The lifespan of the oxygen (O2) sensor in your automobile depends on a couple of factors. First, the age of your vehicle can affect how long the sensor will last. Second, how well you care for your automobile can play a role in the O2 sensor’s lifespan. Either way, you will know once the sensor begins to go bad because your European automobile will experience one or more of the following symptoms listed below. Euro Autoworks can test and replace your oxygen sensor if necessary.
1. Check Engine Warning
It is quite common for the check engine light to turn on when the oxygen sensor goes bad. Once the O2 sensor malfunctions, it sends a diagnostic code to your European automobile’s main computer chip. This code signifies an error, and the main computer chip will turn on the check engine light.
2. Excess Black Exhaust
You might also end up with excess black exhaust coming out of your European automobile’s tailpipe. This is an indication that there is a rich fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. In other words, the engine is burning away excess fuel that is not needed for engine combustion.
3. Fuel Efficiency Loss
Unfortunately, this will cause a significant difference in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. You will notice that your European automobile is not getting the fuel mileage it normally gets. This is because the faulty O2 sensor is skewing the oxygen data and causing an imbalance in the combustion chamber.
4. High Emissions Levels
Any time your automobile burns more fuel, you end up with more hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust. If you live in a state that requires emissions testing for vehicle registration, the malfunctioning O2 sensor might cause your automobile to fail the test.
5. Performance Problems
An O2 sensor that is going bad can also cause problems with your vehicle’s engine performance. Specifically, a rich fuel mixture will cause the engine to pick up speed by itself in spurts. A lean mixture will cause the engine to hiccup and sputter, especially when you accelerate.
6. Rotten Egg Odors
Finally, skewed data from the bad oxygen sensor can create problems for the catalytic converter. Any time there are excess hydrocarbons in your vehicle’s exhaust, the catalytic converter must work harder to convert them. It can get clogged and you will smell rotten eggs.
Euro Autoworks in Woodbury, MN, is your one-stop shop for all of your European automotive service and repair needs. Call us today if you believe your oxygen sensor has gone bad.