What is the use of a oxygen sensor?

Answer 1

What exactly does an oxygen sensor do? The answer is in the name; An oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system left after combustion in the engine's cylinders. Based on the amount of Oxygen present, the sensor generates a voltage which is read by the engine's fuel management system. Too much residual O2 in the exhaust, and the car's computer releases more fuel for the next combustion cycle; too little O2, and the opposite happens. This balancing act happens many times every second to maintain the optimal fuel to air ratio of 14.7 : 1. This ratio has been found to produce the most efficient combustion, and therefore, the most power, and best fuel economy.The oxygen sensor helps maintain your vehicles harmful emissions. It does not restrict the exhaust flow in any way. Oxygen sensors are typically mounted in front of your catalytic converter/converters and muffler/mufflers so that the oxygen sensor can read the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. From there, a signal is sent to the computer that makes the proper air/fuel mix, or at least makes adjustments to correct the air/fuel mix. If not taken care of in proper time, your oxygen sensor can cause other other problems like premature failure of your catalytic converter, increasing the total you will spend with the next repair. With the prices of gas as high as they are, keeping your oxygen sensor up to date, or replacing it when it's time, will save you hundreds of dollars each year just in fuel costs. The typical time to replace an oxygen sensor for vehicles made from the late mid 1970s to about 1990 is about every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. For the newer makes and models, get your oxygen sensor checked about every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. If your check engine light comes on, have your mechanic check the oxygen sensors when you take your car in.