An oxygen sensor is an electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen (O2) in the gas or liquid being analyzed. The sensing element is usually made with a zirconium ceramic bulb coated on both sides with a thin layer of platinum and comes in both heated and unheated forms. The most common application is to measure the performance of internal combustion engines in automobiles and other vehicles. Divers also use a similar device to measure the partial pressure of oxygen in their breathing gas.
An automotive oxygen sensor, also known as an O2 sensor, lambda probe, lambda sensor, lambda sond or EGO (exhaust gas oxygen) sensor, is a small sensor inserted into the exhaust system of a petrol engine to measure the concentration of oxygen remaining in the exhaust gas to allow an electronic control unit (ECU) to control the efficiency of the combustion process in the engine. In most modern automobiles, these sensors are attached to the engine's exhaust manifold to determine whether the mixture of air and gasoline going into the engine is rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little fuel).
This information is sent to the engine management ECU computer, which adjusts the mixture to give the engine the best possible fuel economy and lowest possible exhaust emissions. Failure of these sensors, either through normal aging or the use of leaded fuels, can lead to damage of an automobile's catalytic converter and expensive repairs.
The downside of oxygen sensors is that they defeat many fuel saving technologies. If the engine burns too lean from any modifications, the sensor detects that the exhaust is too lean. It then sends the signal to cause the injectors to enrich the mixture by supplying more fuel. This causes the air-fuel mixture to stay within the stoichiometric ratio of 14.7:1 on a typical vehicle.
There are ways to overcome this efficiency defeating mechanism. Several companies manufacture a device that can be inserted inline with the sensor and tricks the voltage signals into thinking it is within normal parameters. Therefore, any modification for cleaner burning will not be defeated by the oxygen sensor.
This self-defeating mechanism is why some legitimate fuel saving technologies actually cause a loss in gas mileage.
2006-10-17 04:09:00
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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O2 sensors are found in the exhaust system of your engine. There are generally two on each section of the exhaust. Therefore, if you have a V6 or V8 you could potentially have 4 sensors and on a 'straight line' motor (4 or 6) there are two. One sensor is located close to or mounted onto the Exhaust manifold. This is a heat operated sensor and measures the O2 level as soon as the exhaust exits the engine. The second sensor is located down the exhaust pipe and measures the O2 level after a bit of cooling and mixing has occurred.
O2 sensors help the cars computers determine if your engine is running efficiently or not. This sensor feeds the information to the computer and from that the computer determines if the engine is running 'rich' (too much gas) or lean (not enough gas) and then makes the necessary adjustment. There are multiple sensors to help the engine computer make the correct adjust to the appropriate cylinders.
O2 sensors do tend to 'wear out' at bit faster than other parts because of their location. Being in the exhaust system and measureing the exhaust gases is a very difficult job due to the drastic changes in temperature.
If you car's sensors are not functioning properly then this should be indicated by the 'Check Engine' light. This situation will also reduce the performance of your vehicle.
Hope this answers the question!
2006-10-17 04:15:01
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answer #2
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answered by wrkey 5
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financial organization 2 refers back to the form 2 cylinder financial organization. in the experience that your plug wires are numbered, that's easy, as 2, 4, and six are on financial organization 2. in the event that they don't look to be numbered, then the cylinder financial organization farthest rearward is financial organization 2. in case you look heavily, you will see the cylinders are quite offset, one financial organization is in simple terms before the different. you would be wanting financial organization 2 farthest rearward. place 2 can advise considered one of two issues. in case you have an o2 sensor in an exhaust manifold, then place 2 is pre-cat, or the sensor rapidly in front of the cat. if there are actually not any sensors interior the manifold, you have place a million interior the pre-cat postion and sensor 2 is positioned up cat, rapidly after the converter. be carful once you're diagnosing a positioned up converter code, as sometimes this could advise the converter isn't doing it quite is interest wisely and could choose replaced. if it quite is a heater code, although, this greater suitable than probable ability the o2 sensor is at fault. enable me know in case you have any further questions
2016-11-23 15:56:06
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answer #3
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answered by rudicil 4
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The oxygen sensor communicates with your cars computer. It is located in the exhaust system of your car. It senses the amount of oxygen in the exhaust, if it reads too much raw fuel in the exhaust , then it tells the computer to lean out the mixture by adding more air in the combustion chamber. If it reads too much air, which is a lean condition, it tells the computer to richen the mixture. This happens hundreds of times per second. So as you see , this is a very important and integral part in your car.
hope this helps.....good luck
2006-10-17 04:27:11
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answer #4
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answered by mailbox1024 7
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although the other answers have (in essence) said the same thing(s) an oxygen sensor examines the amount of oxygen in the exhaust pipe(s) and adjusts the fuel / air mix for the optimum ratio for your particular engine and your power needs / demands.
true enough your vehicle may begin to run poorly without the sensors also true is the fact that you wil also loose fuel mileage...bite the bullett and open your wallett to the mechanic the extra life you get from your car and gas will sooner or later repay your wallett in savings
2006-10-17 04:14:48
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answer #5
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answered by Bucky411_hit 2
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The oxygen sensor makes sure the air that goes into the engine is clean, you need a good one for the car to run right. Without one the car will not have as much power, will choke out and stall. Not a good thing. Go with the mechanics advice.
2006-10-17 04:06:11
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answer #6
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answered by kay_77381 2
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o2 sensors measure the oxygen content in the exhaust
2006-10-17 04:06:09
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answer #7
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answered by Henry_Tee 7
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o2 sensor is in the exhaust stream and reads the percent of o2 in the exhaust. plays into the computer and how it runs the system. replace it.
2006-10-17 04:07:40
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answer #8
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answered by David B 6
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To measure the level in your oxygen in your car. So that if it is leaking carbon Monoxide, it will tell you the oxygen level and hopefully, you will get out of the car.
2006-10-17 04:07:11
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answer #9
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answered by Webballs 6
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It tells the computers how much fuel the motor needs. cant run right without a working one.
2006-10-17 04:08:11
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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