Replacing Your O2 Sensor
Far too many times during a service call we’ve seen the dashboards lighting red with an engine service light. Generally-speaking, this is not a good thing. For the most part, your car is trying to tell you there’s something wrong. Luckily it’s not all that bad, usually. If you’ve got a vehicles built in the last 15 to 20 years, it typically means one thing: your car’s oxygen sensor need to be replaced. Oxygen sensors are notoriously shotty. So if it so happen that your o2 sensor is indeed out, you’ll want to replace it as soon as possible, especially if you live in a state (like Tennessee) that’s strict with their emissions regulations.
Good news is: the process of replacing an O2 sensor in a vehicle isn’t all that complex. As long as you follow these steps, you should be able to get the job taken care of.
Step One: Confirm The Source Of The Problem
Before you can fix the problem, you’ll have to figure out what the problem is. Have your car scanned. If you receive an error code, you’ll be able to identify the problem with ease. Once you’ve confirmed the source of the problem, you can handle it. It’ll be easy for you to replace your old sensor with a new one.
Step Two: Examine Your Exhaust System
Before you replace your sensor, you should take a good look at your exhaust system. Make sure that there are no leaks or holes there. If your sensor has been malfunctioning for a while, there could be serious issues with your car. If there is a problem like this, you will want to be aware of it before you drive your car again.
Step Three: Remove And Replace Your Sensor
Once you’ve scanned your car and checked for problems, you’ll be able to remove your old sensor and replace it with a new one. Obtaining a new sensor shouldn’t be that difficult. In most cases, this part is very affordable. You should use tutorials if you’ve never done something like this before. If you are truly out of your depth, you should have professionals replace your old sensor for you.
Step Four: Make Sure Your New Sensor Is Working Properly
Don’t just assume that your new sensor is working as intended. Take the time to test it out. Make sure it’s functioning the way that it’s supposed to. If your sensor isn’t working as it should, there may be a deeper issue with your car. You’re going to have to have a professional look at it so that they can figure out what the problem is.
Step Five: Check Electrical Connections
When you disconnect something from your car — or reconnect something new to your car — you can make mistakes. You should check the electrical connections of your vehicle so that you can spot any problems. When working on your car, you should always show a great deal of caution. Even if you have experience with jobs like this, it’s best to check and double check to confirm that the job was completed properly.
Step Six: Clear Your Diagnostic Codes
Once you’re satisfied with the job that was done, you should scan your car once again. Clear out any diagnostic codes. Make sure that the problem has truly been resolved. After you’ve cleared diagnostic codes, you can take your car for a test drive. By driving your car around the block, you can confirm that everything is working the way it should be.
Completing a job like this can take time, but it’s worth the effort. Once you see that your car is working the way it’s supposed to, you’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief. It’s nice to put a problem behind you. It’s important to ensure that all of your cars parts are working the way that they’re supposed to. If your O2 sensor has stopped working, you should try to replace it as soon as you can. Once this sensor is fixed, you’ll be able to use your car safely.
Choose Trustworthy for Your Towing Service Needs
Is your car or truck broken down or overheating? Do you need a reliable towing company in the Memphis area? Look no further than Trustworthy Towing Service, Memphis TN.
Located centrally in the heart of our proud city, we go through great pains to ensure we are where you’re at in the shortest amount of time. How do we do it? Through a fleet of versatile trucks, 24-7 availability and trained professionals – we’ve got the tools, and know-how to make it happen. All at prices that are extremely competitive.
Feel free to give us a call at 901-401-4025 and one of our knowledgeable Memphis towing service reps will gladly help to get you the answers you need.
