What is an air fuel ratio sensor?

An air fuel ratio sensor is a sensor that monitors the incoming air into the motor while also being able to send messages to the car's ECU about the exhaust that is exiting the vehicle. With information supplied by the air fuel ratio sensor, the ECU can automatically adjust the flow or input of fuel into the motor. The information from the sensor can also be relayed to gauges inside the vehicle. Typically, the gauges read directly from the sensor to give a constant reading. Otherwise, the car's ECU will display trouble codes or warnings if there is a problem.

What can go wrong with an air fuel ratio sensor?

The air fuel ratio sensor can have problems if it has been worn down from prolonged use with exposure to fuel, air, chemicals, or other pollutants. If that's the case, then it may have problems relaying data to your car's ECU because of corrupted connections, etc. It may also become clogged which keeps it from properly sensing the incoming air or outgoing exhaust. Very rarely will the sensor experience other problems unless it is moved or manipulated during maintenance.

How can I tell there is something wrong with my air fuel ratio sensor?

There are several ways to become aware of a problem with your air fuel ratio sensor. The most common, and the best scenario, is to have your car's ECU pick up on the problem and alert you with a warning light or trouble code. If you do not get alerted by your vehicle's ECU, then you will experience erratic behavior while driving. There may be hesitation while accelerating, a noticeable loss of power, a strong exhaust smell, or the sense that your car is running â€œrichâ€ with too much fuel in your mixture. If issues are not addressed quickly, it can cause additional wear on the other engine parts possible causing further expensive damage.

Do all cars have air fuel ratio sensors?

Pretty much all of today's cars run air fuel ratio sensors to control the fuel and air mixture. If you have an older vehicle, you may have an oxygen sensor which performs the same function but doesn't send data to an ECU and works off the principles of vacuum and air pressure. Oxygen sensors are not as effective and conversion kits are available to run an air fuel ratio sensor with a feed to a gauge installed on your dashboard, since older cars lack an ECU.

Why is it so important?

The air fuel ratio sensor is very important to how your vehicle runs. With the growing restrictions on vehicle emissions necessary to protect and save our environment, it is of utmost importance to have your car running at an efficient fuel mixture while releasing an acceptable level of exhaust emissions. Because the sensor monitors both intake and exhaust, it works with the ECU to keep adjusting your vehicle to work at the peak of emission performance and to dial back as needed when exhaust output is too high.

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