Is your car’s O2 sensor malfunctioning, but you don’t have enough time to visit an auto repair shop? Are you looking for a temporary fix for bad O2 sensor to disappear the check engine light? Replacing the faulty O2 sensor with a dummy O2 sensor can be your temporary solution.
This will deactivate the warning light and provide you with some valuable time to visit the mechanic shop for a permanent fix while preventing further damage.
However, you should learn how to replace a bad O2 sensor and do it yourself, as it needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Article Summary
- What Kills O2 Sensors?
- Can You Fix Bad O2 Sensor Temporarily?
- Guides for Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor
- How Bad is a Faulty Oxygen Sensor for a Car?
- How To Test a Bad O2 Sensor?
- Can You Drive Your Car with a Bad O2 Sensor?
- When Should You Replace Car’s O2 Sensors?
- How To Replace Bad Oxygen Sensor?
- FAQs on Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor
What Kills O2 Sensors?
The following factors are responsible for killing O2 sensors.
1. Contaminated Fuel or Oil
Silicone, sulfur, or lead in the fuel can blanket the engine’s O2 sensor and make it respond the wrong way, while oil burning due to worn piston rings or valve seals can disperse contaminants on the sensor and cook it up as well.
2. Coolant Leaks
Suppose engine coolant starts getting into the combustion chamber. In that case, it can be burned in the combustion process, or what is worse, pass through to the exhaust and get vapourised by the hot gasses as it exits the engine through the exhaust manifold and piping, resulting in the cooling fluid deposits covering the oxygen sensor internals, rendering it fairly useless.
Check engine lights can be triggered by head gasket leaks, engine block cracks, leaky extendable exhaust pipes, or after-market exhaust systems.
3. Rich or Lean Fuel Mixture
Running rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little) causes engine-management problems because it stresses the O2 sensor.
A rich mixture can cause carbon deposits to build up on the sensor and overheat it, causing it to fail. A lean mixture can overheat the sensor.
4. High-Temperature Exposure
O2 sensors are built to withstand high temperatures, but a prolonged heatwave can fry them. Elevated exhaust gas temperatures within an engine can destroy the sensor’s innards when the engine gets too hot (especially with older sensors that might not have adequate internal heat protection).
That’s more likely when problems develop with the engine’s cooling system and the exhaust gas temperature rises or when the engine runs at extremely high loads for extended times.
5. Exhaust Contaminants and Additives
A manganese build-up can result from using a lot of fuel additives, engine cleaners, or octane boosters.
Any gummy stuff that comes out of the carburetor can increase wear on the sensor. Some additives are safe to use as specified, but excessive or incorrect use can shorten the sensor life.
6. Physical Damage or Wiring Issues
O2 sensors can also be killed through physical damage, such as improper installation, debris kicked up off the road, or improperly trained ‘technicians’ (I’m being charitable) who strip the wires to the point of usability.
It’s a kid’s game. Malfunctioning and signal loss can also happen if the sensor is torqued too tightly or the O2 sensor harness develops a short-to-ground or a short-to-battery.
Electrical faults could result in excessive voltage spikes on the sensor’s circuitry, cooking it like eggs on the counter.
Keeping the fuel and exhaust systems clean, using high-quality fuel and oils, and keeping the engine well-maintained can extend the service life of the O2 sensor. The device should be inspected periodically and replaced before the sensors fail.
Can You Fix Bad O2 Sensor Temporarily?
The oxygen or O2 sensors control a vehicle’s emissions control system. They measure the exhaust stream’s oxygen and deliver the information to the ECM so the air-fuel ratio ensures optimum emissions and performance.
A bad O2 sensor can cause high fuel consumption, decreased engine power, rough idling, or black exhaust fumes.
Though replacing the faulty sensor is recommended for a permanent fix, you can fix it temporarily using a dummy O2 sensor in an emergency.
This fake sensor will let you drive the vehicle without experiencing a bad O2 sensor sign and deactivate the warning light.
It’s a cost-efficient and immediate solution for getting the car back on the road without waiting for time-consuming and expensive repairs.
Temporary fixes for bad O2 sensors also help prevent your car from causing further damage and provide you valuable time to replace the faulty O2 sensor.
Guides for Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor
A fake sensor can receive readings like the original one and transmit the information to the computer.
Since the O2 sensor is a crucial part of a car’s emissions control system, the dummy sensor isn’t the eventual replacement of the O2 sensor.
Though temporarily fixing a faulty O2 sensor won’t let you run smoothly, it’ll deactivate the check engine light. So until you don’t replace the sensor, follow this process to keep the sensor functional:
- Cool down your car and detach the negative wire from the battery terminal.
- Pull the car using a jack so you can get easy access underneath the vehicle.
- Find out the oxygen sensor that should be placed near the catalytic converter. Unplug the oxygen sensor, squeeze the wiring tab, and turn the sensor counterclockwise to remove it properly.
- Insert the fake sensor and rotate it clockwise until it makes a click sound. Then connect the wirings with the sensor.
- Lower your vehicle and connect the negative cable to the battery terminal. Turn on the engine and check if the check engine light disappeared or not.
How Bad is a Faulty Oxygen Sensor for a Car?
The O2 sensor informs a car’s computer about the available amount of oxygen to calculate the explosive amount of fuel.
If the oxygen sensor malfunctions, your car may get worse mpg, and the tailpipe can get damaged.
It can also cause your car’s engine to starve of fuel, and the accelerator may suffer. The catalytic converter may also wreck. So, a bad O2 sensor isn’t something you can avoid.
Even an O2 sensor isn’t expensive to replace; it costs around $20 to $50, depending on your car’s make and model.
However, going to a car dealership can cost $500. Instead, find a licensed auto repair shop to do the job.
Since O2 sensors need to be replaced every few years, it will be wise to learn the replacement process and do it yourself.
How To Test a Bad O2 Sensor?
If the O2 sensor malfunctions, you should notice the check engine light. You can also tell if it needs to be repaired or replaced by using an OBD II.
OBD II-equipped cars have diagnostic connectors and have been sold in the United States for the past 15 years.
If the check engine light comes on, use an OBD II reader to get the error codes. If the oxygen sensor is defective, the reader should show codes between P0130 and P0167. Check the number on the reader’s instruction manual for details.
Another way to troubleshoot the O2 sensor is using a voltmeter. Its voltage range varies between .2 to .8 or 200 to 800 millivolts.
After connecting a voltmeter to your vehicle, it fails if you notice the sensor’s reading is stalled in one position. If the reading switches abnormally high and low, it also indicates a faulty sensor.
Most cars have two O2 sensors that you can also check physically. One oxygen sensor is placed on top of the intake manifold and is easy to remove.
But you have to lift the car and crawl under it to get the other sensor, which is placed between the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold.
Can You Drive Your Car with a Bad O2 Sensor?
Yes, you can only drive your vehicle with a bad O2 sensor for a while. However, driving for a long time can damage several components of the emission management system, particularly the catalytic converter.
Even the longer you drive with the faulty oxygen sensor, the worse damage it’ll bring. So you can experience poor acceleration, rough idling, and engine misfire.
Your car may also fail the mandatory emission test that needs to be performed every two years in some states like California.
If the O2 sensor malfunctions, the engine will stall and shut off immediately. It’ll also disturb the air-fuel ratio and reduce the engine’s power production.
The engine starts turning off periodically, a sign of engine failure. If so, you must stop driving the car to avoid further damage.
When Should You Replace Car’s O2 Sensors?
It depends on the car’s make and model and the fuel the engine loses. Expert mechanics recommend changing the O2 sensor of early model cars every 30,000 miles, which is 60,000 miles to 130,000 miles for the older 80s models.
If you notice a check engine light and determine the O2 sensor has failed, don’t delay replacing it. Don’t replace the O2 sensor unless you get a check engine light.
If you feel something is wrong with the O2 sensor, go to an auto repair shop and scan for error codes.
If the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced to fix error codes, replace the sensor. Below are some signs that indicate a faulty O2 sensor that requires replacement:
- Active check engine light
- Difficulty in starting the car
- High fuel consumption
- Rough idle
- Poor acceleration
- Spark plugs misfiring
- Sulfur smell or black smoke from the exhaust
How To Replace Bad Oxygen Sensor?
If you have no other way than replacing the bad O2 sensor and decide to learn the process so you can replace it whenever required, read below:
Find the Error Code
Before attempting to replace the O2 sensor, make sure it’s damaged and needs replacement. To do this, use an OBD scanner and read the codes that you’ve got.
Prepare the Vehicle
The sensor is placed close to the exhaust system which gets extremely hot. So let the engine cool for around 30 minutes and then start the process. Lift the vehicle using a jack so you can get underneath it for easier access to the O2 sensor.
Remove the Bad Sensor
Locate the two sets of O2 sensors that are usually placed close to the engine compartment’s motor and catalytic converter.
To remove the sensor, push down the small tab found on the plug’s end and pull back the plug that is attached to the outlet.
Spray penetrating oil on the sensor if it wears out and becomes hard to remove. Then use a ratchet wrench to unscrew the sensor.
Install a New O2 Sensor
Buy a new oxygen sensor that is compatible with your car and add anti-seize. Then, fit the sensor’s tip into the exhaust’s hole and make sure it’s centered properly.
Rotate it clockwise with your hand, then use a wrench to firmly tighten the sensor. Re-connect the electric connector to the port placed near the exhaust.
Buy a new oxygen sensor that is compatible with your car and add anti-seize. Then, fit the sensor’s tip into the exhaust’s hole and make sure it’s centered properly.
Rotate it clockwise with your hand, then use a wrench to firmly tighten the sensor. Re-connect the electric connector to the port placed near the exhaust.
Turn on the Vehicle
Finally, start your vehicle to check if the warning light is disappeared. After replacing the O2 sensor, your car should run more smoothly and burn less fuel.
FAQs on Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor
How Long Can You Drive with a Broken Oxygen Sensor?
If you start the engine with a bad oxygen sensor, you can drive the car for several days. However, ignoring the issue for a long time can clog the catalytic converter due to excessive fuel consumption. If you start the engine with a bad oxygen sensor, you can drive the car for several days. However, ignoring the issue for a long time can clog the catalytic converter due to consuming excessive fuel.
How To Prevent the O2 Sensor from Getting Damaged?
Avoid using low-quality gasoline to keep your O2 sensor in optimum condition and prevent damage. Refill the fuel before it drops to the recommended level. Routinely have your car, particularly the air filter and spark plugs, serviced by an expert mechanic.
Does Cleaning the O2 Sensor Restore Its Performance?
Cleaning cannot restore the O2 sensor’s functionality, and it isn’t a recommended method. Even though a special O2 sensor cleaner is available, you shouldn’t also clean the O2 sensor using an aerosol cleaner or wire brush.
Is It Safe To Drive with a Temporarily Fixed O2 Sensor?
Sure, you can drive for a while with it. However, driving with a bad or missing O2 sensor for an extended period will reduce your long-term fuel efficiency and increase your car’s emissions, not to mention hastening the demise of the overworked catalytic converter. You’d be better off just replacing the O2 sensor right away.
Can Using Fuel Additives Help with a Bad O2 Sensor?
Yes, though fuel additives will provide a sensor suffering carbon-related ‘sludge’, they can suppress build-ups in the fuel system and physically break through minor deposits on the sensor itself; additives, however, can’t revive a dead or malfunctioning sensor, whether it’s electrically or mechanically shot.
Final Words
There is a temporary fix for a bad O2 sensor, but it isn’t a preferable method. The temporary method can only bypass the check engine light but will not prevent decreased fuel efficiency and reduced car performance.
But if you don’t have enough time to visit an auto repair shop and want to remove the warning light, apply the temporary fixing method. Then, bring the car to a mechanic within a week to avoid further damage.
