Mini Cooper Oxygen Sensor
About Oxygen Sensor
Also known as the Lambda sensor, the oxygen sensor is used to calculate the volume of oxygen present in any fluid or gas. In cars, this sensor keeps the efficiency of the car far more by monitoring the air-fuel ratio, which directly impacts engine output power by means of data it supplies to the ECU (Electronic Control Unit).
What is the Purpose of Oxygen Sensor?
The oxygen sensor is mounted on the exhaust manifold to measure the unburnt oxygen proportion as the exhaust gases escape from the chamber of combustion. It is a means of measuring the mixture of air fuel. The machine of a vehicle decides whether the air-fuel mixture is rich (less oxygen) or lean (more oxygen), with the aid of this sensor. In modern cars, the downstream catalytic converter features a secondary oxygen sensor for monitoring vehicle emissions to comply with emission laws.
How Oxygen Sensor Works?
On the top, the sensor has a ventilated cover that screws into the exhaust manifold. There is a ceramic zirconium bulb within the shell. At the outside of the build a porous layer of platinum is formed. Within the bulb there are 2 platinum bars, which serve as electrodes. The outside sensor is exposed to the hot exhaust gases while the outside atmosphere is ventilated on the ground. A voltage is created by the difference in oxygen levels in engine exhaust and the outside atmosphere. The ECU receives this induced voltage, and it controls the mixture of air and fuel between rich and lean based on the voltage produced.
Where is Oxygen Sensor Located?
The exhaust manifold has the oxygen sensors. The one put after the catalytic converter is used to test the effectiveness while maintaining an emissions audit. The sensor used to measure the air-fuel ratio is used before the catalytic converter.
