We tend not to think about parts like an oxygen sensor until our check engine light comes on, and really why would we? If we knew a bit more about the importance of an O2 sensor when it comes to the performance of our vehicle we may feel differently. Sometimes referred to as an air fuel ratio sensor, oxygen sensors play an important role in fine-tuning an optimum air fuel ratio. At any given moment your oxygen sensors will determine whether or not your air fuel ratio is lean or rich. A faulty oxygen sensor can translate into lower than normal MPG… a side-effect any of us can ill afford. Allowing an old O2 sensor’s signal to continue to slow will result in decreased acceleration and overall performance. Vehicle emission control is another area where oxygen sensors play a crucial role.
You can find many original equipment as well as aftermarket options when searching for an O2 sensor for your vehicle. Remember that your vehicle may have several different oxygen sensors. Common names for these sensors include pre-cat, post-cat, bank1 sensor1 among others. Before speaking with your oxygen sensor vendor, be sure you’ve done your homework so you’ll know exactly which sensor you need.
So this is a tough one. I had someone who had a computer code claiming the Mass Air Flow Meter was not working properly. The question was can it be repaired or does it have to be replaced. The answer is yes it can be repaired, but probably not by you.
The mass air flow meter detects the amount and type of air coming into the engine. In conjuction with other sensors it determines the correct amount of fuel to send to the engine. By constantly detecting this ratio and adjusting to it, the car can increase horsepower and mpg.
Because it does so much work and is all electronic sensors, you would need some pretty spiffy machines to repair it. There are a few companies who do the repair, so I think you are better off buying one and doing the install yourself. Typically a pretty straight forward install depending on where it is located.
So this is prety basic but I better explain it to be safe. What does ‘post cat’ mean on an oxygen sensor.
Every car after 1996 has at least a few O2 sensors. Most have 4 of them. For most cars there are 2 located before the cat and 2 after. What does this mean?
The sensors determine the type of air going out of your exhaust and adjusts the air intake to improve performance and reduce pollution. Therefore the sensors have to be located in the exhaust. The middle of the exhaust is the catalaytic Converter that attempts to kill the last bit of pollution leaving your car. Thus the sensors are ‘Pre Catalatyic Converter’ or Before the cat and ‘post’ or After the Cat. They are usually not the same sensor.
Left and right is pretty straightforward. Just remember that these are as if you are sitting in the drivers seat. All auto parts are determined this way.
