Your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s engine might surge if the oxygen sensor is going bad. Also called the O2 sensor, when this sensor sends incorrect data to the engine control unit, the unit adjusts the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. If there is too much fuel in the chamber, your engine will surge. If there is too little fuel in the chamber, your engine will sputter and stall. This is just one sign of a faulty O2 sensor. Car Doctors Auto Repair lists the other signs below.
Black Exhaust Smoke
Excess fuel in the combustion chamber is burned away and, as a consequence, it produces black exhaust that is released out of the tailpipe. Depending on how much fuel is being burned, the exhaust may be thin or thick. Either way, it’s important to have this looked into immediately as your vehicle should not be releasing black exhaust smoke.
High Emissions Levels
In addition, the excess fuel will increase the hydrocarbons found in your vehicle’s exhaust. As a consequence, your vehicle will release too many hydrocarbons and this will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test. Your vehicle will not pass this test until you replace the malfunctioning O2 sensor to reduce the number of hydrocarbons found in the exhaust.
Poor Fuel Economy
You will also notice a reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. This is because the engine is burning away excess fuel. Unfortunately, you will find yourself heading to the service station more often until you replace the faulty oxygen sensor. This can put a dent in your wallet which nobody needs at the moment.
Rotten Egg Odors
Excess fuel also clogs the catalytic converter. When this happens, the catalytic converter begins to malfunction. Consequently, it releases sulfur and sulfur smells like rotten eggs. You will notice this odor in your vehicle’s exhaust and also in the engine bay. It’s important to have this checked immediately because the catalytic converter is what handles the carbon monoxide that is released from the engine.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, alongside the signs of a bad oxygen sensor listed above, your check engine light will also come on if your oxygen sensor fails. In fact, a faulty oxygen sensor is a common reason for a check engine warning. A 2019 study showed that the check engine light is incredibly accurate, so don’t ignore the check engine warning on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Car Doctors Auto Repair in Athens, GA, would be happy to run a diagnostic check to determine if your oxygen sensor is faulty. Call us today to schedule a service appointment.
