Category: Uncategorized

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

Cool Running (Water Pump)

Your vehicle is like you in a way. When it gets hot, it needs to be cooled down. And one of the key parts to keeping it cool is the water pump.

Now, that’s a bit of a misnomer. It IS a pump, but it’s pumping coolant, not pure water. Cooling off your engine is vital since it builds up heat when it creates power by burning fuel. Your water pump acts as a way to recirculate that coolant. It goes through a series of tubes and hoses through the engine where it picks up heat, then is sent off to the radiator to get rid of that heat. Cooled off, the coolant is recycled through the water pump to start the journey again.

The water pump works by taking mechanical power from the engine, usually from a belt. Obviously, that belt has to be in good condition and adjusted properly or else the water pump won’t be able to do its job.

Here are some things to look for that will signal problems with your water pump. If your heat gauge is erratic or showing a much higher than normal temperature, that could be a sign of trouble. Another is if you hear a whine under the hood. And if that gets louder when you go faster, get it checked right away. You may see steam coming out from under the hood or coolant may be leaking.

These signs signal that it’s time for you to have a technician check to see where the problem is. Some water pumps are powered by a timing belt. If your vehicle has that design and your timing belt is due for replacement, sometimes it’s a good idea to replace the water pump too, even if it’s working properly. That’s because the labor to replace the timing belt can be expensive and it may be wise to proactively take care of the water pump while it’s disassembled.

Your service advisor will explain the options available and offer the best path to keeping your water pump doing its job. Your engine’s life depends on it.

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