Why do oxygen sensors fail

Read on to get the full scoop on this type of auto repair in Madison, TN. It looks very similar to a spark plug, but performs a different function. Most modern vehicles have O2 sensors located before the catalytic converter and after the catalytic converter. Vehicles with dual exhaust have four O2 sensors.

This part monitors the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust of your vehicle. Over time, the parts of a car experience normal wear and tear. The same is true for the O2 sensor. On modern vehicles, the oxygen sensor can last up to , miles. However, most experience problems before this point. As you use your vehicle, the O2 sensor becomes coated with combustion byproducts.

After a while, the lead, sulfur and fuel additives become caked on the sensor. This debris prohibits the sensor from sending the appropriate signal. Its shape and size resemble that of a spark plug. Depending on its placement in regard to the catalytic converter, it can be located upstream before the converter or downstream after the converter. Most vehicles manufactured after have both upstream and downstream oxygen sensors.

And dual-exhaust vehicles have a total of 4 O2 sensors. The role of the oxygen sensor is to monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. This is unburnt oxygen that was initially injected into the fuel for proper combustion. The sensor placement before and after the catalytic converter allows it to keep track of the cleanliness of the exhaust, as well as monitor the efficiency of the converter. The oxygen sensor in modern cars can last up to K miles, but typically you would experience problems sooner than that.

Over time, an oxygen sensor may become caked with byproducts of combustion, such as sulfur, lead, fuel additives, oil ash, etc. This contamination causes the sensor to lose its ability to produce voltage and send the right signal. Using fuel that is not recommended for your vehicle or using low-quality gasoline may also speed up the oxygen sensor failure. And if you are skipping maintenance, especially things like timely spark plug and air filter replacement, you are increasing the likelihood of incomplete fuel combustion, which in turn leads to more dirt and grime in your emissions system.

In most cases, a bad oxygen sensor will trigger a check engine light. Write a comment Name required. Mail will not be published required. Odyssey Honda CR-V vs. RAV4 Honda Accord vs. An Engine That Sounds Rough If your vehicle has a bad oxygen sensor, it could run irregularly or sound rough when it idles.

An Emissions Test Failure Most emissions test failures are from a bad oxygen sensor. An Older Vehicle Over time, your oxygen sensors can become caked with byproducts of combustion like sulfur, lead, fuel additives, and oil ash. Write a comment Name required Mail will not be published required Website. Connect with us.