.jpeg)
Oxygen sensors have a specific job to do, and that is to check the oxygen levels in your vehicle. They send their findings straight to your vehicle's powertrain control module, and from there important information regarding your exhaust system is processed to detect any potential problems.
Your oxygen sensor does its part in modulating these oxygen levels in your exhaust. This helps in detecting issues with the balance between fuel and oxygen inside the exhaust system. When this delicate balance gets disrupted, you'll know. You will start to notice changes right away which signal the need for immediate attention.
Yes, it is possible to have too much or too little air inside your exhaust. Too much of it tells you that there is a fuel deficiency, whereas too much of it indicates that your oxygen levels are too low. Either way, the powertrain control module receives this vital information and starts to adjust those levels accordingly. If fuel levels are off, adjustments will be made accordingly. It will add or reduce the amount of fuel to keep your exhaust system safe and healthy.
However, there are times when these tweaks are made unnecessarily by your powertrain control module or PCM, and there are some signs to watch out for when it does. One is when your check engine light comes on. When this happens, it simply means that it could be receiving false information about your fuel and oxygen levels. Nevertheless, getting it checked by an auto mechanic is best.
Rough idling and hesitation mean that your engine is misfiring due to inaccuracies in your fuel levels. This is due to having too much or too little fuel in the exhaust when your oxygen sensor makes wrongful interpretations. Your sensors may need to be inspected for dirt or grime.
You may begin to notice that your car is burning an enormous amount of gas, more than it used to. You may see that you're buying more fuel than ever. In this case, your engine is overheating, and a dirty oxygen sensor is the most likely culprit.
If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate. Simply bring your vehicle into our shop today!