- Monitors the air-to-fuel ratio within your engine
- Can become worn over time or damaged by a fluid leak
- Replacement by an Nissan professional is recommended
Your Nissan combustion system depends on a variety of sensors to preserve optimal conditions for performance. One of these technologies is the O2 or Oxygen Sensor (Rear). Originally, Oxygen Sensor (Rear)s were rolled out to reduce emissions, and are now a standard offering in most current vehicles. Depending on which Nissan model and year you drive, your combustion engine may rely on one or more of these.
Your Nissan's O2 sensors help gauge the air-to-fuel mixture, helping your engine's internal computer regulate the mixture depending on whether your engine is running on too little oxygen (burning rich) or too much oxygen (burning lean). Having the wrong air-fuel mixture may negatively affect the combustion engine, leading to decreased gas mileage and more emissions. That's why it's a good idea to have a new Nissan O2 sensor.
An Oxygen Sensor (Rear) produces an electric charge, and the voltage it renders depends on what's coming out of the exhaust system. In layman's terms, the electricity generated by your Nissan Oxygen Sensor (Rear) will vary if the fuel-air mixture is off! When the system notices a change in voltage, your Nissan's computer makes adjustments to the fuel mixtures to keep it running as designed.
Your Oxygen Sensor (Rear) may need to be replaced after a period of time or usage. In certain circumstances, you may need to replace it prematurely if your Nissan sensor is damaged by coolant or oil leaks, or other forms of contamination. Some telltale signs that indicate the need for a new Oxygen Sensor (Rear) are: cylinder misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, and an illuminated dashboard warning light.
Since the majority of modern cars rely on more than one Oxygen Sensor (Rear) to moderate the combustion process, it can be difficult for a DIY mechanic to diagnose and replace the right sensor on their own. In some cases, the repair involves at a specialized scanner and jacking the vehicle up to get to the undercarriage. So most Nissan owners opt for getting Oxygen Sensor (Rear) repairs from their local Nissan experts.
Have you noticed any signs of O2 sensor malfunctions? Get an OEM replacement sensor for your Nissan Altima or Nissan Pathfinder. See the What This Fits tab for more information.
HEATED OXYGEN SENSOR
Fits Altima, Pathfinder