A bad oxygen (O2) sensor can make your car smell like rotten eggs because it indirectly clogs the catalytic converter. RI Automotive explains that when an oxygen sensor malfunctions, it may trick your vehicle’s main computer, the engine control module, into putting too much fuel in the combustion chamber. As the catalytic converter tries to deal with the excess carbon in your vehicle’s exhaust because the engine is burning away the excess fuel, it will eventually clog, and a clogged catalytic converter emits an odor in the exhaust and the engine of rotten eggs.
Black Exhaust Smoke
The smell of rotten eggs is not the only sign of a malfunctioning O2 sensor. Because the engine is burning away the excess fuel, you may also see black exhaust smoke coming out of your tailpipe. Exhaust smoke is a natural byproduct of fuel burning. If you see a ton of exhaust pouring out of the tailpipe, it would be a good idea to stop driving your automobile.
Check Engine Warning
You will also get a check engine warning on your dashboard if the oxygen sensor is malfunctioning. The sensor itself doesn’t have a dashboard warning light, so the engine control module uses the check engine light to alert you of the problem. We can trace the issue back to the oxygen sensor based on the error code downloaded from a vehicle diagnostic check.
Engine Performance Lag
Sometimes, the oxygen sensor tricks the engine control module into thinking the engine needs more air. So, rather than inundate the combustion chamber with fuel, the engine control module will restrict the fuel. If this wasn’t necessary, you will end up with a lean fuel mixture in the engine and your engine performance will lag.
Fuel Efficiency Loss
You may also notice that your vehicle just isn’t getting the gas mileage that used to get. This, too, can be traced back to a faulty O2 sensor if it is causing the engine control module to make wacky adjustments in the combustion chamber. Whether your engine is burning too much fuel or struggling to run, your fuel economy will tank, no pun intended.
High Emissions Levels
Finally, as we mentioned in the introduction, when there is excess carbon in your vehicle’s exhaust, this can clog the catalytic converter. The excess carbon will also increase your vehicle emissions. This can be bad if you live in a state where your vehicle needs to pass an emissions test.
RI Automotive in Tampa, FL, would be happy to test your oxygen sensor if you believe it is malfunctioning. Give us a call today.
