A diesel vehicle must be able to regulate its Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emission. In doing so, it will ensure that fewer pollutants are released into the air. Since air pollution is a law that is mandated in most states, you will need to ensure that your NOx sensor is working well so you don`t run the risk of both polluting the environment and breaking the local law. Manufacturers use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to ensure that diesel-run vehicles can be regulated with ease while improving air quality in the process.
There is nothing worse for other road users than driving behind a very “smokey” truck or vehicle while you`re on the road, not to mention the damage that is done to the environment every time your vehicle is polluting the air. The environment we live in is something that all of us are responsible for and any responsible diesel vehicle owner can easily do their part by minimizing environmental pollution just by making sure that your NOx sensor is working correctly.
What Is A NOx Sensor?
Diesel vehicles run with a urea-based SCR system, and these systems require a NOx sensor. NOx sensors are state-of-the-art sensors that are designed to monitor high temperatures and the level of NOx that is released into the air when your vehicle is on the move.
These sensors are designed to keep tabs on the oxygen levels in your exhaust system too. Your NOx sensors are necessary if you want to ensure that your vehicle and engine are meeting state regulations and laws all the time.
The sensor is part of the reduction after-treatment system. It works by locating the upstream of SCR catalysts and measures what the engine-out NOx gas concentration is. This will then help the system determine what the optimal amount of urea injection should be.
NOx sensors are also located on the SCR`s downstream and the primary function is to monitor how the catalyst is performing. It is important that your vehicle is fitted with quality NOx sensors that are sourced from proven manufacturers.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to test the software and the internal wiring connections on the head of the sensor. Our DPF Parts Direct provides Redline Emissions Products NOx sensors so customers will always have peace of mind that the products you purchase have exceeded all other OEM comparative components.
How NOx Sensors Work
The NOx sensor works by detecting the nitrogen oxide by using an electrocatalytic mechanism. An electrocatalytic mechanism is a type of sensor, and once it has detected the nitrogen oxide, it will mix it with any material that reacts to nitrogen oxide accordingly. More voltage equals more NOx levels. The electrolyte that passes through the electrocatalytic mechanism will determine how much NOx is in your system.
If the NOx sensor detects that there is too much NOx, it will readjust its output to balance out the emission based on the emissions regulations. This is one of the reasons why the NOx sensor is a crucial component for any diesel-powered vehicle to ensure that your vehicle is adhering to the emissions standards.
NOx Sensors Are Necessary
NOx sensors are necessary for every vehicle that is powered by diesel because we don`t want to risk polluting the environment any further. It is important to protect the environment for the sake of our own future, and NOx sensors are one way we can all do our part by being responsible while driving a diesel vehicle. The NOx sensor is a crucial step in ensuring that your system is not producing excessive gasses. Not adhering to the regulations will lead to two harmful effects.
The first harmful effect is that you are hurting the environment, and the second harmful effect is failing your emissions test. When you fail the emissions test, your vehicle is no longer road-worthy. Without a properly functioning NOx sensor in your system, complying with the existing emissions standard is not possible.
Running Into NOx Sensor Problems
The one problem with NOx sensors is that they happen to have a very short lifespan. This means that you will have to replace them at some point during your ownership of the vehicle. When the NOx sensor stops functioning, you will experience problems coming from your engine control unit (ECU).
This will cause your vehicle to go into emergency mode and when it goes into emergency mode, you will lose approximately two-thirds of your vehicle`s power. You will be able to see this on your dashboard when your engine warning light is on.
NOx sensors are going to run into problems when it experiences a soot buildup. This is the main reason why your sensor will begin to fail. Other causes of the issue include damaged cables (something that is easily detected by checking the sensor`s connection). Sometimes, the failure could be due to other issues and not just the NOx sensor alone. The internal probe used to check the NOx levels could also be a culprit as to why your NOx sensors are running into problems.
Other symptoms of a failing NOx sensor are unstable idling, “jerking” motions when you are driving your vehicle and excessive fuel consumption. If your vehicle is displaying any of these symptoms, it might be time to get your NOx sensor checked out. Dramatic symptoms like these are almost always caused by a failing NOx sensor.
NOx sensors are generally considered wear and tear items, and they should be replaced before the above symptoms start to show themselves. NOx sensors can range from $250.00 to $750.00, and it depends on the make and the type of application it’s used in. NOx sensor testing equipment can be rather expensive too.
Sometimes, if the equipment is not up to date, that could also be the cause of inaccurate testing. This goes back to why it is important to source products and parts from trusted manufacturers to ensure quality is never compromised. To source NOx sensors from our DPF Parts Direct selection, visit https://www.dpfpartsdirect.com/collections/redline-nox-sensors
