Category: Exhaust

Making Sense of the O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor Replacement)

As you know, today’s vehicles rely on a lot of computers in them to keep them running clean and efficiently. Those computers depend on information delivered by several sensors throughout the engine and exhaust system. And one of the most important is the oxygen sensor.

Known as the O2 sensor for short, it looks for too much unburned oxygen that has made it into the exhaust. That signals something isn’t right with the engine’s air-fuel mixture. The sensor sends signals to the engine’s computers, which can then make adjustments to make sure the engine is running as it was designed to.

Some vehicles can have several O2 sensors, and since they can measure oxygen at various points in the combustion/exhaust process, the computers can pinpoint where the problems lie. For example, an O2 sensor can detect how much oxygen is coming out of the engine’s combustion chamber, and another one can measure oxygen coming out of the catalytic converter.

As you can see, it’s important that those O2 sensors are working correctly. If they’re not, the computer is getting bad information. Garbage in, garbage out. That can result in lousy fuel economy and excess pollution coming out of your tailpipe. It can also affect your vehicle’s performance. Sometimes your Check Engine light will illuminate when one of your O2 sensors goes bad. Or you may notice your engine misfiring or idling roughly.

If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your vehicle on in, and a technician will pinpoint the trouble spot.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

St. Peter Exhaust and Emissions Service

Many St. Peter residents don’t realize that there is more to exhaust system maintenance than just tailpipes and mufflers, if you can see smoke or if it’s too loud. Exhaust service at a full-service automotive center like Autotronics of St. Peter is really a lot more comprehensive these days.

For example, in the U.S., the federal government required catalytic converters for all cars in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. MN and federal emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental laws. This also goes for cars sold in Canada.

So, exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer-controlled emissions devices are now necessary. And because it’s so sophisticated, we recommend having your emission system checked out by a qualified technician, like the ones we have at Autotronics of St. Peter, regularly to make sure everything’s working right – which is usually every six months or 6,000 miles/10,000 kilometers.

If your ‘check engine light’ comes on while you are driving around the St. Peter area, especially if it’s flashing, then you need to bring your car into Autotronics of St. Peter ASAP. Chances are it’s an emission related problem. Signs of exhaust or emissions trouble include difficulty starting, engine noise or smoke.

We hope this hasn’t been too ‘exhausting’ of a discussion. Remember that a properly functioning exhaust system is for MN’s health and safety. Talk with your friendly and knowledgeable service advisor at Autotronics of St. Peter in St. Peter if you think you might need your exhaust system checked. A quick look can sure save a lot of pain down the road.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Autotronics of St. Peter

Hello St. Peter! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960’s? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in MN vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government to regulate harmful emissions as well as to improve performance in the country’s vehicles.

The PCV valve, as you can probably guess, is located on the crankcase. The crankcase is the lowest part of a vehicle’s engine. It houses the crankshaft and the engine oil. The crankshaft connects to the pistons that power the engine.

Pistons are pushed down when fuel is burned in an engine. This causes the crankshaft to rotate, which sends power to the transmission. It ultimately turns the axles and causes the vehicle to move. Some of the gases released by the burning fuel squeeze around the pistons and down into the crankcase.

If the escaped gases mix with the engine oil in the crankcase, oil sludge develops. This sludge has the consistency of petroleum jelly and can cause damage by clogging up passageways in the engine. Further, escaped gases can build up pressure inside the crankcase that can blow out seals and gaskets.

Before 1964, a hose was attached to the crankcase that vented escaped gases out into the air. These gases contained about 70% unburned fuel as well as harmful emissions. The PCV valve was designed to curb these harmful emissions as well as recapture unburned fuel.

The PCV valve is a small, one-way valve that allows escaped gases to exit the crankcase. The gases are then routed into the intake system so they can be re-burned in the engine. Fresh air enters the crankcase through a breather tube to facilitate this circulation and keep the air in the crankcase clean.

The PCV valve, like most working parts on a vehicle, will wear out over time. Usually it simply gets gummed up. Preventive maintenance, including routine oil changes at Autotronics of St. Peter in St. Peter, will extend the life of the valve, but eventually it will have to be replaced. A sticking PCV valve won’t allow gases to circulate properly, which can increase pressure in the crankcase. Over time, that pressure will lead to oil leaks.

Your vehicle manufacturer recommends that a PCV valve be replaced every 20,000 to 50,000 miles (32,000 to 80,000 kilometers), depending on the vehicle and St. Peter driving conditions. It’s an inexpensive repair but may not be included in the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. So if you’re looking for auto advice about the PCV valve, you may have to ask our pros at Autotronics of St. Peter.

Taking care of our PCV valve protects the environment in MN and improves vehicle performance. It’s just part of good vehicle care for St. Peter drivers and a way all of us can do our part to improve the world we live in.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com