Accurate Auto Center advises that if your car’s engine is bucking like a bronco, it may be time to replace the oxygen sensor. Also called the O2 sensor, this exhaust system part measures the oxygen in the exhaust. The engine control unit or ECU needs this information to ensure there is always a balance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber. If the O2 sensor is going bad and its data is skewed, the ECU may add fuel to the combustion chamber that will make your engine surge and buck.
Engine Sputtering and Lagging
The opposite can also happen with a malfunctioning O2 sensor. If your engine is sputtering and lagging, the ECU has added excess air to the combustion chamber. In severe cases, your engine may stall because it is fuel-starved. You may also have a difficult time getting the engine started.
Noticeable Fuel Economy Loss
Whether the engine is bucking or lagging, you will notice a difference in the fuel economy. Unfortunately, this difference is a loss. You will head to the service station more often to fill the tank because the engine will burn through excess fuel whether it is stuffed with air or stuffed with fuel.
Exhaust That Smells Rancid
Another problem that can occur is a malfunctioning catalytic converter. It might seem hard to believe that a faulty O2 sensor can affect the catalytic converter, but if there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber, this is exactly what will happen. Consequently, your exhaust will smell like rotten eggs.
Exhaust Smoke That Is Black
Black exhaust smoke is also a sign that the catalytic converter is malfunctioning. Alongside problems with the catalytic converter, your automobile will release black exhaust if the engine is burning too much fuel. It’s important to replace the malfunctioning O2 sensor to restore the balance of fuel in the combustion chamber.
Increased Vehicle Emissions
Failing to do so will increase your vehicle’s emissions to the point that it will fail an emissions test. Where you live dictates whether you need to have this test performed on your automobile.
An Illuminated CEL on the Dash
Finally, when the O2 sensor goes bad, it will send a malfunctioning code to the ECU. Generally, the solution to the problem is replacing the O2 sensor. The ECU cannot do this so it will illuminate the check engine light on the dashboard.
Accurate Auto Center in Tomball, TX, would be happy to help, so bring us up today to set up a service appointment for your automobile for the oxygen sensor.