2 Signs Your Car's Oxygen Sensor Is Starting To Go Bad And Needs To Be Replaced By An Auto Repair Technician

A key component of your car's engine, the oxygen sensor regulates the ratio of air and fuel dispersed into the combustion chamber. While working correctly, it ensures that just enough gas and oxygen are delivered based on the engine's current needs, helping to maintain the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

However, when the sensor starts to malfunction, it will cause severe issues with your car engine's performance and significantly increase its fuel consumption. Below are a couple of signs you should look for indicating that your car's oxygen sensor is starting to go bad and needs to be replaced by an auto repair technician.

1. Car Loses Power and Releases Black Exhaust Smoke While You Are Driving up a Hill 

One sign that the oxygen sensor for your car's engine has started to malfunction is when you notice a significant loss of power while trying to drive up a hill. While the engine is struggling, you may also see black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe.

When the sensor no longer allows enough air into the combustion chamber but still delivers the same amount of fuel, the gas will not combust efficiently. Not only does this result in a loss of engine power, but the excess gas will exit through the exhaust pipe, creating black smoke. If you do not have the sensor replaced, you will eventually have a loss of power even while driving on flat terrain.

2. Engine Idles Rough While the Car Is Sitting Still and Hesitates When You Try to Take Off

Another sign that your car's oxygen sensor is starting to go bad is when you notice that the engine idles rough while sitting still in your driveway or at a stoplight. When it comes time to take off, the engine will hesitate, increasing the chance that it will stall.

Because the combustion of the fuel in the chamber is incomplete, there may not be enough ignition to keep the engine running smoothly while idling. As the problem gets worse, you will find that the car will stall more often.

When the oxygen sensor starts to malfunction in your car, the fuel-to-air ratio will be unbalanced, causing the engine to lose power while you drive up an incline, idle rough while stopped, and start hesitating every time you try to take off. You may also see black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe because too much fuel and insufficient air are dispersed in the engine's combustion chamber. If you suspect your car's oxygen sensor is failing, take it to an auto repair shop to have a technician inspect the part and replace it if necessary.

Contact an auto repair shop for more information.