When we say we are a full-service auto shop here at Trojan Auto Care, we mean it! We can handle just about anything your automobile throws at us. One common problem we see in vehicles that have a few miles under their hoods is bad oxygen sensors. This part is designed to last about 75,000 miles. Some oxygen sensors last longer while others fail prematurely for no explicable reason. There are signs that your oxygen sensor is going bad. Here are three of them.
1. Check Engine Warning
Your automobile is equipped with a check engine light that shines on the dashboard if there is something wrong. A bad oxygen sensor will cause the engine control module to turn on the check engine light, and it won’t turn it off until the part is replaced. This, consequently, means your vehicle will also fail emissions tests until the check engine light turns itself off. The oxygen sensor is just one reason why the check engine light comes on, so it’s important to get a diagnostic check as soon as possible.
2. Reduced Fuel Economy
The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the level of oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust. If the sensor is going bad, it may report incorrect oxygen levels to the engine control module. The module will then make changes to the air/fuel mixture based on the incorrect reading. Whether the mixture then has too much air or fuel and it will affect the mileage you get out of your vehicle. Either way, you’ll notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. You might also notice a rotten egg smell that can be attributed to problems with the catalytic converter alongside the oxygen sensor.
3. Misfiring, Backfiring, and Idling Problems
Too much air in the air and fuel mixture causes what’s called a lean mixture. This basically starves your engine of the gasoline it needs to run efficiently. As a consequence, you’ll notice that your vehicle has engine performance issues, including misfiring and stuttering. The engine might also be difficult to start, or it might stall once you get it started. The idle will be rough because there is not enough fuel to maintain the detonation inside the combustion chamber. In severe cases, your vehicle might even backfire.
Don’t fret! We can help here at Trojan Auto Care in Troy, OH. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic check. We will make sure your oxygen sensor is in top working order, and if it isn’t, we’ll replace it.
