Hummer Oxygen Sensor: Keeping the Hummer Environment-friendly

By: Anthony Fontanelle

SUVs and trucks are some of the vehicles known to consume a lot of gas. Hummer is one of these. Based on the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or Humvee, Hummer was first offered in the market in 1992. It is said that this large off-road vehicle was initially produced for the civilian market because of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He made this request after being impressed by a convoy of HMMWV.

To help get the most out of a full tank, using the is highly recommended. It is a great tool to achieve better fuel efficiency, cleaner emissions, and enhanced engine performance. It does this by monitoring the air to fuel mixture if it is too rich or too lean. A rich mixture contains more fuel and less air, while a lean mixture has more oxygen. After the Hummer oxygen sensor determines the kind of mixture, it then sends a signal, in the form of a voltage, to the engine management computer. The computer will make modifications to the mixture until it reaches the ratio of 14:7:1.

Two types of oxygen sensors are available today, the zirconia sensor and the titania sensor. The most commonly used is the zirconia sensor, which utilizes a zirconia element to produce a voltage. On the other hand, the titania sensor uses the technology of electrical resistance to generate a voltage.

As an integral part of a vehicle, the Hummer oxygen sensor needs proper maintenance. Although it is particularly designed to be durable, however, it is still susceptible to fail. One of the main reasons for a failing oxygen sensor is the build-up of contaminants and oil ash on the sensing element. This can lead the sensor to have incorrect readings and send wrong voltage signals. In effect, the engine management computer will make inaccurate adjustments, thus causing engine damage. To avoid this from happening, an immediate replacement is advised. Some motorists instantly know that the sensor needs replacement once the "check engine" label lights up. Others watch out for signs like poor gas mileage, failed emission test, foul emission smell, and poor acceleration.

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