Right Shop to Solve Your Audi’s Oxygen Sensor Failure in Allentown
by schearerswpadmin October 10, 2019Audi’s are luxury vehicles that are perfectly suited to both business and pleasure. Smart and functional when you need them to be, yet powerful and sporty when you simply want the joy of hitting the road, an Audi is able to suit both your mood and your lifestyle perfectly.
However, your Audi can only give you this incredible versatility and driving experience if you look after it well, but if you let maintenance and servicing standards slip, you may notice your Audi no longer performs as well or that parts begin to fail. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at your Audi’s oxygen sensor, learn what it does, and discuss the signs of symptoms that can occur when it fails.
What is the oxygen sensor?
Also referred to as the O2 sensor, the oxygen sensor in your car is responsible for measuring the levels of oxygen found within the exhaust gasses that are exiting your engine. The PCM (powertrain control module) uses this information to determine the correct air-to-fuel ratio required for your engine.
The oxygen sensor is located within the exhaust system. It helps both the fuel injectors as well as the engine timing to work efficiently, thus assisting emissions control. A bad or failing oxygen sensor will negatively impact the environmental efficiency of your engine.
How can I tell if my oxygen sensor is failing?
If you are in tune with your car and drive regularly, you are likely to notice pretty quickly when something is amiss. However, with so many parts in your Audi, sometimes it can be difficult to know exactly what is causing the alteration in performance. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of a bad or failing oxygen sensor:
1. Check Engine Light
The check engine light is an orange light which will illuminate on your dashboard if your Audi’s onboard computer detects a marked change in engine performance. As the oxygen sensor is connected to the engine via the exhaust systems, and the data that it connects directly impacts upon its function, an issue with the sensor can trigger this warning light.
However, when this light illuminates, do not immediately assume that the oxygen sensor is to blame, as the check engine light can illuminate for a range of reasons. These reasons spam a loose gas cap to a severe engine failure. Instead, use the check engine light as an indication of an issue and then logically work through possibilities. Use what you know of other symptoms to diagnose your problem or seek a professional to help.
2. Engine Sounds
An engine that sounds like its running roughly or is struggling is a clear indicator of oxygen sensor issue. These sounds are usually caused by the engine running lean (too much air) or too rich (too much fuel), causing the engine to become less efficient. A failing sensor is also likely to affect your engines timing, as well as combustion intervals, which will also affect your Audi’s overall engine performance and can cause it to become unpredictable.
3. Poor Miles to the Gallon
Any factor which affects the overall performance of your engine will result in reduced fuel efficiency, as your engine needs every part working optimally to be able to max out the miles per gallon it can achieve. Therefore, if you notice you’re heading to the pumps more often than usual, you should seek diagnostic help both too look after your car and your wallet!
4. Failure of Emissions Test
The leading cause of emission test failure is an oxygen sensor that isn’t functioning correctly. This can be combined with an unpleasant smell similar to rotten eggs emitting from your vehicle, or worse still, the bad oxygen sensor could expose you to dangerous carbon monoxide.
Schearer’s Sales & Service
If your Audi’s oxygen sensor is suffering, 
and you live in or around Allentown, Bethlehem, and Macungie, PA, then you should make Schearer’s Sales & Service your first stop for all your servicing and repair needs. With vouchers ranging between $10 and $30 off on servicing, as well as being open 6 days a week, the specialists at Schearer’s are on hand to help and at an affordable price, too.