2. Engine Performance Issues: A faulty oxygen sensor can affect engine performance by causing engine hesitation, stalling, and rough idling. This is because the incorrect air-fuel mixture affects the engine's combustion process, leading to diminished power and efficiency.
3. Check Engine Light: A faulty oxygen sensor triggers the "Check Engine" light on the dashboard, indicating a problem in the emission control system. This is one of the most common symptoms associated with a faulty oxygen sensor.
4. Emissions Concerns: A faulty oxygen sensor can cause increased emissions, especially hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO). The sensor plays a crucial role in regulating fuel injection and optimizing combustion to minimize harmful pollutants.
5. Decreased Catalytic Converter Efficiency: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can shorten the lifespan of the catalytic converter. The incorrect air-fuel mixture can damage the catalytic converter, reducing its ability to convert harmful pollutants into less harmful substances.
6. Failed Emission Testing: Vehicles equipped with faulty oxygen sensors may fail emission testing due to elevated levels of pollutants, preventing the owner from renewing the vehicle's registration.
7. Engine Surging: In some cases, a faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to surge, exhibiting sudden increases and decreases in RPMs. This is due to the incorrect air-fuel mixture causing uneven combustion.
