Oxygen sensors on the German-engineered Porsche serve an essential purpose in the vehicle’s performance. After many years in production, the Porsche brand remains one of the world's most regarded sports cars. With the advent of the fuel injection system, the reliability in Porsche's performance grew. The oxygen sensor still plays a large role in that dependability. In this article, we will look at the oxygen sensor, its purpose, and when it should be replaced in your Porsche.
Purpose of an Oxygen Sensor
All combustion engines run off of the ignition of a mixture containing a precise amount of fuel and oxygen. There are two O2 (oxygen) sensors located on the Porsche. These measure the car’s engine’s exhaust gases and report back to the computer system. This onboard computer controls the air and fuel mix.
The O2 sensors will record if the current mixture is too lean or rich and, when working properly, the computer will adjust the ratio. However, when one of the two O2 sensors on your Porsche fails, problems with your performance will result.when one of the two O2 sensors on your Porsche fails, problems with your performance will result.
Signs of a Failing O2 Sensor
It is important to recognize the issues a failed O2 sensor will create for your Porsche so you can recognize when it's time for an inspection and repair.
● Check Engine Light: If your fuel mixture is running lean or rich, the onboard diagnostics of a Porsche will notify you of a problem by illuminating the check engine light. However, a check engine light may mean many things. A professional technician scan with the proper diagnostic equipment will trace the problem to the O2 sensor.
● Rough Idle: When your Porsche does not receive the proper fuel and oxygen mix, the computer will try and adjust. If the problem is worse than the computer can handle, a rough idle will result.
● Engine Backfires: When your Porsche's air-to-fuel mixture is too rich, backfires will occur.
● Poor Performance: Even a slight issue with one of the O2 sensors will affect your car’s performance.
● Poor Fuel Consumption: If a faulty O2 sensor relays to the computer that your engine needs more fuel than it actually needs, low fuel mileage will result.
If your valve cover has loose or missing screws or bolts, it could definitely lead to a serious leak. Bolts or screws that are attached too tightly can also lead to complications, such as a broken valve cover.
Over time, your valve could also develop cracks. If this happens, a leak is very likely to occur.
Another cause of a leaking valve cover could be related to the gasket. If the gasket is misshapen or warped, you could end up with a leak.
Operating Your Porsche With a Failed O2 Sensor
The O2 sensor is not only installed on a Porsche to create peak performance. It also helps to safeguard your car’s emissions system and other components of your Porsche. Important parts such as the catalytic converter count on the O2 sensors to create a fuel and oxygen mixture that is optimal for the system.
Driving a car with fuel that is too will undoubtedly damage the catalytic converter. Other important engine components like cylinders, spark plugs, and others will also result in damage for the same reason. If you suspect you have an issue with one of your O2 sensors, do not continue operating your car. Have a certified technician diagnose and repair the root cause.
When Should the Oxygen Sensor Be Replaced in Your Porsche
Porsche recommends oxygen replacement no later than 50,000 miles into service. While this recommendation will certainly help prevent long term damage, many Porsche experts who are responsible for repairs recommend replacement every 30,000 miles.
The reason behind this recommendation is the precision in which the Porsche needs for its fuel injection to create the performance you are used to in the brand. By changing out the sensors at the lower mileage, you will guarantee top performance in your car. With the number one reason people buy the Porsche being its performance, why take a chance with anything less?
Let Our Experts Replace Your Oxygen Sensors
At M Service, serving Walnut Creek, CA, our team of experts is here to ensure your Porsche never loses a step. We think so much of our service, we back it up with a 24 month/24,000-mile guarantee. At M Service, we specialize in some of the world’s best quality performance cars:
● Audi
● BMW
● Land Rover
● Mercedes
● MINI
● Porsche
Our technicians are ASE certified and continue to train quarterly throughout the year to maintain the most updated knowledge of your car and how to keep it in top condition. Visit us today to have your vehicle serviced by the best.
Our technicians are ASE certified and continue to train quarterly throughout the year to maintain the most updated knowledge of your car and how to keep it in top condition. Visit us today to have your vehicle serviced by the best.