Does bad Oxygen sensors relates to overheating?

Question

My car overheats in the highway when its very congested. Recently, I had my car inspected and they told me that my oxygen sensors are no good and I almost fail the inspection. Can anyone let me know if these two issues are related. Thanks in advance.

I have a 2001 Mitsubishi Galant with 70K miles

Answer 1

Typically no, O2 and temperature typically don't correlate with each other.

If your car overheats when the highway is congested, it means your cooling fans aren't turning on.

It could mean.
1. Cooling fan relay is broken and not flipping on the cooling fans.
2. Cooling fan motors are broken.
3. Radiator is low on coolant.
4. Radiator is clogged and is not cooling your coolant effectively.
5. Water pump is going.
6. Bad temperature sensor.

The O2 sensor determine the amount of fuel the injectors are suppose to inject into each cylinder to ensure complete combustion. Typically not considered related to temperature.

Get your temperature thing inspected right away. Overheating an engine typically will cause gaskets to fail. Especially the head gasket. as well as warp your heads.

Answer 2

the O2 sensor is nothing but a sensor and does not effect your cars operation. you may have a problem with fuel intake or even a bad head gasket (both would make you over heat and set off the sensor.) you have a bigger problem then the o2 sensor.

Answer 3

i own a shop and a bad 0-2 sensor will cause it to run bad,sometimes,and will cause it to heat up a little above normal but it wont make it just literally over heat,if it is running really hot you might want to check the thermostat in it and also be sure and keep an eye on the coolant level in it,a bad sensor can cause it to do it a little but not that much,good luck with it hope this helps.