If you've ever looked under the hood of your INFINITI, you may have noticed a part sticking out into your car's exhaust stream, one about the same shape and size as a spark plug. You may have even noticed more than one. They're oxygen sensors. Their job is to determine whether the exhaust system's oxygen levels are correct. It's one of the ways your engine can tell how much fuel it should use. Unfortunately, oxygen sensor failure is common. Its cause can be nothing more than dirty sensors, the result of spent motor oil or fuel impurities. When to replace an oxygen sensor, then, is uncomplicated: newer ones can last as many as 100,000 miles. However, oxygen sensor problems can happen much sooner. The best way to tell when to change one is look for the symptoms that it's bad.

What are the Signs of a Bad Oxygen Sensor?

The most obvious is a lit Check Engine light. You should get an inspection or run one yourself by plugging in a code reader to confirm. However, worsening fuel efficiency can also indicate oxygen sensor issues. In this case, your engine may be using too much gas, suggesting it isn't getting the fuel-consumption feedback it needs. If you're still having troubles with your oxygen sensors, check your vacuum hose first. It may simply require a reconnect. Otherwise, check every sensor you've got. You can have anywhere from two to four. Some INFINITI models have one on each exhaust manifold. Others may have one just after their exhaust systems' catalytic converters. If any need replacement, it's easy. Just unscrew the old and screw in the new. You can buy the genuine INFINITI oxygen sensors from our online parts store. Order today and check another job off your list!