While you may have heard the term "oxygen detector" before, you may not know what it is or why you need it. Understand how oxygen sensors work.

Portable O2 gas detector, have the chatactors of waterproof, dustproof, accurate detection data, sound and light alarm, long service life. The portable O2 detector can be used in indoor air detection, gas leakage, pharmaceutical factories and other scenes.

What does the oxygen detector do?

O2 sensors measure oxygen levels in your exhaust fumes to gauge engine ‘efficiency’.

Gas engines work by combusting an air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. This mixture needs to be burned at a precise ratio to perform as efficiently as possible. If this ratio is off, the mixture in the engine is considered “rich” if there is not enough oxygen in the mixture, or “lean” if there is too much oxygen — both of which can cause harmful emissions and potentially damage your engine.

The oxygen sensor detects rich or lean mixtures and tells your Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to adjust the ratio. The PCM will then inject more or less fuel into the engine.

Many standard vehicles come with at least two oxygen sensors. The second sensor also measures oxygen in the exhaust flow, but only after the exhaust fumes have passed through the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters convert certain unwanted exhaust gases to help control the release of toxic emissions. Second, the catalytic conversion of the downstream O2 sensor to measure its efficiency in converting the exhaust gas.

How does the on-board oxygen detector work?

Most oxygen sensors generate an electrical signal that tells your car’s Powertrain Control Module how much to alter the air-fuel mixture. To do this, each sensor constantly measures oxygen levels in the exhaust flow and compares them to oxygen levels in the outside air.

Generally in the exhaust pipe car oxygen sensor. One part of the O2 sensor is located within the hot exhaust flow, while the other is in contact with the outside air. The difference in oxygen levels between these two parts generates a chemical reaction that produces a low-level voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 volts.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning oxygen sensor

Oxygen sensors are not components that need regular servicing or replacement like brake pads or motor oil. They typically last anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 miles and should be replaced as soon as they fail. When your oxygen sensor goes bad, it’s only a matter of time before you start experiencing some of the symptoms below:

Check engine light

While checking engine indicators can indicate a number of different problems, one of the most common triggers is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. Once the indicator to check the engine appears on your dashboard, make an appointment for engine diagnostic services at your local auto care center.
If you're driving a car with high mileage, it's probably the oxygen sensor.

However, several other common failed mechanical or electrical components can result in too much or too little air or fuel. So, let a professional diagnose the root cause instead of just replacing an O2 sensor.

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