Should O2 sensors be replaced in pairs?
Manufacturers recommend replacing O2 sensors in pairs (both Upstream or both Downstream). An older, slower sensor can cause an imbalance in the engine management system, leading to poor fuel economy and possible damage to the catalytic converter.
Are left and right O2 sensors the same?
Upstream or downstream , left or right, doesn’t matter, Ford, GM, Dodge, doesn’t matter, they are all interchangeable if wire and connector match up. Recently there was a change to A/F(or AFR) sensors instead of O2 sensors, they are known as Wide band sensors.
Which is the most common sensor to be replaced?
The catalyst monitor needs good inputs from both the upstream and downstream O2 sensors to check the operating efficiency. Oxygen sensors are one of the most often replaced sensors. Inputs from the O2 sensors are used by the engine management system to adjust the fuel mixture. This is critical for maintaining low emissions and good fuel economy.
What happens when you change the O2 sensor?
The O2 sensor then sends information to the electronic control unit, or ECU, the vehicle’s computer. The ECU then adjusts the air-to-fuel ratio to optimize the fuel combustion. Sometimes an O2 sensor fails, and you need to replace it.
Where are the O2 sensors on a V-6 engine?
Modern vehicles with V-6 or V-8 engines could have as many as four O2 sensors — one located in each cylinder bank and one after each catalytic converter. If either the oxygen sensor in the cylinder block or the one for the catalytic converter fails, your vehicle could experience serious engine problems.
When to replace sensors and why-counterman magazine?
The sensor’s out put can be checked with a voltmeter, or observed on a scan tool. If there are any drops in the output as the throttle opens, the sensor is bad and needs to be replaced. On some older vehicles, the idle voltage setting of the sensor must be adjusted to a specified voltage.