| Did you know that a modern car is more | | | | takes measure of the ambient temperature |
| sophisticated than a Formula 1 racer? Regulations | | | | outside the exhaust system.. |
| within F1 had made sure that its drivers are the | | | | How do O2 sensors save gas? |
| centerpiece of the race and not the technology. | | | | The sensor probe is the part of the O2 sensor |
| On the other hand, for everyday car consumers, | | | | that is inserted into the exhaust pipe to detect |
| the technology plays a large part in the buying | | | | oxygen in emissions. The probe is a thimble-like |
| decision of a car consumer. | | | | probe composed of a "ceramic cylinder plated |
| Because of this, it is inevitable that a modern | | | | inside and out with porous platinum electrodes." |
| street car would be a computer on wheels. All | | | | The probe detects oxygen through an |
| that power in the car is controlled by the | | | | electrochemical process in a Nernst cell. It usually |
| computer or Engine Control Unit (ECU). For this | | | | has two zirconia dioxide electrodes at the tip, |
| purpose, a number of sensors have been built into | | | | which interacts with exhaust gases to generate |
| the vehicle system to act as the eyes and ears | | | | different voltages which is processed by the ECU |
| of the ECU. One of these is the oxygen sensor. | | | | to indicate lean or rich mixtures and adjust |
| An oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) is a electronic | | | | accordingly. |
| sensor that detects the amount of oxygen | | | | Symptoms of a bad or blocked O2 sensor |
| present in the exhaust system and compares the | | | | -Soot buildup on the ceramic tip, slowing response |
| result against ambient outside conditions. O2 | | | | time -Silicone buildup due to fuel additives -Oil |
| sensors makes it possible to provide real-time | | | | coating due to oil leaks -Improper handling of the |
| information to the ECU when the car's internal | | | | O2 sensors during diagnostics testing -Wear and |
| combustion engine has the correct air-fuel ratio or | | | | tear. O2 sensors are rated to last 30,000 to |
| "stochiometric". | | | | 50,000 miles for unheated sensors. There is |
| What is the O2 sensor composed of? | | | | another version that encases a heating element |
| Real time information to the ECU means better | | | | to bring the sensor up to operational temperature |
| and more efficient fuel consumption to the user. | | | | in less time and this can last up to 100,000 miles. |
| The O2 sensor is capable of detecting a rich or | | | | For more very useful information on increasing |
| lean air-fuel mix through its sensor probe and | | | | fuel efficiency with oxygen sensors, mileage, and |
| comparing the results with its sensor body, which | | | | saving petrol. Visit us at the URL below. |