Category: Computers and Sensors

A speed density air-fuel system works differently than a mass airflow system. Learn how it works and what can go wrong A speed-density air-fuel system is a type of electronic fuel injection system that calculates the amount of fuel to be delivered to the engine based on the engine’s speed and manifold absolute pressure (MAP). […]

A check engine light on means there’s a problem. As long as it isn’t flashing and it’s driving ok it’s probably not an expensive fix What does a check engine light mean? Vehicle computers are very sophisticated and can routinely test each system in the vehicle, fuel, spark, exhaust, emissions, etc. The emissions laws state […]

You can’t really clean an oxygen sensor to make it work If you do a search for how to clean an oxygen sensor you’ll see all kinds of techniques. That may lead to you believe that cleaning yours is a good idea. Unfortunately, there’s no way to clean an oxygen sensor and anyone that tells […]

Test a knock sensor yourself If you have a check engine light and a knock sensor code, the cause can be a bad knock sensor, or an issue with the knock sensor wiring or electrical connector. You can test the knock sensor yourself. Start by checking the condition of the wiring harness and electrical connector. […]

Oxygen sensor replacement cost depends on the type of sensor and where it’s located Oxygen sensor replacement cost varies based on whether the sensor is actually an old style oxygen sensor or a more expensive (and more reliable) air/fuel ratio sensor. Many people mistakenly call an air/fuel ratio sensor, an oxygen sensor. An air/fuel ratio […]

Replace an Oxygen Sensor Most oxygen sensors screw into the exhaust pipe. When it’s time to replace an oxygen sensor, you’ll need an oxygen sensor socket. Some oxygen sensors screw into the exhaust pipe. But air/fuel ratio sensors usually bolt onto the exhaust manifold. Many DIYers refer to them as oxygen sensors. Here are the […]

What are the symptoms of a bad MAP sensor The 6 most common symptoms of a bad MAP sensor A bad MAP sensor can cause any or all of the following: Hard start or no startEngine starts and then stallsCar hesitates or drags while under load or idle.Car hesitates or jerks during acceleration.Ping or detonationExcessively […]

Can you bypass an O2 sensor? You can bypass an O2 sensor as long as we’re talking about the post-cat O2 sensor. When people ask this question it’s usually because they’re getting a P0420 or P0430 catalytic converter code and they want to pass an emission test without replacing the cat converter. To do that, […]