Your car's oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, is responsible for regulating the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system. It relays real-time measurements of the amount of unburnt oxygen to the engine's computer to determine the proper air to fuel ratio for the car's engine.
A faulty oxygen sensor can negatively affect both engine performance and the environment. Fortunately, there are warning signs that you can detect and treat early on:
Engine-Related Issues
Since the oxygen sensor plays an integral part in the combustion process, a failing O2 sensor can form a number of engine-related issues, including engine misfires and rough idling. Furthermore, you may even experience stalling, hesitation, and overall engine weakness.
Check Engine Light On
Since you're experiencing engine problems, it can ultimately trigger your check engine light to come on. This dashboard engine light can turn on for several reasons, so it's essential to take it to a professional to interpret the code. At Grand Garage, our ASE-certified technicians can run diagnostics to pinpoint the exact problem. If the issue concerns your oxygen sensor, we can repair/replace it with ease.
Low Gas Mileage
When the O2 sensor is not working correctly, it will send incorrect signals to your engine. As a result, it can allow too much fuel to be injected into the engine, which will lower your overall gas mileage.
Smell of Rotten Eggs
Lastly, when there is extra fuel in the engine due to a defect with the oxygen sensor, the motor engine can produce a sulfuric odor, similar to the smell of rotten eggs.
Your car's oxygen sensor is not intended to last forever; you can rely on the team at Grand Garage to do the job. Our shop has been family-owned and operated since 1992, and we're known for providing quality and reliable services to the residents of Escondido, North County, Valley Center, and more. If you need check engine light repair or oxygen sensor repairs, please do not hesitate to give us a call or visit today!