Glossary / Electrical

oxygen sensor

34 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

An oxygen sensor is a small device that tells the car how much air and fuel are burning, helping it run efficiently.

Technical Definition

An oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust gases to help the engine control unit adjust fuel mixture for optimal combustion.

Hear It Discussed

"[386.0s] looking at the mixture [387.0s] that's coming out of the exhaust [388.0s] with an oxygen sensor. [389.0s] It's looking for the presence of oxygen"
Can The 911 GT3 S/C Be A Real GT3? — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 234 The Carmudgeon Show 06:26

"Shop number two oxygen sensor and Cadillac converter 320 bucks. There's a little asterisk the mechanic offered to cut her a deal if she would go out with him."
#2632: Brilliant or Crazy The Best of Car Talk 02:04

"...it looks at the oxygen sensor now compared to the oxygen sensor before that change occurred... it sees, whoa, we're really lean, we must have increased the alcohol content. Let's dump more..."
How to Save Money on Car Repairs: Advice from Auto Experts Under The Hood show 17:15