If your engine has been sputtering or surging constantly lately, it could be the oxygen (O2) sensor. Whether struggling or bucking like a bronco, these actions suggest you either have too much or too little air in the combustion chamber, respectively. Midwest Auto Care can test the oxygen sensor to see if it is malfunctioning. Here are other signs of a faulty O2 sensor.
Black Engine Exhaust Smoke
Too little air in the combustion chamber usually means you have too much fuel. When this happens, your engine burns away the extra diesel fuel or gasoline. Consequently, you might end up with black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe if the fuel burn is big enough.
Check Engine Light Warning
Another sign that your oxygen sensor is malfunctioning is an illuminated check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard. In fact, this is a common reason for a check engine warning. The check engine light is quite accurate, so take this warning seriously.
Emissions That Are Too High
A faulty O2 sensor can also indirectly increase the emissions released in your vehicle’s exhaust. In this case, if there is too much fuel in the combustion chamber, the number of hydrocarbons found in your exhaust will increase significantly. The increased emissions will cause your automobile to fail an emissions test, and, consequently, it won’t pass the test until you replace the dead O2 sensor.
Reduction in Fuel Economy
Whether you have too little or too much fuel in the combustion chamber, you will also notice a significant reduction in your vehicle’s fuel economy. Even if there is too little fuel in the combustion chamber, because the engine is running inefficiently, it will burn the fuel faster. Unfortunately, you will find yourself heading to the service station more often to fill your tank.
Rotten Egg Exhaust Smell
Finally, any time the catalytic converter has to process excess hydrocarbons, it can become clogged and malfunction itself. When this happens, you may notice that your vehicle’s exhaust smells like rotten eggs. You may also notice a rotten egg smell coming from the engine. In addition, there are times when a faulty catalytic converter will cause your vehicle’s engine to overheat.
Midwest Auto Care is your one-stop auto service shop in Lake Station, IN. Call us today to set up an appointment if you are experiencing any of the problems listed above. We will test and replace your oxygen sensor if that is the problem.
