Will An O2 Sensor Work Without A Catalytic Converter Or Just a Myth?
You may wonder, will an O2 sensor work without a catalytic converter? Usually, the oxygen sensors work fine in the absence of a catalytic converter.
However, some information must be verified before reaching a conclusion because many modern vehicles use multiple oxygen sensors. In terms of function and performance, a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor have no direct connection.
Not to worry if you are confused because this article will enlighten you about the various scenarios and relationships between the O2 sensor and catalytic converter. Hence, it may help you decide whether to bypass your catalytic converter or not.
Will An O2 Sensor Work Without A Catalytic Converter?- Detailed Answer
The functioning of an oxygen sensor depends entirely upon the location it has been installed and its purposes. Previously, only a single oxygen sensor was used in the exhaust emission system.
It would not make sense if anyone asked will an O2 sensor work without a cat back then because oxygen sensors worked perfectly without a catalytic converter.
But in modern times, cars are becoming more electric-oriented with multiple O2 sensors. An engine computer relies upon the data sent by the O2 sensors for fuel intake. That is why it is important to know which O2 sensor works fine without a catalytic converter and which does not.
Position of Oxygen Sensors
The number and position of the oxygen sensors depend on the engine types. Most V4 (four-cylinder) engines have a single exhaust system. There are dual O2 sensors and a single catalytic converter in such cars.
In the V6 and V8 engines, you will find a dual exhaust system with two catalytic converters and four O2 sensors. The oxygen sensors are placed one on the bank of the engine cylinder and one where the catalytic converter ends connecting the exhaust pipe.
O2 Sensors Positioned Before Catalytic Converter
These oxygen sensors are installed to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust fume. The data from the sensor allows PCM to manage the fuel injection and air mixture for optimum fuel consumption and maximum engine performance.
As a result, these O2 sensors work equally fine even if no catalytic converter is installed in the vehicle’s exhaust system. You can even remove the catalytic converter without causing damage or performance degradation to the oxygen sensor.
O2 Sensors Positioned After Catalytic Converter
The oxygen sensors installed at the end of the catalytic converter measure the quantity of the refined fume of the exhaust. This data is then sent to the PCM to optimize the fuel and air inclusion in the combustion chamber.
Also Read: Explore Our Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor (3 Easy Steps)
In short, these O2 sensors rely on the data of oxygen given by the catalytic converter. As a result, removing the catalytic converter disrupts the normal functionality of the O2 sensor. It will send false data to the PCM, and the check engine light will turn on.
Does Oxygen Sensor Affect Catalytic Converter?
Though there is no direct connection between an oxygen sensor and a catalytic converter, but an O2 sensor can indirectly affect a catalytic converter.
When an oxygen sensor fails, it provides false data to the main computer in your car. The computer utilizes this information to increase the quantity of fuel in the engine even if it is not essential.
According to the catalytic converter manual, the additional hydrocarbons from the gasoline might clog and damage it. A prolonged influence on the catalytic converter causes severe issues such as decreased fuel economy and engine performance.
Do All Catalytic Converters Have O2 Sensors?
All modern vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines have O2 sensors installed along with catalytic converters.
O2 sensors and catalytic converters must be installed in the exhaust system to purify the exhaust fumes before they are released. Each catalytic converter has two oxygen sensors, one at the front and one at the end.
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you need an O2 sensor if you don’t have a catalytic converter?
It is essential to have an O2 sensor installed in the exhaust system, even if your car does not have a catalytic converter. It helps optimize the fuel intake and combustion in the engine cylinder by measuring the O2 quantity and sending back the data to the main computer.
What happens if you run no catalytic converter?
Driving a car without catalytic converter results in the emission of harmful gases such as nitrous Oxide, Nitric Oxide, and Carbon Monoxide. You may end up getting caught without a catalytic converter since removing it from the exhaust system is illegal.
Can you replace the catalytic converter with a straight pipe?
You can bypass the exhaust system by removing the catalytic converter by replacing it with a straight exhaust pipe. But it will cause some indirect damage to your vehicle’s engine. Moreover, by law, it is illegal to replace the catalytic converter as it causes air pollution.
How long can you drive without a catalytic converter?
Well, you can drive a car with the catalytic converter removed without any limit. The catalytic converter does not affect the car’s driveability or the engine’s performance. But cops can charge you for driving a car without a catalytic converter if you get caught.
How do I know if my car has an O2 sensor or a catalytic converter?
You can easily find it out if your car is OBD activated. Just scan it to know if it has O2 sensors or not, or just a catalytic converter. Moreover, a visual inspection underneath the vehicle will reveal the presence of the o2 sensors and catalytic converter in the exhaust system.
Conclusion
A catalytic converter is the one of the expensive parts of a vehicle. That is why it often gets stolen by thieves. It results in owners thinking, will an O2 sensor work without a catalytic converter?
By now, you must have found the answer that it works fine without the o2 sensors. But it has side effects that indirectly hamper the engine’s fuel injection system.
We hope this article has been informative and helps you decide whether to bypass the catalytic converter and leave the O2 sensors or not.
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Pattinson used to be a mechanic in his early life. And most of his life was spent working in a garage next to his house. That is where he finds his interest in working with motor vehicles and their parts. Pattinson does the core part of Motor Mav write-ups that plays the part of keeping your reading flow in track by proofreading all the articles and ensuring the proper use of words and tune. Apart from this, he nowadays enjoys his retirement by maintaining his yard with landscaping tools.
