It might seem hard to believe that a little sensor located in the tailpipe can cause problems when it goes bad, but the oxygen (O2) sensor can do just that. MMS Automotive can replace the oxygen sensor in your MINI Cooper if it is malfunctioning. Let’s talk about the things that a faulty O2 sensor can do.
Dashboard Warning Light
The oxygen sensor should last about 100,000 miles before it malfunctions. Once it does, it will send an error code to the engine control unit (ECU) and the ECU will turn on the check engine light. A recent study proved that the check engine light is nearly 100 percent accurate in reporting engine problems. Therefore, it’s crucial that you take a check engine warning seriously.
Engine Performance Issues
The O2 sensor reports the oxygen levels that are found in the exhaust. The ECU uses this information to make adjustments to the air and fuel in the combustion chamber. If the O2 sensor sends faulty data to the ECU, you may end up with engine performance issues such as sputtering or surging because the ECU has made an incorrect adjustment to the air and fuel in the combustion chamber.
Reduced Fuel Economy
This can affect your MINI Cooper’s fuel economy. Unfortunately, it affects it for the worst, and this is a huge problem with gas prices what they are in South Bay. You do not want to have to fill the MINI Cooper’s tank often because it will make a huge dent in your budget. Replacing the malfunctioning O2 sensor can restore your MINI’s engine performance and fuel economy.
High Vehicle Emissions Levels
As you know, in California, you have to have your vehicle’s emissions levels tested every two years in order to register the automobile. If the O2 sensor has gone bad, your MINI will fail the smog check. This is because there may be excess hydrocarbons in the MINI’s exhaust.
Excess Black Engine Exhaust
One sign that you do have too many hydrocarbons in the exhaust is black exhaust smoke flowing out of the tailpipe. This is an indication that the exhaust has not been treated and is filled with hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, this will make your MINI fail the smog check.
Rotten Egg Exhaust Odors
One reason why you may have excess hydrocarbons in the exhaust is that the faulty O2 sensor has indirectly caused the catalytic converter to fail. If the ECU puts too much fuel in the combustion chamber because of incorrect oxygen data, the catalytic converter can get clogged with carbon deposits. You will end up with black exhaust smoke that smells like rotten eggs.
MMS Automotive in South Bay, CA, would be happy to test your MINI Cooper’s oxygen sensor to see if it is malfunctioning. If it is, we can replace it.
