Oxygen

Sensors

• A common sign of a bad oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) is a decrease in fuel economy.

O2 sensors usually last between 60,000 miles and 100,000 miles depending upon the vehicle.

A decrease in fuel economy does not automatically mean your O2 sensor is bad, it's just a symptom.

Before replacing an O2 sensor, your vacuum hoses, spark plugs, and ignition system should be checked.

A vacuum hose could be leaking which can also cause a bad oxygen sensor symptom even though the sensor is functioning correctly.

A professional shop will use a diagnostic tree to eliminate all other issues to ensure the suggested repair is the right repair for your vehicle.

This will save you time and money.

Oxygen sensors work by constantly measuring the oxygen content inside the exhaust manifold and comparing it to the air outside the engine.

A bad O2 sensor will usually cause the check engine light to illuminate.

A check engine light may also illuminate due to a fouled plug, bad ignition switch, or a vacuum leak among other problems.

All of these symptoms can return a bad O2 sensor diagnostic code. Be safe have it checked at a professional shop before you spend a fortune on home repair.