Whenever you buy a car, the first thing you should do is take it to a mechanic to have it checked for any major problems. One of the things that mechanics check is the oxygen sensor. If the oxygen sensor detects that there isn’t enough oxygen in your air supply, it will signal the car’s computer to turn on the air brakes to help prevent a crash. Unfortunately, sometimes these sensors fail and don’t generate an alarm. That’s where carPass comes in. CarPass is a software tool that can check a car’s oxygen sensors without having to take it to a mechanic. Simply enter the make, model, and year of your car into CarPass’ website, and it will scan through its database of certified cars and find any that have failed their oxygen sensors. If you have one of these cars, CarPass will show you how to replace the sensor yourself – so you can avoid taking your car to a mechanic and potentially paying extra fees!
What are the signs your car has a bad oxygen sensor?
If you’re like most drivers, you’d be surprised to learn that your car’s oxygen sensor can fail without warning. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about one in every 10,000 cars will experience a problem with their oxygen sensor.
Unfortunately, this means that a bad oxygen sensor can cause your car to fail its annual safety check. In addition, a faulty sensor can also lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions. So if you notice any of the following signs that your car’s oxygen sensor might be problematic, it’s time to take it in for inspection:
1. Your car struggles to achieve good gas mileage
2. The exhaust smells bad or there are strange odors coming from the engine
3. The car has trouble starting in cold weather
4. The engine stalls or misfires often
5. The car requires excessive amounts of gas to get going
6. The check engine light is on
How to replace a bad oxygen sensor on a car
If your car has a bad oxygen sensor, you’ll need to replace it to pass inspection. Here’s how:
1. Park the car in a safe location.
2. Turn off the engine.
3. Remove the center console and remove the seat.
4. Locate the air bag module and disconnect the wires.
5. Disconnect the oxygen sensor connector from the ECU (engine control unit).
6. Remove the old oxygen sensor by unscrewing it from the metal housing.
7. Install the new oxygen sensor by screwing it into the metal housing and re-connecting the connector to the ECU.
8. Reinstall the center console, seat, and air bag module.
How to fix a car if the oxygen sensor is not damaged
If your car’s oxygen sensor is not damaged, you can still drive it to the mechanic. You will need to take your car to an approved repair shop that has a diagnostic scanner. The technician will track down the issue and fix it.
Conclusion
If you have a car that is showing symptoms of having a bad oxygen sensor, there are steps you can take to pass the inspection with ease. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your car will be approved and ready to hit the roads.