Audi has become one of the most popular auto manufacturers worldwide. Its sleek designs, innovative performance, and constantly improving technology all add up to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. Maintaining these features that your Audi offers requires a commitment to annual service and routine maintenance.

However, sticking to routine maintenance and annual services does not absolve your vehicle from the natural wear and tear of parts that occurs after years of constant use. One of such parts that tend to fall apart due to the ravage of time is the oxygen sensor, also known as the O2 sensor.

The oxygen sensor is located in the emissions control system, and it transmits data to the engine of how much unburnt oxygen is present within the engine. This is to ensure that the balance within the fuel/air mixture is maintained to ensure the engine’s optimal performance.

The sensor then notifies the computer if the mixture lacks or has too much oxygen so that the necessary adjustments can be made to the mixture.

Symptoms of a Failing Oxygen Sensor

There are numerous signs indicative of a failing oxygen sensor, and they include:

  • Illuminated Check Engine Light: The first sign you might notice if you have a failing oxygen sensor is the illumination of the check engine light on your dashboard. Although several other reasons could have caused your check engine light to come on, a faulty oxygen sensor cannot be ruled out. When the light comes on, you should consult a mechanic to have the issue examined.
  • Engine Misfires: Normally, the oxygen sensor helps control the engine timing, air-to-fuel ratio, and combustion intervals. A falling oxygen sensor would disrupt these engine functions, causing a rough or irregular engine misfire.
  • Bad Exhaust Emissions: By monitoring your vehicle emission, the oxygen sensor determines the amount of air to fuel ratio of your engine. When the sensor fails, the fuel combustions system and the fuel delivery will also be affected. Consequently, this may lead to bad or increased exhaust emissions.
  • Increased Fuel Consumption: A failing oxygen sensor will send false engine feedback about the current fuel-to-air mixture. This automatically makes the engine increase fuel supply and consumption inappropriately. So, whenever you notice that your vehicle fuel consumption has increased, it is probably due to a failing oxygen sensor.

Causes of Failing Oxygen Sensor

Since most modern vehicles have their oxygen sensors located in the exhaust system, the sensor is subjected to extreme heat. This is one of the numerous reasons the sensor may fail. The contamination of the sensors is another reason the byproduct of the combustion process is another reason it fails. The sensors get blocked by the residue of sulfur, lead, and fuel additives. When this happens, the proper functionality of the sensor is hampered, causing the sensor to fail.

Natural wear and tear that occurs from the constant use of your vehicle cannot be ruled out as a cause of the failure of the sensors. Although the sensors were built to last up to 100,000 miles, poor vehicle maintenance can cause the accelerated wear of the sensor.

Most times, waiting on your vehicle parts to fail before fixing will not only cost you more on expensive repairs but might sometimes be catastrophic. That’s why we recommend conducting routine maintenance on your vehicle because, in most cases, it helps detect failing parts before it turns into an expensive repair.

Vaughan Automotive: Atlanta’s Auto Service Experts

Taking care of your car is essential to protecting your investment. At Vaughan Automotive, we take care of your car as if it was our own, Audi Oxygen Sensor Check with our commitment to honest and friendly customer service.

Our ASE-certified technicians employ the latest factory-grade tools and equipment to deliver quality service for European Vehicles. We understand that no matter what you drive, there’s a unique service plan designed for your vehicle.

Our hands-on approach has helped make us Atlanta, GA area’s go-to shop for all auto maintenance and repairs. We are also the go-to service center for drivers in the surrounding areas of Buckhead, Mableton, Marietta, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, and Vinings. Whether it’s emergency repairs or standard service, our friendly staff is here to help. Please call or visit our shop today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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