Are O2 sensors part of the exhaust system?
The O2 sensor (oxygen sensor) is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. It looks very similar to a spark plug, but performs a different function. Most modern vehicles have O2 sensors located before the catalytic converter and after the catalytic converter. Vehicles with dual exhaust have four O2 sensors.
What does the O2 sensor connect to?
The O2 sensor is connected to the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which is considered the brain of the engine, and constantly sends and receives data for processing.
Where do O2 sensors go on exhaust?
Ideally, the O2 sensor should be placed at least 24 inches downstream from the cylinder head exhaust ports. This ensures that the O2 sensor takes its measurements after the exhaust gas from each primary merges into a common collector.
How do exhaust O2 sensors work?
Oxygen sensors work by producing their own voltage when they get hot (approximately 600°F). When the outside of the bulb is exposed to the hot gases of the exhaust, the difference in oxygen levels between the bulb and the outside atmosphere within the sensor causes voltage to flow through the bulb.
How do I know which O2 sensor is bad?
Several of the most obvious signs that the oxygen sensor is failing include:
- Reduced gas mileage.
- A bad smell like rotten eggs coming from the exhaust.
- The check engine light comes on.
- You notice that your engine idles roughly.
- The car is suddenly hard to start.
What is a bad O2 sensor?
Bad O2 sensors are one of those car problems that most drivers tend to postpone until more serious problems occur. These symptoms will rarely cause any immediate damage, but over time, if left unattended, they can cause damage to the engine and other systems mainly through improper air-fuel mixture.
When to replace O2 sensor?
Car manufacturers recommend replacing the O 2 sensor about every five years (one- and two-wire sensors) or 10 years (three- and four-wire sensors). However, silicon or carbon soot may cover an oxygen sensor due to a car repair or engine performance problems.
What are the different types of O2 sensors?
Broadly speaking there are two different types of O2 sensor available, wideband and narrowband. Both sensors have their place in tuning an engine, narrowband sensors are designed to be used in conjunction with a catalytic converter.
Where is the O2 sensor located?
Oxygen sensors O2 sensors will always be located in the exhaust system. Their function is to sense how much oxygen remains in the exhaust that is flowing out of the engine, and report that information to the vehicle’s engine control computer.