What is an oxygen sensor?
The oxygen sensor is also known as O2 sensor or lambda sensor. It is one of the most important components of petrol, diesel and gas vehicle’s emissions system. All vehicles that are manufactured after 1980 include oxygen O2 sensors.
The main purpose of the oxygen sensor is to monitor how much unburned oxygen deposits in the exhaust stream of the vehicle as the exhaust gases exit the engine. It checks if the catalytic converters work properly and the engine runs its best. Oxygen sensors are directly connected to the vehicle’s electronic control unit. That way, if the oxygen levels are too low or too high, the lambda sensors notify the computer and warning check engine light comes up on the dashboard. The upstream oxygen sensor is located on the exhaust pipe, while the downstream sensor is closer to the muffler and catalytic converter. The main idea is the ECU to receive more adequate information and calibrate the engine for better fuel efficiency and performance.
What does oxygen sensor do?
The O2 sensor measures the residual oxygen amount of the exhaust gases. It transmits a voltage signal to the engine control unit when it gets hot and reaches 300°C.
For example, if there is not enough fuel in the mixture, the voltage signal is low. If there is too much fuel, the voltage is higher. The air/fuel ratio is something that is constantly changing because it depends on the engine temperature, load, warm-up period, acceleration, etc. The oxygen sensor voltage helps the vehicle’s computer to regulate the amount of fuel and to achieve an optimum mixture.
How to know if the oxygen sensor is faulty?
This usually happens when the dashboard warning light comes on, also have symptoms that can help you will help you to notice if there is a problem with your lambda sensor.