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A Faulty O2 Sensor Will Turn On the Check Engine Light

One of the most common reasons why your vehicle’s main computer chip, the engine control module (ECM), turns on the check engine light is because the oxygen (O2) sensor has sent an error code to the module. The average lifespan of an oxygen sensor is anywhere from 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles depending on your vehicle’s age. C & C Automotive would be happy to replace your O2 sensor if it needs it. Here are signs that it does.

Black Exhaust Smoke

Aside from the check engine warning, you may also end up with black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe if the O2 sensor has malfunctioned and sent incorrect oxygen readings to the ECM. This may cause the ECM to add fuel to the combustion chamber unnecessarily. When this happens, the engine burns the excess fuel and releases black exhaust smoke out of the tailpipe.

Failed Emissions Tests

This excess fuel can also cause your car, truck, or C/SUV to fail its emissions test because there are excess hydrocarbons and sulfur in the exhaust. In fact, your automobile will not pass an emissions test until you have the oxygen sensor replaced. This is because the test will pick up on the error code sent to the ECM and automatically fail your automobile.

Strange Exhaust Odors

You may also notice that your exhaust smells strange because the excess hydrocarbons and sulfur have clogged the catalytic converter. Consequently, your exhaust will smell like rotten eggs because the excess sulfur is being burned by the scorching hot exhaust. Unfortunately, this can also make it necessary to replace your catalytic converter.

Performance Problems

You may also experience engine performance problems such as surging or flooding if the ECM puts too much fuel in the combustion chamber. The faulty O2 sensor can also cause the ECM to add air into the combustion chamber unnecessarily. When this happens, your acceleration will lag and your engine will sputter and struggle to perform.

Poor Fuel Economy

Finally, all of these things can affect your vehicle’s gas mileage. Unfortunately, your automobile will suffer from poor fuel economy until you have the oxygen sensor replaced.

We can do that here at C & C Automotive, and we have five auto service shops in the South. Call our Downtown or West Augusta shop in Georgia, or our Martinez, GA, shop if it is closer. We have two shops in South Carolina, too, in Warrenville or Columbia, SC.

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