Functions of Oxygen Sensors in Exhaust Systems
Back in the day, the earliest exhaust systems were dumb metal linkages. Sure, the welded pipes worked efficiently. They rid the engine of waste gasses well enough, but there was no emissions control in the system. Today’s exhaust pipes are smart by design. They incorporate a special oxygen monitor, an O2 sensor that monitors and controls engine emissions. It’s all about feedback, but what is this control loop altering? Fuel Mixture Oxygen sensors (O2) are typically installed in the exhaust manifold . They monitor oxygen because this is the atmospheric gas that mixes with your fuel to generate combustion. Engines are finely tuned so that the bulk of the fuel is burnt and no waste remains, but if the burn ratio is oxygen rich, well, this heavy mix will induce waste. Similarly, a lean oxygen-to-fuel mix also produces pollution. The O2 sensors detect this misbalance and send the data to your engine’s computer, which is when the check engine light starts to flash its warning.