Replacement of a good Oxygen Sensor (O2), is a common mistake made by (DIY) mechanics all the time.
Therefore, before replacing any of these oxygen sensors, you must find the real problem first.
So, the oxygen sensor (O2) is responsible for measuring, how much unburned oxygen, is in the exhaust. Then, that information is sent, to the engine control unit (ECU), to analyze in real time. Finally, the (ECU) knows, whether your engine is running, too rich or too lean.
Now, because of the oxygen sensor (O2), the electronic control unit (ECU) can make the correct adjustments. And, figure out, what the right air-to-fuel ratio should be, for the best engine performance.
The Oxygen Sensor, also known as just (O2) sensor, is a wear item and does fail over time. So, it is important to remember that today’s vehicles, are controlled by computers and sensors. There may be as many as 20 sensors, feeding information to the vehicle (ECU).
Names for others sensors or computers may include:
- Oxygen Sensor = (O2) sensor
- Mass Air Flow Sensor = (MAF) Sensor
- Electronic Control Unit = (ECU)
- Engine Control Module = (ECM)
So, there are other sensors, while not directly attached to the (ECU), that do affect the information. Consequently, these sensors are part of other systems, that operate together, to make the engine run efficiently.
All of the systems must be operating correctly, for the engine to function properly and have normal combustion.
What Should We Check, When We Have Those Rich Or Lean Engine Codes ?
So, if there is too much fuel and not enough air, the engine is said to be “running rich”. It will have a gassy or rotten egg smell, from the exhaust. And, give off a burning effect, to the eyes and will make black smoke.
However, if there is too much air and not enough fuel, the engine is said to be “running lean”.
The most common issues, for lean engine codes are:
Vacuum Leaks
- Check for failed or loose vacuum lines, leaking intake gaskets, or any other source of unmetered air leaks.
Clogged Filter Or Lines
- Restricted fuel filter or pinched fuel lines.
Faulty Sensors
- Incorrect input from other sensors, such as the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor.
Engine Misfires
- The (O2) sensors only read (O2) content in the exhaust. So, if you have all that unburned fuel from incomplete combustion. Then, you also have all that, unburned (O2). High (O2) content in exhaust, equals a lean reading, also causing engine misfires.
There are also some other possibilities, such as an internally leaking EGR system.
This will typically set a separate code. A leak in the exhaust system, before the oxygen sensor (O2) will also cause incorrect readings. The only other possibilities are, wiring issues and computer concerns.
The Possible Causes Of, Rich Engine Codes Are:
- A leaking or faulty, fuel injector
- Fuel injector driver in computer shorted, or wiring short for injectors (likely a ground short)
- Leaking or faulty fuel pressure regulator or restricted return line
- Faulty evaporative emissions system, bleeding fuel vapors into engine (not commanded by computer)
- On newer models, a faulty fuel pump or fuel pump driver module
- Faulty readings from other sensors, such as a (MAF) Sensor. You may actually be getting more air than the (MAF) tells the computer.
- Exhaust leaks, before the sensor, will cause erratic readings
Sensor Monitors
The other codes we should address, are those related to the sensors, located after the catalytic converter. Though these may appear identical to the oxygen sensor (O2) pre-converter. They perform an entirely different task and are known as, Monitors. The only job of these sensors is to, “monitor” the efficiency of the catalytic converters.
The readings from these sensors, should be much more stable and not fluctuating, like the front (O2) sensors.
The computer compares the readings from, the (O2) sensor (pre cats) and the monitors (post cat). Then, determines if, the catalytic converters are doing their job and “cleaning” the exhaust. You never want to replace a monitor for a rich/lean concern, as they have no bearing on these codes.
As the converters begin to fail, you will see the monitors voltage readings, follow the (O2) sensor readings. Technically these are all “Oxygen Sensors” but it is important to distinguish the difference. So, between pre-converter & post converter sensors, I find it easiest to stick to, calling the back ones monitors.
Why, An Oxygen Sensor May Go Bad
So, the (O2) sensor can last, up to 100K miles. But, typically you would experience problems, sooner than that. Over time, an (O2) sensor, may become caked with byproducts of combustion, such as sulfur, lead, fuel additives, oil ash. This contamination, causes the sensor to lose its ability, to produce voltage and send the right signal.
This is critical for maintaining, low emissions and good fuel economy. Sometimes, an (O2) sensor gets “lazy” because of old age or contamination. Then, the computer may not be able to adjust the fuel mixture quickly enough, as the engine’s operating conditions change. (O2) sensors that are failing tend to read lean, which causes the fuel system to run overly rich to compensate.
Signs Of A Bad Oxygen Sensor
In most cases, a bad (O2) sensor will trigger a check engine light. P0138 and P0135 are some of the codes you may expect to see on a OBD II reader. Other than that, it’s difficult to spot a failing (O2) sensor. It will inevitably lead to decreased gas mileage. But, it’s usually not drastic enough, for an average driver to notice. Also, a bad or failing O2 sensor, can also cause you to fail your emissions test.
When To Replace The Oxygen (O2) Sensor
Always follow the instructions in your owner’s manual, for Oxygen Sensor (O2) replacement. The Oxygen Sensor (O2) is a wear item and does fail over time. This will reduce the level of emissions, your vehicle puts into the atmosphere. And, at the same time, keep your engine running smoothly.
Conclusion
So, what happens to Oxygen (O2) Sensors is, that they tend to become fouled, with carbon and sooty deposits. The element just simply erodes and wears down, like the electrode on a spark plug.
Finally, neglecting to replace a bad Oxygen Sensor (O2), will usually result in, damage to your catalytic converter.
Thank You !
