An efficient engine enables an Acura to perform at its best and rise up to expectations. Boosting the car brand's engine performance and highly-touted reputation for luxury and clean combustion is the Acura oxygen sensor. A typical Acura oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust gas. It generates an electronic signal proportional to the amount of oxygen it detects. This signal is sent to the vehicle's electronic control module or ECM, which adjusts the fuel/air mixture when oxygen in the engine is running too rich or too lean. Oxygen sensors are normally mounted on the exhaust manifold, situated at the area beside where the individual cylinder exhaust ports are channeled into a single tube.
An in-form Acura oxygen sensor reacts instantly to changes in oxygen content, generating a signal that accurately reflects the current level. A properly operating oxygen sensor can respond to changes in exhaust gas composition (adjusts from a low voltage, 200 mV signal to a high voltage, 800 mV signal) in about 100 milliseconds. The result is an engine running at peak efficiency and an exhaust emission reduced to an acceptable level.
A faulty Acura oxygen sensor is characterized by low response, or inaccurate measurement of oxygen in the exhaust. Under these conditions, engine combustion is no longer efficient and rich or lean oxygen conditions may occur for prolonged periods of time, causing poor driveability, decreased fuel economy, hesitation on acceleration, stalling, surging, rough idle, and increased tailpipe emissions. There are different factors that may cause an Acura oxygen sensor's failure. Silicone, condensed water, and some oil additives may contaminate the sensor. In addition, sensors succumb to extreme temperatures, oil fouling, carbon deposits, and the corrosive effects of harmful chemicals. Even the best oxygen sensor, operating for the cleanest engine, wears out eventually.
There is one simple solution to oxygen sensor problems. It is highly recommended that the be replaced at intervals prescribed by the sensor or car manufacturer. This maintenance precaution ensures a consistently efficient Acura oxygen sensor, which translates to better engine performance and cleaner emission for extended periods of time.
