Does Your Ferrari 360 Oxygen Sensor Need Replacing?
The oxygen sensor is one of the most important components of your car’s emissions control system. The sensor monitors the exhaust gases coming from the engine and adjusts the fuel mixture to ensure the engine is running at peak efficiency.
A well-functioning oxygen sensor can help improve gas mileage, reduce emissions, and extend the life of your engine. Over time, however, the sensor can become fouled by deposits of oil and other materials. When this happens, it is important to have the sensor cleaned or replaced to keep your car’s emission control system functioning properly.
If your Ferrari 360 oxygen sensor experiences some of the following issues, it’s likely in need of a replacement.
Engine Noises
A faulty oxygen sensor cannot function well as a proper emissions device. Due to the loss of air-fuel mix control, your vehicle accumulates too many carbon deposits in the combustion chambers. As a result, there is a lean mixture that causes engine noises.
This symptom, however, is quite ambiguous and does not always indicate a faulty oxygen sensor. Nonetheless, it’s worth inspecting the sensors especially if noises are heard even if your vehicle is idle.
Overheated Engine
Although an overheated engine may mean issues with your vehicle’s electrical system, there are circumstances where it’s related to oxygen sensor problems. When this happens, it means you have ignored the early symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor to the extent that your sensors are worn out and replacement is long overdue.
Lousy Engine Performance
Bad oxygen sensors lead to combustion problems and an imbalance in the air-fuel ratio. The result? A lousy engine performance. This is usually preceded by stalling, misfiring, or intermittent idling.
In some cases, the signs of a bad oxygen sensor disappear once your vehicle begins to move. But this doesn’t dismiss the problem. If you don’t fix the sensor early, other issues such as engine hesitation, power surges, or restricted acceleration could occur. It’s best to make that trip to the mechanic.
Poor Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption gradually increases over time, particularly in older vehicles, and the cause is typically worn-out engine parts. However, if you experience this situation after you have just installed a new oxygen sensor or if it happens abnormally, it probably means there is an issue with your oxygen sensor.
Consistently Failed Emission Tests
A well-functioning oxygen sensor effectively reduces air contaminants from the tailpipe by controlling the air-fuel mixture. They have to pass the emissions tests and this is a general requirement when you complete your vehicle’s registration. Continuous failed emissions tests can only mean there are problems with your oxygen sensors.
Flashing Check Engine Light
A flashing or illuminated check engine light can mean you have a defective oxygen sensor. While a bad oxygen sensor doesn’t directly trigger the check engine light, it affects other vehicle systems and causes the check engine light to flash.
As this symptom is also associated with other vehicle malfunctions, it’s best to get in touch with your mechanic who can find out what is the real issue. In the event your Ferrari 360 oxygen sensor requires replacement, AW Italian Auto Parts can help you in sourcing the right parts. Contact us to find out more.
