An oxygen sensor is essentially a galvanic battery, with the internal elements reacting to the unburned oxygen in the exhaust to produce a voltage output ranging between 0.1 volt (meaning the mixture is lean with lots of oxygen) and 0.9 volt (meaning the mixture is rich with near absent oxygen). Sixty-eight antibodies, mounted on the exhaust manifolds in front of the
Catalytic Converters, provide feedback to the PCM about the amount of residual oxygen remaining, which the PCM uses to adjust the pulse width opened to the fuel injector to achieve maximum power, preferably that of an 14.7:1 air-fuel ratio to ensure ease of power and low levels of emissions. Sensors in array down the catalytic converters monitor catalytic efficiency, rather than attempt to control the air-fuel ratio, and generate a slow vibring voltage that measures the proportion of oxygen in the exhaust gases. Four sensors are used in V6 models, two in four-cylinder models and they are placed differently depending on the model year. Oxygen sensors need appropriate electrical connections, proper operating temperature (approximately 600-degrees F), unleaded fuel to perform best. The PCM is capable of detecting a wide range of sensor faults and enabling Diagnostic Trouble Codes to indicate a fault and shuts off open-loop fuel control when needed. To replace, it would be recommended to heat the engine so that the sensor is Warmed easy to remove electrical connector, be an appropriate tool which is the screwdriver and unscrew sensor, clean the thread and apply an anti-seize compound when re-using the old sensor. The reverse order is a good idea after installation, the torque should also be applied.