Your Jaguar is a powerful and efficient vehicle, but if you have experienced a decrease in the power output, bad gas mileage, or a strong smell of fuel, the problem may be with the oxygen (O2) sensor. Most drivers neglect the O2 sensor because they are unaware of the role that it has in optimizing their car’s performance and its exhaust emission regulations.
The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system so that your Jaguar’s ECM can change the fuel injection accordingly. When the sensor fails, the engine may run too rich (too much fuel) or too lean (too little fuel), which results in unpredictable performance. Failure of O2 sensor may lead to poor fuel economy, high emissions and if not remedied may cause severe damages to the engine.
Signs Associated With Jaguar O2 Sensor Failure
- Check Engine Light: One of the signs that the O2 sensor is faulty is when a check light comes up on the dashboard. Your Jaguar’s computer usually checks the O2 sensor and every other system in the vehicle, so if the sensor is giving out abnormal signals, the warning light will be turned on. The check light is not exclusive to the O2 sensor, so it can be caused by a number of factors. This is why it is best to take the car to be scanned to determine the cause of the problem.
- Fuel Economy: If you notice that your Jaguar is consuming more fuel than it used to, then you may be having a faulty O2 sensor. This sensor is used in ensuring that the air-fuel mixture is well controlled so that the engine can get the correct fuel. If it fails to work efficiently, the engine may burn more fuel than required. This leads to a situation where the engine is overworked, which in turn leads to fuel wastage and more frequent stops at the gas station.
- Poor Acceleration: A bad O2 sensor may also lead to poor acceleration, stalling, or rough running of the engine. Anytime there is an imbalance in the fuel and air mixture, you should also expect the acceleration to be affected.
- Exhaust Smell: Are you getting a foul stench from your exhaust? A faulty O2 sensor may result in the wrong air-fuel mixture, which means incomplete combustion. An improperly combusted fuel can lead to a bad smell in the exhaust. If there are such smells, then it is recommended to take your Jaguar for repair as soon as possible.
- Failed Emissions Test: One of the first things to check when your vehicle fails an emissions test is the O2 sensor. Since the sensor is used for measuring and controlling exhaust gases, a defective one will lead to increased carbon emission rates. It is a good idea to replace it in time so that your Jaguar can pass the next test and work more efficiently.
How often should the sensor be changed?
It is recommended to inspect the Jaguar’s O2 sensor every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or if you experience any signs of poor performance. Always make sure that the right sensor is used in replacing the faulty one.
What Should You Do If Your Jaguar’s O2 Sensor Is Faulty?
If your Jaguar’s O2 sensor is bad, it is recommended that you get it fixed to avoid any problems with the performance of the engine. A mechanic can diagnose the problem with the help of a diagnostic scanner that displays the trouble codes. In some cases, cleaning might work for a while if the sensor is dirty or contaminated, but replacement is often the only solution. If a bad O2 sensor is not addressed, the fuel efficiency will drop, there will be more emission, and there could be damage to the catalytic converter.
Professional O2 Sensor Diagnosis and Replacement
Although some people try to fix the O2 
sensors themselves, it is always best to consult qualified mechanics to diagnose the issue. At Escondido German Auto, we are Jaguar specialists and we use only original tools to diagnose and replace O2 sensors if they are faulty. Our qualified mechanics are always ready to help the clients in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, Valley Center, CA, and the neighboring communities. If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms, do not wait for it to become something severe. You can contact us today to get an appointment for inspection of your Jaguar and have it restored to its optimal performance.