The importance of the engine oxygen sensor
With the
sophistication of today's increasingly computerized auto-mobile
engines, it's become difficult for the do-it-yourselfer to service
or tune-up the engine on his own vehicle. And along with this
computerization come new parts that are crucial, both for optimal
engine performance and also to stay within the bounds of environmental
laws regarding engine emissions.
The oxygen
sensor is one of those crucial components. They're roughly the
size of clothes pins, yet many people don't even know they exist.
But they play a pivotal role in monitoring engine exhaust, one
of the most common causes of air pollution.
The first
oxygen sensor was introduced into automotive engines in 1976 (on
a Volvo 240) by The Robert Bosch Corporation.
The oxygen
sensor is a measuring probe for determining the amount of oxygen
in the exhaust. It continually monitors exhaust gases and signals
the engine computer to adjust the air/fuel ratio to ensure that
gasoline combustion is as complete as possible, thus reducing
harmful emissions while also improving engine performance and
fuel efficiency.
In fact,
replacing a degraded oxygen sensor with a new one will increase
fuel efficiency by 10 to 15 percent.
Oxygen
sensors also play a key role in ensuring that vehicles pass the
new emissions inspection programs that will be required in many
states due to the Federal Clean Air Act.
"Studies
show that two thirds of all vehicle emissions test failures are
a result of worn out oxygen sensors," explained Chuck Ruth,
Bosch general product manager. "Those numbers are staggering
when you consider that oxygen sensors are easy enough to replace
and that the vast majority of them are also inexpensive, costing
roughly $20 to $50."
"Even
if you're not a do-it-yourselfer, it's a good idea to have a professional
service technician check your oxygen sensor on a regular basis:
every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for an "unheated" 1 or
2 wire sensor or every 60-100,000 miles for a "heated"
3 or 4 wire sensor. When the oxygen sensor is degraded, you can
very quickly recoup its low replacement cost from the fuel savings
of up to $100 a year resulting from complete combustion and a
smoother running engine."
How can
you tell if you need a new oxygen sensor? Common symptoms of a
worn out sensor include excessive fuel consumption, high emissions,
engine surging or hesitation, or premature failure of the catalytic
converter. When examining the sensor, a shiny deposit on the sensor's
heat shield or any gummy deposits indicate it's time to check
and/or replace the sensor.
Provided
as a public service by Robert Bosch Corporation
