Your Porsche’s oxygen sensor plays a vital role in the overall function of your vehicle. As such, it is important to know how to recognize when there’s an issue with your Porsche’s oxygen sensor. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of your car’s oxygen sensor, the deterioration of your vehicle as a result of the sensor’s failure, and what symptoms you should look for.
The Purpose of the Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is responsible for determining how much oxygen is in the exhaust that is coming from your Porsche. Once collected, this information is transferred to your vehicle’s powertrain control module or PCM. With this information, the oxygen sensor can control your Porsche’s combustion process, engine timing, combination of gasoline and oxygen produced, and your car’s consequent emissions.
When An Oxygen Sensor Fails
Since the oxygen sensor plays a very important role in the smooth running of your Porsche, whenever an oxygen sensor fails, several of your Porsche’s key components will begin to fail as well.
Its engine function will become compromised.
A wrong mix of gasoline and oxygen can eventually lead to engine damage or can cause your catalytic converter to decline.
The vehicle will become less reliable.
It may stall when you’re attempting to start it.
Efficiency will also take a nosedive.
Gas mileage will decline, and your emissions will become harmful to the environment due to a lack of oxygen in your exhaust.
The overall performance will deteriorate.
This may result in your car misfiring, idling irregularly, and/or riding roughly.
The Symptoms
Because a failing oxygen sensor can have such a negative impact on your Porsche’s performance, keeping an eye out for any signs of it’s failing is crucial in diagnosing and repairing an oxygen sensor before it completely fails. The most common symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor are:
The Check Engine Light is On
This is the first warning sign that you should look for when attempting to diagnose whether or not there is an issue with your Porsche’s oxygen sensor. Though the check engine light can come on for various reasons, a failing oxygen sensor is a common explanation. Contact a professional Porsche repair shop as soon as the check engine light comes on so that the issue can be quickly diagnosed and resolved.
A Noticeable Decrease in Gas Mileage
Because much of your Porsche’s ability to run efficiently relies on a properly-functioning oxygen sensor, poor gas mileage may be a result of one failing. If you begin to notice a sudden decline in your gas mileage and that you’re stopping to fill your gas tank much more than you used to, a bad oxygen sensor may be the culprit.
Rough Running Conditions
Much of the pride you take in your Porsche is based on its ability to run smoothly and perform well on the road. Nobody wants to drive around in a Porsche that is constantly misfiring or stalling. Since the oxygen sensor is responsible for controlling such crucial elements as engine timing and the intervals between combustion, your Porsche’s rough ride may be a sign that the oxygen sensor is going bad.
The “Vehicle Limp Mode” is Engaged
One of your Porsche’s great features is that it is equipped with a “vehicle limp mode”, which serves to protect your car’s engine when a certain problem or malfunction is detected. If your “vehicle limp mode” becomes engaged, it could mean that your oxygen sensor is failing and that your Porsche’s own built-in defense mechanism is noticing a decline in your car’s performance.
The Solution
Your Porsche requires proper care that is unique to Porsche vehicles. Providing the best attention to your Porsche, as has been laid out and expressed in your owner’s manual, may help in preventing your car’s oxygen sensor from failing. As with any vehicle, proper maintenance is crucial in guaranteeing performance, reliability, and efficiency. However, we know vehicles break down and components need maintenance. Parts malfunction and oxygen sensors fail.
At Dell’s Service Center, our Porsche specialists are more than qualified to identify and repair your vehicle’s issues. Providing our services to Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI, Dell’s Service Center can be trusted to diagnose and fix your vehicle’s failing oxygen sensor before it causes extensive and expensive damage. So, if you’ve seen any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced Porsche specialists today.