The basic function of the (O2) oxygen sensor, is to measure the difference; between the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas and the amount of oxygen in the air.
Consequently, with information from the (O2) oxygen sensor and other sources; the (ECU) can decide, whether the air/fuel ratio of your engine is, rich or lean.
However, the (O2) oxygen sensor, is not able to measure, the air or the fuel entering the engine. Because, the (O2) oxygen sensor, is located in the exhaust and that’s where; it reads the actual oxygen content in the exhaust.
Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle; you could have anywhere from, one to four (O2) oxygen sensors. The (ECU) attempts to maintain a certain air/fuel ratio; by interpreting the information, gained from the (O2) oxygen sensor.
So, the ideal ratio for oxygen and gasoline is 14.7:1. Which, slightly varies, depending on different types of fuel. Both the rich and lean mixtures, are bad for your car, as well as for the environment.
How Does The (ECU) Read This Information
The information sent to the (ECU) is in the form of a voltage, above or below a preset amount. The base voltage is approximately 0.45 V (450 mV) DC., keeping the air and fuel mixture, at the optimal ratio.
A voltage output, lower than the base amount around 0.2 V (200 mV) DC., would indicate a lean mixture.
However, a voltage output, higher than the base amount around 0.8 V (800 mV) DC., would indicate a rich mixture.
So, having this information in real time, helps determine whether the air/fuel ratio is rich or lean. Finally, if your (O2) sensor fails to function properly; your engine management computer, cannot determine the air to fuel ratio. Therefore, the engine is forced, to guess how much fuel to use. Resulting, in a polluted engine and a poorly functioning vehicle.
(O2) Oxygen Sensor, Failure Symptoms:
- Poor gas mileage
- Loss of power
- Black smoke from tailpipe
- Emissions test failure
- Rough idle
- Hesitation or stalling
- Check engine light comes on
Engine Trouble Codes
It’s true that many of these symptoms, could be caused by various problems. But, the trouble code, from the (O2) sensor will narrow it down quickly.
A trouble code that points to an (O2) sensor (such as p0420, p0135, p0141, or others); is only the first step, in your diagnosis of the problem. It turns out that most of the issues that set (O2) sensor codes; are not a result of a bad sensor.
So, what happens to the (O2) sensor over time is that; it tends to become, fouled with carbon and sooty deposits. Therefore, the element just simply erodes and wears down, like the electrode on a spark plug. They can also become fouled; if any silicone from grease or lubricants, makes its way to the exhaust stream. And, if any oil or coolant make their way to the combustion chambers. Finally, if the oxygen sensor is too worn out; it will lag in response time or can just stop working altogether.
What Can Cause The (O2) Oxygen Sensor To Fail:
- Contaminated Fuel
- Silicone and Sealant ( Not Sensor Approved )
- Corrosion
- Leaks From Oil, Antifreeze And Fuel
- Leaded Fuel
So, over time, your (O2) sensor can become; caked with byproducts of combustion like sulfur, lead, fuel additives, and oil ash. As a result, this keeps your sensors from sending signals, to your engine’s computer. Also, using fuel that isn’t recommended for your vehicle or low-quality fuel; can make your oxygen sensor fail faster.
(O2) Oxygen Sensor Failure, Can Cause Catalytic Converter, Meltdown
So, an oxygen sensor failure, can lead to incorrect readings of exhaust gasses. As a result, the faulty sensor can cause, a too rich or too lean condition. Too rich and the catalyst can melt down. While, too lean and the converter is unable to convert the hydrocarbons into safe elements; and may not pass a state inspection.
So, the fuel that powers your vehicle, is meant to burn in the combustion chamber only. Any fuel that leaves the combustion chamber unburned; will enter the exhaust system and light-off, when it reaches the catalytic converter. As a result, this can super-heat the converter; far above normal operating conditions and cause a meltdown.
Other Possible Issues To Check First:
Check For Vacuum Leaks
So, if your engine has a vacuum leak, the air/fuel ratio in your engine; will be higher than 14.7:1, also called a “lean” mixture. Consequently, this ratio means that, there is too much air in your engine; and as a result, the engine will run poorly or not at all. Finally, what is interesting about a vacuum leak is, it can look like something else.
The air/fuel ratio, is very important in the proper workings of an engine. So, the proper amount of air has to be present; or else combustion efforts are greatly affected. Also, a leak condition, can result in air that is not properly measured entering into the engine. Finally, that upsets the balance and the result can be the engine having some difficulties.
Check (EGR) Valve
So, a stuck open (EGR) valve, will create a lack of oxygen in the exhaust; since the recirculating exhaust, has all its oxygen already burnt. Furthermore, the (ECM) sometimes uses; the (O2) oxygen sensor to check for proper (EGR) operation and sets a code if necessary.
So, be aware of the fact that, a vehicle might be running lean; because the (ECM) sees a rich (O2) sensor signal; due to a defective (stuck open) (EGR) valve. Since the (ECM) sees a rich signal, it will try to correct it; with a lean command and try to lower the oxygen sensor high voltage signal.
Testing (O2) Oxygen Sensor Voltage Signals
- Start the engine and check, the sensor voltage signals on your voltmeter. The sensor voltage should cycle or fluctuate, within the 100 mV-900 mV (0.10 to 0.90V) range. Hence, this means the sensor is operating properly.
- If the (O2) sensor, only produces a low or high voltage signal. As a result, So, you have an engine performance issue or the (O2) sensor stopped working. Finally, To verify sensor operation, conduct the next two tests.
Test the (O2) Oxygen Sensor Response, to a Lean Fuel Condition
- First, disconnect the hose from the, positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve leading to the intake manifold. This will allow more air to enter the engine. If you need to locate the (PCV) valve, consult your vehicle service manual.
- Check the sensor’s signal voltmeter reading. An oxygen sensor interprets an increase in oxygen, as a fuel lean condition; emitting a signal, close to 200mV (0.20 V). If the sensor doesn’t respond accordingly or takes time to respond; the sensor isn’t working properly.
Test the (O2) Oxygen Sensor Response, to a Rich Fuel Condition
- Next, disconnect the plastic duct, from the air cleaner assembly on your vehicle.
- Block the duct opening, leading to the engine with a clean rag. This will reduce, the amount of air going into the engine.
- Check the sensor’s signal voltmeter reading. An oxygen sensor interprets, a decrease in oxygen, as a rich fuel condition; emitting a signal, close to 800mV (0.80 V). If the sensor doesn’t respond accordingly or takes time to respond; the sensor isn’t working properly.
If the (O2) oxygen sensor in your vehicle, responded correctly to your tests; you might have a problem with another component affecting fuel efficiency.
So, as you can see testing, is way cheaper than just replacing parts.
There are many different types of (O2) sensors and testing methods. So, I will just supply Links from our PDF Library.
(O2) Oxygen, Lambda Sensor Testing:
Walker Products Oxygen Sensor Training Guide
Bosch Testing of Oxygen-Lambda Sensors
So, if you have any trouble opening these files; you may have to download the PDF Files Reader Here.
Conclusion
So, one of the most important sensors in modern cars, is the oxygen sensor. Also, known as the (O2) sensor, because (O2) is the chemical formula for oxygen. The (O2) oxygen sensor, monitors how much unburned oxygen is present in the exhaust, as the exhaust exits the engine.
So, by monitoring oxygen levels, the sensor provides a means of measuring fuel mixture. Finally, knowing the ratio of fuel to air, allows your vehicle’s engine to make any necessary changes; to ensure that your car runs like it should.
Thank You !
