Hyundai Oxygen Sensors
Your factory oxygen sensor, or O2 sensor, monitors how much unburned oxygen is in the vehicle's exhaust as it exits. By tracking the oxygen levels and sending that data to your engine control unit (ECU), an oxygen sensor helps maintain the ideal air-fuel mixture so that your engine performs as efficiently as possible.
How Your Oxygen Sensor Works
Oxygen sensors produce their own voltage once they get hot. There's a ceramic bulb on the tip that plugs into the exhaust manifold. Both the inside and outside of the bulb are coated with a layer of platinum that serves as the electrode. The interior of the bulb vents through the sensor body to the atmosphere. When the hot exhaust gases get to the outside of the bulb, the difference in oxygen levels causes voltage to flow through the bulb. If the air-to-fuel ratio is lean (meaning not enough fuel in the mix), the voltage measures low. If the air/fuel mix is rich (too much air), the voltage is significantly higher. That voltage measure tells the ECU to adjust the mix as needed.
How to Tell if Your Oxygen Sensor is Going Bad
While they're not all exclusively indicators of a failing oxygen sensor, be alert for the following signs:
- Glowing "check Engine" light
- Rough sounding engine
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- A failed emissions test
While you can continue to drive with a faulty oxygen sensor, the fact remains that your engine will not be running at peak efficiency. Even if your engine starts and runs, you're at greater risk of stalling. Also, your engine's default adjustment is to consume more fuel when the oxygen sensor doesn't send a signal. Your best bet if you get an official diagnosis of a failing oxygen sensor is to have it replaced as soon as possible. You'll save money in the long run, and keep your car or SUV running right. Just make sure that you select the best oxygen sensor for your model. That would be one from Hyundai, as they're the only ones guaranteed to fit and perform right out of the box. Find what you need on the virtual shelves of our online auto parts store. Order today and we'll ship yours out double-time!
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