How Ignoring Your Audi’s Oxygen Sensor Can Hurt the Engine

12 Jun, 25

Most Audi owners do not pay much attention to the oxygen sensors, because they are small and unseen, usually located in the exhaust system. However, this small part is very significant in ensuring that your Audi runs as it should. If your Audi is using a lot of fuel, misfiring, or has the check engine light on – this can be the result of a faulty oxygen sensor.

The oxygen sensor, also known as an O2 sensor, detects the amount of oxygen in the emissions and assists the engine in controlling the ratio of air and fuel mixture for the best efficiency. If it’s not working properly, your engine may run rich (too much fuel) or lean (too much air), which will result in poor fuel consumption, high emissions and engine damage in the long term. Let’s discuss the consequences of ignoring the O2 sensor failure and how to get it fixed before you end up dealing with costly complications.

Consequences Of Ignoring Your O2 Sensor When It Fails

• Decreased Fuel Efficiency: The first symptom that you are likely to notice if your oxygen sensor is faulty is a drop in fuel economy. If the sensor passes wrong information to the ECU, then your Audi may consume more fuel than required. This can amount to hundreds of additional dollars spent on gas.
• Catalytic Converter Damage: If a bad oxygen sensor leads to a rich condition in the engine, then the excess fuel will deposit in the exhaust system and cause the catalytic converter to overheat. This might result in the converter getting blocked, which will lead to low power output, funny odors from the exhaust pipe, and expensive repairs.
• More Pollutant Production: If the sensor fails to control the air to fuel ratio, your Audi will emit more emissions. In states that have compulsory smog check, a faulty oxygen sensor means you may likely fail the test.
• Check Light Turns On: In most cases, when the oxygen sensor is faulty, it will turn on the check engine light. Though some drivers disregard this sign for weeks or even months, this can lead to more serious issues.
• Rough Idling: If an individual has a faulty oxygen sensor, it results in an unequal proportion of air and fuel leading to the rough running of the engine. You may realize that your Audi knocks when it is idling, stutters when accelerating, or stutters during acceleration. These are not only uncomfortable but also add extra burden on the engine of the car.

How to Repair a Defective Oxygen Sensor

• Diagnose the Problem: The first thing that you need to do if you think that your Audi is having a bad oxygen sensor is to seek the help of a mechanic. A diagnostic scan will have to be conducted as this will show the code associated with the sensor to determine if it needs to be replaced.
• Oxygen Sensor Replacement: As soon as you confirm that the oxygen sensor is failing, the next thing you should do is replace it with a new one. Every car needs a sensor replacement after about 60,000 miles, depending on the road conditions. If your Audi’s sensor has developed a problem, a professional can replace it with a new one to ensure optimal performance of the engine.
• Look for Other Related Issues: Other related problems that may be associated with a faulty oxygen sensor include excessive carbon build-up or a damaged catalytic converter. It is recommended that after changing the sensor, your Audi should also be checked if other parts were affected.

Come In For Efficient And Cost Effective Oxygen Sensor Solution

If you suspect that your Audi has a faulty oxygen sensor, it is best to have it fixed before other complications arise. At Santa Barbara Autowerks, we have experience servicing Audi and other European cars, including diagnosing and replacing oxygen sensors. We have skilled technicians who work with genuine parts in order to offer you the best services for your Audi. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, we offer personalized service for owners of Audi automobiles seeking quality performance and maintenance. Don’t delay your Audi service. Come to us for an appointment and your Audi will serve you efficiently for many years to come.