Oxygen Sensor: How Critical Car Component Works & Saves You Money

Apr 30, 2023

Understanding how the oxygen sensor works can save money as you plan your next trip.

Oxygen sensors are small electronic devices in the exhaust systems of cars.

The component regulates the car's engine performance and fuel efficiency, thus, affecting the amount of money spent on fuel.

"Otherwise known as the O2 sensor, is actually one of the most important sensors on any vehicle, responsible for keeping the right balance between air and fuel for optimal emissions," explain car experts at Delphi Auto Parts.

A working oxygen sensor ensures increased fuel economy. This means motorists spend less on fuel per kilometre.

"A sensing element sits inside the sensor, encased in a steel housing. Oxygen molecules from the exhaust gas pass through tiny slots or holes in the sensor's steel shell to reach the sensing element. On the other side of the sensing element, oxygen from the air outside the exhaust travels down the oxygen sensor and makes contact.

"The difference in the amount of oxygen between that present in the outside air, and that present in the exhaust promotes the flow of oxygen ions and produces voltage," explains Delphi Auto Parts.

When the exhaust gas mixture has little oxygen, a signal is sent to the engine's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to decrease the fuel added to the engine's cylinder.

When the exhaust gas mixture has too much oxygen, the oxygen sensor sends a signal to the ECU to increase the amount of fuel.

On the other hand, a bad oxygen sensor can be troublesome. Symptoms of a bad oxygen sensor include the illumination of the check engine on the dashboard.

Also, poor engine performance indicates that the oxygen sensor is not working. This is because the combustion process is not working well. It can also lead to a stalled engine.

A bad oxygen sensor also decreases the car's fuel economy, increasing the fuel consumed per kilometre.