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Diagnosing a Bad Toyota MR2 Oxygen Sensor
The Toyota MR2 is a two-seater sports car that is built to compete with the Ferraris and Porsches of its time, as it was designed both for speed and fuel efficiency. However, if one of its essential components like the oxygen sensor fails, it won't be as interesting and as unique as it was envisioned to be. You may not know it, but your very own Toyota MR2 could be exhibiting some of the symptoms of a defective oxygen sensor. Here are two common problems you might experience with your Toyota MR2 oxygen sensor, along with some tips on how you can diagnose it:
'Check engine' light is on
If recently you find it very disturbing to see this omnipresent red light on your dashboard, then consider this as one of the manifestations of a failing oxygen sensor. When this particular light is on, it means that there is a malfunction in your vehicle, wherein the most common reason is a bad oxygen sensor. What you can do to verify is to check if you've been having increased fuel consumption during the past weeks. Also, notice if there has been changes in your engine performance. If you have been experiencing misfiring or idling, then you can conclude that your vehicle's oxygen sensor is problematic. The 'check engine' light would only turn on if you will repair or replace your defective sensor with a new one.
Emission test failure
A failed oxygen sensor will most likely produce inaccurate amounts of oxygen in the exhaust gases. You can verify this by checking the voltage that it produces using a voltmeter. The ideal reading should be around 0.1 or 0.2 volts within two to three minutes. But if the reading exceeds this range and the time interval, then you should replace your oxygen sensor. If not, you will experience various emission- and engine-related problems that you will only be able to solve if you replace your defective sensor. You are also releasing more harmful emissions that could put your health at risk. Ultimately, you will surely fail in emission tests if you will continue to use a bad oxygen sensor.
