinders, it means that there is a high volume of fuel present than air. This will not be detected by the oxygen sensor if it has gone bad. Then you will have a condition in which more fuel is burned in the engine than the normal requirement. The result is the bad fuel economy and spends more on bill gas.
(3) Rough Idling:
Rough idling means the engine does not run steadily when the car is stopped or parked. The normal RPM of the vehicle in the idle condition is under 1,000. But if your vehicle engine RPM reaches up to 2,000 to 3,000 then it means that you have rough idling problem. It can indicate many issues like bad oxygen sensor which makes the more difficult for the engine control unit to regulate the normal functioning of the engine which further leads to the misfires.
(4) Weak Engine Performance:
Anytime there is fluctuation in the normal combustion process of the engine, then you are going to experience a weakened engine performance it usually happens when you have a bad oxygen sensor. It happens normally when you increase the acceleration.
(5) Failed Emission Test:
The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system; it helps to assist with emission control. If you live in a state which requires regular emission testing, you might discover that you have a bad oxygen sensor if you end up falling emission test.
