Things You'll Need:
- Automobile running rough
- Skills to tackle maintenance problems on your car
- Access to a code reader
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Step 1
Perform a tune-up on your car in order to look at the areas that would affect the emissions system. Use a code reader (if you have access to one). Change your spark plugs, fluids, and check your ignition system (spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, and grounds).
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Step 2
Examine any symptoms you notice. These include a check engine light, surging of the engine, rough idling and terrible gas mileage to name just a few.
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Step 3
Take stock of the situation. Do you think that the automobile will pass the emissions testing during the inspection process? A dysfunctional O2 sensor should be the first consideration after your car fails an emissions test.
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Step 4
Peruse a good auto repair manual (such as Chilton's), which is available in bookstores. You can also pull up some information online that will help to diagnose your specific car's problems. In most cars with a recent tune up, though, poor fuel mileage and rough running will indicate a faulty O2 sensor.
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Step 5
Face the fact that you need to change out the O2 sensor to correct the emission problems. You may have to replace your O2 sensor even if you are not certain it is the problem; sometimes car diagnosis requires simple trial-and-error.
