The oxygen (O2) sensor can ruin the catalytic converter by indirectly affecting the balance of fuel and air in the combustion chamber. The O2 sensor measures the exhaust’s oxygen levels. If it sends incorrect data to the engine control module, the module may put too much fuel in the combustion chamber. This increases the hydrocarbons the catalytic converter must treat, and, consequently, clogs it. New Castle Auto Repair advises this is just one sign of a faulty oxygen sensor. Let’s talk about the other signs below.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
Another sign that the catalytic converter is ruined and unable to treat the exhaust is dark exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is also an indication that there is too much fuel being burned in the combustion chamber. Again, a malfunctioning O2 sensor can indirectly cause this problem by sending incorrect data to the engine control module.
High Vehicle Emissions
Naturally, anytime your engine burns more fuel, this will directly affect the emissions being released in the exhaust. Unfortunately, you will end up with high vehicle emissions that will cause your car, truck, or C/SUV to fail an emissions test if it must take one. In fact, your vehicle will not pass the test if the oxygen sensor is bad, because it sends an error code to the engine control module.
Check Engine Warning
This error code will cause the module to turn on the check engine light, and if you’ve ever tried to pass an emissions test with the check engine light on, you know your vehicle will fail. Unfortunately, you will need to replace the oxygen sensor in order for the check engine light to turn off.
Performance Trouble
Getting back to the imbalance of air and fuel in the combustion chamber, a faulty O2 sensor can make your engine surge unexpectedly if it is burning too much fuel. The engine will also sputter and stall if there is too much air in the combustion chamber that is starving the engine of fuel.
Reduced Fuel Economy
Finally, the engine performance problems just discussed can reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage. Nobody needs that to happen with fuel prices as high as they are. As you can see, a malfunctioning O2 sensor can cause all kinds of problems for your vehicle that will directly affect its fuel economy.
Call New Castle Auto Repair in New Castle, PA, today if you suspect you have a problem with the oxygen sensor. We will test the O2 sensor and replace it if necessary.