Two weeks ago I noticed that my car was having problems while in idle. It sounded like it was trying to die. My check engine light went on, I started to ask around, took and got it scanned and everyone told me that my oxygen sensor had gone bad (inluding the guy who performed the scan). I took my car to a friend, and we found that the PCV pipes had started going bad. We replaced them and cleaned out my PCV Valve with carb cleaner. My car works great now, no more problems with it in idle or while driving, however, I've noticed that my gas mileage has gone down by about 90 miles per tank. Could it be the air filter? I just put a new one in only 4,000 miles ago. Maybe it needs to be cleaned? Is it my PCV Valve? Should I replace the entire thing? Or was it my oxygen sensor? I didn't think they could affect how well the engine runs.
Going through a little under a quarter tank a day has shot my checkbook.
2006-07-22 03:46:07 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If your Oxygen Sensor is defective, this will have a HUGE impact on fuel mileage! The sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust , which sends a signal to the engine computer, and the computer calculates if the engine is running too rich, or too lean. The computer then adjusts the amount of fuel the injector(s) flow into the engine for peak efficiency. So if the Oxygen sensor reads low (or lean) all the time as I suspect yours is, the computer will allow more fuel into the engine to try and compensate for the low oxygen level in the exhaust. So change that Oxygen Sensor, and use a dealer sensor. They are a little more expensive, but I have seen so many problems with aftermarket O2 sensors, it's not funny. Good Luck, HTH!!
2006-07-22 04:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by lugnutz59 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The oxygen sensor basically determines your gas mileage. By reading the oxygen in the exhaust it determines if your car is running rich(too much gas) or lean(too little gas). If its bad and is stuck reading lean then the computer will start dumping gas into the engine to richen it up.
And when your PCV hose has a break in it that causes a misfire it usually brings on a light for the oxygen sensor, especially on Fords.
Bottom line, it's worth it to replace your oxygen sensor.
2006-07-22 04:21:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the oxygen sensor regulates the fuel ratio. Constantly checks temperature of discharge gases
2006-07-22 03:52:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First PVC valves do not cost much and should be replaced instead for cleaned. Second sounds like your ignition timing is off and maybe your plugs are fouled and need to cleaned or replaced.
2006-07-22 03:53:13 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look around the exhaust manifold (where the exhaust pipe meets the engine) and look for carbon deposits. It seems to me that you have blown the manifold gasket and she is sucking in air. This would cover both of the problems you have mentioned.
2006-07-22 03:50:43 · answer #5 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋