What Happens If You Remove O2 Sensor?

O2 sensor in the car is necessary because it helps maintain many functions like fuel economy and minimizes pollution. Now, you must know the consequences of what can happen after removing the O2 sensor. So, in this article, we’ll cover the significance of an O2 sensor in an automobile, how it works, and the possible outcomes of removing it.

To comprehend the role of an O2 sensor, you must first understand the working of oxygen in the vehicle.

The function of oxygen in an automobile:

Oxygen supports the combustion process in the engine, which allows your vehicle to run. The car gets the required oxygen from the air. Without oxygen mixing in the fuel, the car won't move at all. And as the combustion takes place, many hazardous gases get released as a by-product. The automobile's exhaust system withdraws dangerous gases like hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide outside the car.

What part does the O2 sensor play in the car?

There is a proper balance required between the fuel and oxygen ratio. If the fuel is less in the combustion chamber, the vehicle will not perform well. On the other hand, if it’s more than the engine needs, the extra fuel would escape into the exhaust system and out of the car, creating environmental pollution. So, to maintain the optimal ratio between oxygen and fuel, the O2 sensor plays its part.

The O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. ECU (a computer system in the car) uses this information to process the correct amount of fuel for injecting the next time. A large amount of oxygen remaining behind indicates that the energy isn’t sufficient in the combustion chamber. However, less oxygen remaining behind highlights that more than enough fuel resides in the combustion compartment.

So, a car must have at least one O2 sensor. However, vehicles with a plus-size engine have more O2 sensors.

O2 sensor: The working principle

Watch the Youtube video below, which quickly explains how the O2 sensor works in a car in simple terms.

How Oxygen Sensor Works

Consequences of removing the O2 sensor

Those who like speeding and installing non-OEM parts in the car for this cause sometimes consider removing the O2 sensor. These modifications increase the number of toxic pollutants and wastage that the O2 sensor detects and tries to control by telling the ECU to spend less fuel for the next cycle. This tampers the car's overall performance because the car driver fails to get the desired horsepower. Also, the check engine light will turn on.

So, if you decide to remove the O2 sensor, thinking you might get excellent performance, it won't happen. Why? Because there's no way, the ECU can find out the correct amount of fuel to send in the combustion chamber without the readings from the O2 sensor. That will again give you lousy performance and poor fuel economy.

In a nutshell, you shouldn't remove the O2 sensor because you will not gain anything from it. Instead, you'll lose horsepower, fail emissions tests, and spend more money on fuel.

Final Thoughts

It is not sensible to remove the O2 sensor because it helps the ECU figure out the correct fuel injection amount. It also reduces toxic gases and plays a significant role in maintaining optimal fuel economy and performance. So, we recommend that you keep it and ensure that it’s always working correctly. If you think we missed anything, comment below and let us know.