Description
How Do Oxygen Sensors Work?
Oxygen sensors operate based on a chemical reaction that generates a voltage signal proportional to the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases. Here’s a simplified breakdown of their operation:
- Sensing Element: The core component of an oxygen sensor is typically made of zirconia ceramic coated with a layer of platinum.
- Chemical Reaction: As exhaust gases pass over the sensor, a chemical reaction occurs between the platinum and the oxygen in the exhaust.
- Voltage Generation: This reaction generates a voltage signal that is sent to the engine control unit (ECU). The voltage varies depending on the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gases.
- Data Interpretation: The ECU interprets this signal to determine whether the engine is running rich (too much fuel) or lean (too much air) and adjusts the air-fuel mixture accordingly.
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