Oxygen Sensor: Description and Operation

Heated Oxygen Sensor Location:

LOCATION

Sensor threaded into exhaust manifold.

PURPOSE

Engine controller uses input to determine whether to enrich or lean air/fuel mixture.

OPERATION

Sensor, generates a voltage between 0 and 1.0 volts dependant on difference between unused oxygen in exhaust gas and oxygen outside exhaust system.

Sensor impedance, output voltage, and response time are determined by temperature, sensor must be at correct temperature to function properly.

Sensor heating element purposes:

^ Vehicle enters CLOSED LOOP faster.

^ Maintains sensor temperature, allowing CLOSED LOOP operation during extended idle.