The reason why a faulty oxygen (O2) sensor reduces your vehicle’s fuel economy is that it affects how efficiently your engine runs. An inefficient engine uses more gasoline or diesel fuel. If the oxygen sensor is indirectly causing an imbalance between the fuel and air in the combustion chamber, you will notice that you need to fill up your automobile more frequently. C&C Automotive explains more below and the additional signs that your automobile has a malfunctioning O2 sensor.
Black Exhaust Smoke
One thing that can happen is that you can end up with too much fuel in the combustion chamber. The engine burns this fuel away and creates black smoke that exits your tailpipe. If the oxygen sensor is faulty and skewing the exhaust oxygen data, the engine control unit may make the wrong adjustments to the fuel and air and, consequently, you end up with a rich fuel mixture.
Engine Performance Issues
This rich fuel mixture can also make your engine pick up speed sporadically. This is called engine surging. If the opposite is going on in the combustion chamber and you have a lean fuel mixture, your engine will sputter and your acceleration will lag. This is because there is a lack of fuel in the combustion chamber and your engine is struggling to produce combustion to keep running.
High Emissions Levels
Unfortunately, the faulty O2 sensor can also cause your vehicle’s emissions levels to be off. This is not good if you need your automobile to pass an emissions test. If you are dealing with the rich fuel mixture, you have excess hydrocarbons in the exhaust. This will cause your car, truck, or utility vehicle to fail.
Rotten Egg Exhaust Smell
The excess hydrocarbons can also create problems with the catalytic converter. Your converter may end up clogged and malfunctioning. Consequently, it will release odors that resemble rotten eggs into your vehicle’s exhaust. You will also have a problem with your engine overheating.
Dashboard Warning Light
Finally, a malfunctioning O2 sensor can also leave you with an illuminated check engine warning light on the dashboard. This light will remain lit until you replace the dying oxygen sensor.
C&C Automotive has five auto service shops. Those in Downtown or West Augusta, GA, each have a shop to choose from. We also have a shop in Martinez, GA. Those living in South Carolina can choose from our Warrenville or Columbia, SC, auto service shops. Call the shop closest to you today if you think you have a faulty oxygen sensor in your automobile.