What is the impact of a faulty oxygen sensor?

A faulty oxygen sensor negatively impacts fuel metering by causing poor fuel mixture adjustments. The oxygen sensor plays a critical role in measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, which provides vital data to the engine control unit (ECU). This information is used to optimize the air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion. When the sensor malfunctions, it may send incorrect signals to the ECU, leading to an imbalanced mixture — either too rich (excess fuel) or too lean (insufficient fuel).

This situation can result in engine performance issues, increased emissions, and reduced fuel economy, as the engine is not able to operate optimally. Therefore, recognizing that the impact of a faulty oxygen sensor leads to poor fuel mixture adjustments is essential for understanding its role in the overall functionality of fuel metering systems.