Has your check engine warning light come on recently? Although this light can send off alarm bells to many drivers, in most cases this warning light is usually not serious. The check engine light can come on for several reasons, but one of the most common causes is a problem with an oxygen (O2) sensor.
Your O2 sensor, which is located in your tailpipe, determines how much oxygen is in your exhaust and sends that information directly to the main computer chip in your car. When an O2 sensor goes bad, it causes the check engine warning light to come on. The light wont turn off until you replace the O2 sensor.
Most vehicles have more than one O2 sensor. When you get this warning light, you need to use a diagnostic tool to determine which sensor is faulty. So, if your check engine light has come on recently, then you should bring your vehicle into Hoesly Eco Automotive to find out why its on. It could very likely be an O2 sensor, but it could also be something else.
Other Signs Your O2 Sensor is Bad
In addition to the check engine light coming on, there are some other indications your O2 sensor has gone bad. Here are a few other signs to look for.
Poor Fuel Efficiency when the O2 sensor wears out you will likely see a decline in your vehicles fuel economy. When it goes bad, the O2 sensor sends the wrong data to the main computer chip, aka the engine control module. Thats what causes the bad gas mileage because the computer module sends more fuel than necessary to the combustion chamber. Your fuel economy will decline because of poor engine efficiency.
Exhaust Smoke Is Black another sign to look for is black smoke from the exhaust. This is caused by excess fuel in the combustion chamber because your engine is burning the fuel.
Rotten Smells from the Exhaust if your exhaust system is forced to process too much fuel, it can clog your catalytic converter, which will burn sulfur. Thats the reason for the rotten egg smell coming from your car. It could also prevent the catalytic converter from converting the carbon monoxide in the exhaust.
Poor Engine Performance if you have any of the above symptoms you will also have poor engine performance. It might struggle to accelerate or stutter, or it could suddenly gain speed, which is a sign of trouble.
Emissions Levels Are High due to the excess carbon in your exhaust, your emissions will also go up. Your engine releases carbon every time it burns fuel. This carbon eventually makes its way through the exhaust system and catalytic converter and then out the tailpipe. When the O2 sensor goes bad, your vehicles emissions go up.
Trust Hoesly with Your Vancouver Auto Repair
If you think your vehicle has a faulty O2 sensor, then please bring it into our downtown Vancouver auto repair shop. We have the right diagnostic tools for the job. Well determine if you have a bad sensor or if there is another issue causing the check engine light to turn on.
Our ASE certified technicians can resolve the problem and fix it, so you dont have to worry about it. And well make that annoying warning light go away. So, please give us a call at 360-695-5871 or click here to set up an appointment online. You can count on Hoesly for all your Vancouver auto repair needs.
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