A/F Ratio |
Air Fuel Ratio. |
A/F Ratio Sensor |
A four wire, heated oxygen sensor that more precisely measures A/F ratio than do traditional sensors. |
Aftermarket Sensor |
A sensor made to replace OE sensors. |
PCM |
Powertrain Control Module |
ECM |
Electronic Control Module |
CEL |
Check Engine Light. |
Closed Loop Mode |
When the oxygen sensor(s) are operational in a vehicle’s diagnostics |
DTC |
Diagnostic Trouble Code |
Direct Fit Sensor |
A sensor with a connector that fits an existing connector directly. |
DIY Installer |
Do It Yourself. An individual that works on his or her own vehicle. |
Downstream |
The sensor position after the catalytic converter. Also known as post-cat. |
ECU |
Engine Control Unit |
FLO Sensor |
Fast Light Off Sensor. This design can reach operating temperature in as little as 10 seconds. |
Heated Sensor |
An oxygen sensor design that utilizes an internal heater. |
Lean |
A condition where there is an excess of oxygen in the exhaust stream |
MIL |
Malfunction Indicator Lamp |
OBDII |
The current onboard diagnostic language used by passenger vehicles. |
OE Sensor |
A sensor that is installed on a factory vehicle |
Open Loop Mode |
When the oxygen sensor(s) are not engaged in a vehicle’s diagnostics |
Planar Sensor |
A sensor made of layers of zirconia & alumina bonded together, allowing for faster warm up of the sensor |
Rich |
A condition where there is a shortage of oxygen in the exhaust stream |
Stoichiometric |
The ideal air fuel ratio of 14.7:1 air: fuel by mass for gasoline engines |
Titania Sensor |
A sensor design that employs the use of titanium instead of zirconia |
UFLO Sensor |
Ultra Fast Light Off Sensor. The oxygen sensor design that will reach operating temperature in the least amount of time possible. |
Universal Sensor |
A sensor with no connector that must be installed through splices |
Unheated Sensor |
An early, basic sensor design that relies on external heat |
Upstream |
The sensor position before the catalytic converter. Also known as pre-cat |
Wideband |
A five wire, heated oxygen sensor that utilizes patented technology to provide a better measurement of A/F ratio than do four wire sensors |
Zirconia |
A white, crystalline compound that is used in oxygen sensors |