Your car’s engine needs an exact balance of fuel and air inside the combustion chambers. The oxygen sensor ensures this fuel-air mixture is just right by measuring levels of oxygen in the exhaust fumes. If you notice the following problems, visit your Ford dealership immediately for an oxygen sensor replacement.
Misfiring Spark Plugs
Without a functioning oxygen sensor, your cylinders may run too rich or too lean, meaning the fuel-air balance is thrown off. With either too much or too little fuel entering the cylinders, the spark plugs could misfire, causing your engine to cough and shake, especially when idling or driving at higher speeds.
Reduced Engine Power
Any oxygen sensor-related mishap will prevent the engine from burning fuel properly, reducing its power. So, you’ll find it harder to reach top speeds as your engine power plummets. Your acceleration will become generally more sluggish, making it harder to cross busy intersections and overtake other cars.
Declining Fuel Efficiency
With a bad oxygen sensor, your engine may continue burning fuel at the same or even faster rate. Despite this, less power is produced, diminishing the car’s gas mileage. You’ll find that your gas tank is emptying out surprisingly quickly.
Black Exhaust Smoke
If the mixture grows too rich, an excess of fuel will build up in the combustion chambers. This leads to misfiring, which further exacerbates the problem. Soon, unburned fuel will start to run back into the exhaust system, where it can partially ignite and turn into thick black smoke.
Rotten Egg Smell
One particular danger of misfiring spark plugs is that unburned fuel entering the exhaust can damage the catalytic converter, which is responsible for converting the engine’s more noxious fumes into less harmful gases. If this occurs, you may smell rotten eggs, which means toxic fumes are escaping your exhaust pipes.
Check Engine Light
A problem with the oxygen sensor and the resulting engine problems will almost certainly trigger the check engine light to appear. If you see this warning light, ask a technician to repair the underlying fault, especially if you also notice the other issues outlined here.
Failed Emissions Test
If you don’t get a bad oxygen sensor fixed promptly, your car will probably fail its next emissions test. This would prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the bad sensor has been replaced or repaired.
Visit Your Local Ford Dealership for Prompt Oxygen Sensor Replacement
It doesn’t take us long to check and replace a bad oxygen sensor. Allow us to get your car running smoothly and efficiently once more before the problem worsens.
Come to Miller Ford in Burlington, WI, for quick, hassle-free maintenance and repairs.
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