Changing Oxygen Sensor

A worn out or bad oxygen sensor will increase emissions cause engine performance problems and step up fuel consumption by up to 40.

Changing oxygen sensor.

The o2 sensor in your vehicle monitors the exhaust gases coming out of the engine. If you do have a failed oxygen sensor follow these steps to replace it. The o2 sensor then sends information to the electronic control unit or ecu the vehicle s computer. Use the make and model of your car to find the correct oxygen sensor.

For this reason bad gas mileage can be both a symptom and a problematic result of a faulty oxygen sensor. For example search for a toyota prius to find the exact sensor used in a new prius. If you have noticed some bad o2 sensor symptoms and are ready to replace your sensors autozone has everything you need to do the job right. But you just learned how to replace an oxygen sensor without damage to the exhaust manifold catalytic converter or exhaust pipe.

Is a mystery check engine light driving you nuts. If the sensor after the catalytic converter shows minimal changes from the reading on the first oxygen sensor it is a sign that the catalytic converter is not working properly. Make sure the new sensor is the same size and shape as the old one. A bad or failing oxygen sensor will have a negative impact on environmental emissions and engine performance so there are a 3 things to watch out for before your oxygen sensor completely fails.

The oxygen sensor transmits the data to the vehicle s pcm to maintain the optimal air to fuel ratio for your engine. Select a new oxygen sensor that is the same as the old one. The ecu then adjusts the. It should also be the same brand.

Check engine light comes on. The oxygen sensor is a clever little component that keeps track of your engine s exhaust and promotes an accurate distribution of oxygen nitrogen and fuel. Associate auto editor ben wojdyla puts his trusty f 150 on the lift. In this case you ll need to replace it before its due service schedule.

After all if you have a bad or failing o2 sensor you could get reduced gas mileage or even fail an emissions inspection. Keeping your vehicle s oxygen sensors in tip top shape is critical.