Oxygen Sensor: Frequently Asked Questions
There is more to oxygen sensors than just being devices for emission control. Usually found in a vehicle’s exhaust manifold above the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor or O2 sensor works in a complicated process in the emission system. Here are just some of the basics of oxygen sensor and O2 sensor technology gathered from the internet. This serves to provide readers snippets of what an oxygen sensor is.
What is an oxygen sensor and what does it do?
The oxygen sensor is a device resembling a spark plug that is responsible for measuring if the oxygen in the fuel on the engine is too rich or lean. The oxygen level detected is sent to a computer in the vehicle. Oxygen sensors are mde up of a ceramic body with a platinum tip. An oxygen sensor needs to have a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius before it starts to operate. That explains why it is placed in the very hot exhaust system. Oxygen sensors typically last 50,000 or more miles, even outlasting the life of a car.
How is an oxygen sensor tested?
An oxygen sensor can be tested by a high-impedance volt meter, which can be done either inside or outside the car.
What causes damage to an oxygen sensor?
Leaded gas is one of the enemies of oxygen sensors because it triggers plugging up or ruining of the device. Undercoating, antifreeze, or oil on the surface of the oxygen sensor can damage it, too.
How does one know if the O2 sensor is defective?
Like other auto parts, an oxygen sensor will succumb to wear and tear over time. The first to suffer the blow of bad oxygen sensors is the performance of the engine. A very noticeable sign is the loss of miles per gallon of fuel economy.
Sources: The Turbo Regal, WiseGeek.com