Usually, the symptoms that we listed will tell you when this component goes bad. But suppose your sensor works well, and you want to conduct periodic maintenance. In that case, there is a specific tool that you can use to analyze and evaluate its state.
General Technologies Corp GTC ST05 Tester and Simulator
This high-quality scanner shows the signal output through a bar graph situated on the screen. Live data is provided in real-time, and it keeps you informed about the current state of your sensor.
A test button will allow you to simulate a snap-throttle acceleration of the engine to test the functionality of your O2 sensor. Two more buttons control the conditions based on the fuel mixture, which can be lean or rich. With this tool, you can test the sensor while it is still installed in the vehicle.
| Name | General Technologies Corp |
| Advantage | Ability to test sensor on or off a vehicle |
| Feature | Real-time output |
| Item Weight | 1.75 Pounds |
Pros
- We’ve used this kit, and it works really well.
- It’s easy to attach the wires to the sensor.
- It feels like good quality.
- You’ll save a lot of time with this unit.
Cons
- We had issues getting in touch with customer support.
- The instructions included could be better.
- It’s more expensive than your basic test kit.
Is it a bad oxygen sensor or catalytic converter?
As their symptoms are somewhat similar, identifying the problem can be difficult when you don’t know whether the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter is broken. Both of them will display the same P0420 trouble code, so this is not entirely helpful to you.
The best way to determine which part is broken is by checking them manually. Investigate under your car and take a look at the exhaust system. If you cannot do this yourself, ask a professional mechanic to help you.
Can you drive regardless?
Because it is not a mandatory part like the muffler or catalytic converter, you can still drive your vehicle without an oxygen sensor. However, you will struggle a lot and notice a major decrease in performance. Your driving experience will no longer be smooth.
The significant reduction in performance is not the only effect a bad component will have on your car. Several more problems can occur if you do not fix this issue as soon as possible.
Replacement cost
While the most expensive part of your vehicle is the catalytic converter, an oxygen sensor can be quite pricy too. If it goes bad, replacing this part will cost you between $155 and $500. This price range does not include the labor costs, which you will have to pay separately if you seek help from a professional mechanic.
If you have some basic skills in mechanics and engineering, you can replace this part yourself. The total cost will be lower since you are not spending any money on labor fees.
How to pass emissions test despite not replacing it
While several workarounds are available for car problems, this one has no way of cheating. An emissions test is important, and the problems with your exhaust system will be easily detected.
If this part fails during an emissions inspection of your car, you will not pass the test. That is why the replacement of this broken component is something you should consider as soon as possible.
How to tell which sensor needs to be replaced
When there is something wrong with this part, the symptoms that signal this problem will make you aware of it. You will notice that the engine is misfiring and has a rough idling. The check engine light will also appear on the dashboard, and you will know it’s time to see a mechanic.
They can spot the faulty oxygen sensor by using special tools such as the scanner we recommended above. This scanner tests the functionality of each sensor, and the bad ones can easily be spotted.
Should I replace them all at once?
When you want to replace all of your oxygen sensors, it is recommended to replace them in pairs. The models manufactured after 1996 will display an error code once a new component is detected. It is because the switching activity on the brand-new one is much faster than on the others. Usually, this code will go away within 30 days after the first replacement.
Can it cause an engine to misfire?
While engine misfires can happen for several reasons, most are related to the fuel mixture or the fuel injectors. Your car’s engine requires a balanced mix of raw fuel and clean air. When the oxygen sensor is failing, this mixture will not be balanced.
As a result, the combustion process will be irregular, and your engine will often experience misfirings. The fuel economy is also negatively impacted, and several more problems can develop over time if you decide to ignore this situation.
How long do they last?
While these are strong and durable parts, the oxygen sensors will last you a long time. On older vehicles, you can expect them to go bad after 30,000 to 50,000 miles or after 3 years. Because they are older, their lifespan is already limited.
But new vehicles manufactured today feature oxygen sensors equipped with an additional heated element. They are more durable and can last for up to 100,000 miles or 10 years before they need a complete replacement.
Have you noticed any of these symptoms?
- Catalytic converter failure
- Engine overheating
- Poor engine performance
- Weird engine noises
