Your Audi’s oxygen sensor is an important piece of technology in your vehicle. Its primary function is to detect the levels of oxygen compared to gasoline in your car’s engine. It then tells your Audi’s onboard computer to adjust these levels for optimum performance.
Getting this piece repaired or replaced is relatively easy and inexpensive. However, if you ignore any issue or experience a sensor failure, it could lead to far more costly and inconvenient repair costs later down the road.
We’ve put together a few of the most common symptoms that are red flags for oxygen sensor failures. If you recognize any of these happening in your Audi, you should take your vehicle in for inspection and diagnosis.
Poor Gas Mileage
If your car has lower than normal gas mileage, it could be the result of a bad oxygen sensor, as engines become far less efficient when there is an improper ratio of gasoline to air going in. If you find yourself at the pump more often than usual, it could be time to have your oxygen sensor checked out by a mechanic, and perhaps having it repaired or replaced.
Rough Engine
If your engine feels like it is running irregularly, stuttering, or sounds rougher than usual, it could be the case that your oxygen sensor is failing. This is because the rate at which your engine is combusting has become inconsistent.
It could also take the form of your car failing to accelerate properly or stalling. This is often a symptom of other auto maintenance issues, so you can’t be totally sure that it is your oxygen sensor’s fault. However, it is a sign of serious trouble in any case, so it should be looked at by a professional, and then whatever problems your Audi has should be handled as soon as possible. Do not procrastinate when it comes to engine trouble.
Bad Smell
If your oxygen sensor isn’t performing as designed, you may notice a particularly unpleasant rotten egg smell. This is a result of the reduction in gas mileage discussed earlier.
As your vehicle’s gas mileage is reduced because of a bad gas-to-oxygen ratio, the extra unused fuel will begin to produce this smell, which you will notice after not too long. It could be accompanied by a dark black exhaust coming from your tailpipe as well.
Failure of Emissions Test
If your car fails an emissions test, it is more than likely due to a bad oxygen sensor. If you’re told by the administrators that your Audi has failed this test, you should proceed to get your oxygen sensor replaced so you are not fined.
The reason this is so crucial is twofold. First, it could expose you and your family to carbon monoxide, an extremely dangerous gas that is toxic to humans. Second, it will keep the environment from being poisoned by these noxious gases. This will also prevent further damage to your car, as more expensive problems can arise if you push off having this component repaired or replaced when it malfunctions.
Illuminated Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is on, it could be a sign of a multitude of issues. However, if it is on in conjunction with any of the other symptoms on this list, it is perhaps time to suspect your oxygen sensor of being faulty. In any event, you should check your engine every time this light comes on, as it almost always indicates a serious problem that should be fixed as soon as possible, as to avoid more expensive damage later on.
Momentum Motorworks For Your Audi’s Needs
If you’re experiencing any of the above 
symptoms in your Audi, you are most likely dealing with a bad oxygen sensor. We proudly service the communities in and around Alabaster, Homewood, Helena, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Birmingham, AL.
Bring your Audi to us at Momentum Motorworks. We’ll take a look at your oxygen sensor, discuss a plan of action for repair, and work quickly to get you back on the road with confidence in your Audi. We look forward to earning your patronage for all your Audi’s needs.