Monday, September 19, 2011

Why is it that there is a need to change the oxygen sensor of my car every 60,000 miles?

You don't need to replace the O2 sensor at 60k. Have the O2 sensors checked with a scope to make sure that it is functioning correctly. An O2 sensor is designed to check the oxygen level in the exhaust and compare it to the oxygen in the air. The difference in the oxygen levels causes the sensor to create a voltage that the computer reads to decide whether the vehicle needs more gas or less gas. This sensor is constantly bouncing back and forth between lean and rich mixtures. Over time, the sensor starts to get sluggish and it doesn't function the way it should and can lead to decreased fuel economy and increased emissions. If it gets bad enough, the cat can 'load up' with fuel and burn up inside and cause a whole new list of problems.
Why is it that there is a need to change the oxygen sensor of my car every 60,000 miles?
only because that's what the manufacturer says so. They can go a long time without changing actually...rarely do they go bad.
Why is it that there is a need to change the oxygen sensor of my car every 60,000 miles?
check this out with the local autozone i cant think of any reason but this it detects the emmissions levels at the exaust and ajusts the flow of fuel and oxegen to the intake so if its burnt or clogged then the fuel is burned at a faster rate than needed so fuel savings are no more
Who says there is? What happens if you drive 60,001 miles and you don't change it?



Depending on the make and model, plus how you store the car. (inside heated garage vs. outside back alley in Buffalo NY)



What I am getting at here is simple. Your question implies that the oxygen sensor %26quot;MUST%26quot; be changed. Start with Logic 101. I do not believe your question is valid. Therefore there is no answer.
they suggest that because after so long they slow down from getting dirty, they are in the exhaust pipe after all. the main purpose of an O2 sensor is to help control fuel delivery to the engine. when they go bad your emissions levels can go up and your fuel economy gets worse. they do eventually go bad, it is a common problem.
wrong... check it with a labscope and check o2 waveform activity. If its lazy, risetime greater than 100ms then replace it

why?

fuel mileage ! and emissions