just took a used car in for its first oil change. the car is in good shape, and I have never had any indicator lights on. on my way home from the oil change, the engine malfunction light came on. according to the same place, it is the oxygen sensor. can this be rigged to go off so I spend more money? I don't intend on accusing them of anything, but kind of weary going back.
Can an oxygen sensor be rigged to malfunction?
Honestly Ryan it would be very difficult for them to do. The only thing that I can think of is they disconnected the wire connector going to the O2 sensor wire just enough that it does not make contact. So you might want to get under your vehicle and check that. If it is secure then just strike it up to Murphy's law unfortunately.
The O2 sensor count the amount of oxygen in your exhaust compared to hydrocarbons and your computer adjusts your engine accordingly to this measurement. If it is not measuring, as in the wire was disconnected, the computer is asking WTF? at that point and throwing a code.
Can an oxygen sensor be rigged to malfunction?
yes it can be unplugged causing the light to go on, or it has just failed which can happen. take it to another shop and ask them about it
If they cut the wire. Not likely though, coincident I'll say. Bring it to another shop.
It is as simple as unplugging it or even loosening the plug so it doesn't make good contact. It is almost possible this could have happened accidentally while changing the oil. I doubt it. I would get under the car and check the sensor plug. It is pretty easy to find (look for wires sticking out of the exhaust pipe near the engine). Check the wires for rub spots from the sensor to the plug and make sure the plug is together tight. If all that is good I guess the sensor just went bad and it was coincidence
