The oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, is one of the key components of the emission system of your Porsche. It has been around for a long time because it helps to regulate the amount of air allowed to mix with the fuel. Car owners need to recognize when this component stops working so they can protect their Porsche and keep it working.
Why is the oxygen sensor important?
The oxygen sensor in your car is designed to monitor how much oxygen is in the exhaust stream. This helps to check the efficiency of the system and to confirm that the catalytic converter works well.
The oxygen sensor is supposed to sense whether the engine is running the right air to fuel mixture for the car to function properly. It can test whether that mixture is too lean or too rich because it oxidizes a small amount of the oxygen right as it comes into the exhaust system.
The reading from the oxygen sensor is then sent back to the computer with the engine. It is then adjusted to the fuel metering and timing to ensure there is always an optimum mixture of both the air and the fuel. This is something that is done constantly to ensure the engine is able to burn the right amount of oil and fuel at all times while the car is in motion.
What causes the oxygen sensor to fail?
Sometimes normal wear and tear will be enough for the oxygen sensor to fail. This part is not meant to last forever. Porsche owners need to pay attention to how long it has been since their last inspection to determine if this sensor needs replaced. There are a few other things that may cause the oxygen sensor to fail including fuel that has been contaminated. Also, an engine that is not working efficiently may have started to burn off oil. This burnt oil can leave carbon deposits on the sensor and ruin it.
External contaminants, including different chemicals, undercoating materials, and road salt can cause the oxygen sensor to break down. Also, natural degradation of the sensor is possible if it has been in use for a long time.
Signs that the Oxygen Sensor has Failed
Porsche owners should recognize the common signs that an oxygen sensor has gone bad. The only true way to tell is to look at a diagnostic code reader, but the car may show a few indicators as a warning. Some of the common signs that the oxygen sensor is starting to fail include:
- The check engine light turns on. The check engine light may turn on when the oxygen sensor is not performing well to alert you to get a diagnostic check as soon as you can. There are many reasons why this light illuminates, so check with your trusted Porsche mechanic for its source.
- There is a noticeable change in the fuel economy of the vehicle. A slight change may be due to the weather or the driving patterns of the driver. A drastic change is a sign that something is wrong with the Porsche.
- Rough running: This is often a sign that the plug wires and spark plugs are not working well. If those are in good shape, then the oxygen sensor is to blame.
- Black smoke: Sometimes a faulty oxygen sensor will show black smoke out of the tailpipe.
How to Fix a Failed O2 Sensor
If the oxygen sensor fails in your Porsche, you should visit our trusted mechanics as soon as possible. We can get the part replaced and take a closer look at other aspects of your car to make sure everything is in good shape. You should not attempt to replace the sensor on your own. A qualified mechanic can get the work done quickly and help you keep your car and its mechanical and electrical components safe.
Our team at Escondido German Auto are here to help with all your car repair needs. We proudly work on many different types of cars including Sprinter, Porsche, MINI, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi. Our team of professional mechanics are ready to serve the residents of Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Valley Center, CA with all their car repair needs. Contact us today to set up your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!