We can help here at Extra Mile Tire and Service if your oxygen sensor has gone bad. The O2 sensor generally lasts about 100,000 miles before it malfunctions. When this happens, you will start to have one or more of the engine problems listed below.
High Vehicle Emissions
One of the first things that can happen is your automobile will fail its emissions test because there is an increase in the hydrocarbons in the vehicle’s exhaust. Sometimes, a faulty O2 sensor can cause your vehicle’s main computer chip to think that the engine needs extra fuel when it doesn’t. This fuel burn increases the harmful emissions found in the exhaust.
Poor Engine Performance
The extra fuel can also make your engine pick up speed in erratic spurts. There are also times when a malfunctioning O2 sensor will make the main computer chip think that the engine needs more air when it doesn’t. When the chip adds the air into the combustion chamber, your engine will start to sputter and your acceleration will lag.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Either of these conditions will cause a reduction in the gas mileage that your automobile gets while you are driving. Unfortunately, the engine is not running in an efficient manner. Consequently, it will blow through the diesel fuel or gasoline quickly.
Dark Exhaust Smoke
This excess fuel burn can also cause your vehicle’s exhaust to turn black. This is a sign that the engine is burning too much fuel and overloading the catalytic converter. Eventually, and quickly, the catalytic converter will get clogged by the hydrocarbons it is trying to treat. This will cause the catalytic converter to malfunction and create the next problem.
Rancid Exhaust Smells
When the catalytic converter is clogged by sulfur deposits, it will release the odor of rotten eggs in the exhaust. This rancid smell is noticeable and points directly to the catalytic converter. The only other thing that can smell like rotten eggs in your automobile is a leaking battery.
Check Engine Warning
Finally, all of the above will cause the main computer chip to turn on the check engine warning light. In fact, a dead O2 sensor is a common cause of a CEL warning. Unfortunately, the illuminated check engine light will stay on until you replace the O2 sensor.
We can do that here at Extra Mile Tire and Service in Milton, GA, so call us today to schedule a service appointment for your vehicle.
