The Best Place in Pineville to Fix Your Porsche’s O2 Sensor
by Dutch Silverstein February 25, 2020To keep your Porsche in good working order it is important to stay current on its regular maintenance schedule. A common issue Porsche owners can face is a failing O2 sensor. This component often fails without warning, but some symptoms are more obvious than others. Let’s review some info about the O2 sensor as well as some signs of trouble.
What is an O2 sensor?
The O2 sensor refers to the oxygen sensor. It is located in the exhaust and measures the oxygen levels. The information that it collects regulates the air-to-fuel ratio. For the engine to work properly, it has to receive the correct ratio of air-to-fuel. When the O2 sensor fails, the information that it provides will be faulty. Read below for what that means for your engine performance.
Failing Oxygen Sensor Symptoms
There are several different symptoms that you may experience when your O2 sensor begins to show wear and tear. If you notice any of the below signs, your O2 sensor may be in need of replacement as soon as you can do so. Making this repair now can prevent any problems from becoming worse, as a faulty O2 sensor can damage your vehicle and the environment. If you believe you are experiencing a problem, have it checked out right away. It is an inexpensive fix.
Rotten Egg Smell
When there is too much fuel in the engine, your car will produce a rotten egg smell. This unpleasant smell will come from the exhaust and is sometimes accompanied by black smoke. It can also enter into the cab of the car.
Poor Gas Mileage
If you notice that you are getting poor gas mileage, it may be due to the O2 sensor. This is because excess gas is being burned since the sensor isn’t providing the correct data. We recommend that you keep a close watch on your gas mileage. A noticeable change is often a sign of a problem.
Engine Idles Roughly
You may experience backfiring and rough idling when the O2 sensor is failing. This is also caused by the improper air-to-fuel ratio.
Bad Performance
When the engine receives too much gas, it can lead to a lack of power, stalling, and hesitation.
Increased Exhaust Emissions
This issue is usually found during an emissions test. You may not have experienced any of the other issues yet. The test can recognize that your car is producing too much or not enough carbon emissions.
Check Engine Light
The dreaded check engine light can be triggered by all types of issues, one being a failing O2 sensor. If your check engine light is ever illuminated, have it checked out right away. Our certified mechanic will run a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the problem. The warning light may have been triggered by a failing O2 sensor.
Limp Mode
Limp mode is the term used for the safety feature built into your Porsche. It was designed to protect your car’s engine from catastrophic damage. Your Porsche will automatically shift into either second or third gear or stay there. It can be shocking, especially if you have no idea what’s going on. If this happens, it is imperative that you bring your Porsche in right away for servicing.
Replacing the Sensor
More than likely, you will have to replace your O2 sensor at some point in time. Like any other component, they naturally wear out. The sensor used to be a part that was changed during your regular maintenance schedule, but this is no longer the case. With advances in technology, O2 sensors are now considered “replace when fail” components. However, as an incentive to fix it quickly, replacing the O2 sensor as soon as you notice symptoms can improve your gas mileage and cut down on emissions.
Hire a Specialist
If you notice any issues with your Porsche, call the experts at A&M Auto Service. Our certified Porsche repair shop can take care of any issues that you may have with your high-performance vehicle. We have the experience to take care of your Porsche quickly and professionally. A&M Auto Service serves the communities of Pineville, Charlotte, and Greensboro, NC, areas. You can reach our office at 704-583-2523 or come visit us at 12715 Downs Circle.