
The downstream O2 sensor in Golf is located further down the exhaust system, after the catalytic converter, and is responsible for measuring the level of pollutants passing through the catalytic converter. The main purpose of downstream O2 sensor is to ensure that the catalytic converter is functioning properly.
Where is the O2 sensor on a VW Golf?
There are multiple O2 sensors in VW Golf, how many depends on vehicle configuration and model year. But the most important one is the upstream O2 sensor, the one that is closest to the engine, usually in the exhaust manifold.
What happens when your oxygen sensor is bad on a Volkswagen?
Depending on which one of the O2 sensors is bad, the fuel delivery and combustion systems may become extremely irregular. If too much fuel is sent to your car’s engine, the fuel mileage is going to suffer. Rough engine idle. When your Volkswagen has a bad oxygen sensor, it will usually idle erratically or roughly. Engine misfires.
Can you drive a golf with a bad oxygen sensor?
Driving your Golf with a bad oxygen sensor can damage the engine or the catalytic converter, so you must act urgently to avoid more expensive repairs.
Where is the oxygen sensor located on a car?
An Oxygen sensor that is between the catalytic converter and the engine is known as an “upstream” sensor. Oxygen sensors after the catalytic converter are “downstream sensors”.

Where are my O2 sensors located?
exhaust manifoldThe O2 sensor is normally located on the exhaust manifold near the catalytic converter. In newer cars, there are usually two oxygen sensors for each catalytic converter (one before and one after). Older cars typically have a single oxygen sensor. Some modern vehicles have even more sensors!
How many O2 sensors and where are they located?
Modern vehicles with V-6 or V-8 engines could have as many as four O2 sensors — one located in each cylinder bank and one after each catalytic converter. If either the oxygen sensor in the cylinder block or the one for the catalytic converter fails, your vehicle could experience serious engine problems.
How much is a O2 sensor for a VW Golf?
The average cost for a Volkswagen Golf oxygen sensor replacement is between $77 and $97. Labor costs are estimated between $77 and $97. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Where is the number 2 O2 sensor located?
The oxygen sensor or Air/Fuel sensor closest to the engine in the exhaust manifold will always be Sensor 1. The O2 sensor located in or behind the catalytic converter will be Sensor 2. On V6 and V8 engines, Sensor 1 will always be on the SAME side as the Number ONE cylinder in the engine's firing order.
How can I tell which O2 sensor is bad?
First, what are the signs an O2 sensor may have gone bad?Check Engine Light Comes On.Noticeable Loss of Fuel Efficiency.Sulfur or 'Rotten Egg' smell from Exhaust.Black smoke from exhaust.Emission levels reach high levels.Your engine hesitates, skips, begins bucking or has power surges.More items...•
What are the symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor?
Signs That Your Oxygen Sensor Is BadA Glowing Check Engine Light. The bright orange Check Engine light in your dashboard will usually glow if you have a bad oxygen sensor. ... Bad Gas Mileage. ... An Engine That Sounds Rough. ... An Emissions Test Failure. ... An Older Vehicle.
Where is bank 1 and bank 2 located?
0:572:08Bank 1 & Bank 2 - What Does It Mean On Your Car? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSide engines that have both a bank 1 and bank 2 our manufacturer specific and can have a bank 1MoreSide engines that have both a bank 1 and bank 2 our manufacturer specific and can have a bank 1 located on either the right or left side of the engine.
Where is bank1 and bank 2 located?
Bank 1 and bank 2 simply refer to either side of the engine. Check your owner's manual or a service manual for a positive location of bank 1 and bank 2. Most commonly, bank 1 houses the front most cylinder on the engine cylinder 1, and bank 2 is the opposite side of the engine.
Are bank 1 and bank 2 O2 sensors the same?
Bank 2 Sensor 1 is the first sensor closest to the engine. On Bank 2 means it is at the engine side with cylinders 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. Bank 2 Sensor 2 is the second sensor on the engine's exhaust pipe, usually behind the catalytic converter.
Where is the oxygen sensor located on a GTI?
The oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust system of the engine, and they sense the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. There are two on the GTI MkIV: one on each side of the catalytic converter. The sensor located just in front of the catalytic converter measures the mixture of the exhaust gas exiting the engine.
What is an oxygen sensor?
The oxygen sensors (also called O2 sensors) are one of the most important elements of the modern fuel injection systems. A finely tuned fuel injection system with an oxygen sensor can maintain an air/fuel ratio within a close tolerance of .02 percent. Keeping the engine at the stoichiometric ratio ...
What is oxygen sensor golf?
Your Golf’s oxygen sensors are responsible for helping to keep your engine running at optimal efficiency. The engine management computer uses the data from all of the O2 sensors to keep the air/fuel mixture optimized. A bad oxygen sensor can affect the mixture greatly. Without being able to optimize the air fuel ratio, ...
What is the first O2 sensor?
Sensor 1- Sensor 1 would be the first O2 sensor in the line of sensors starting with the exhaust manifold and making its way back to the exhaust pipe. An Oxygen sensor that is between the catalytic converter and the engine is known as an “upstream” sensor.
What is the oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter?
Oxygen sensors after the catalytic converter are “downstream sensors”. As a rule, the upstream sensor is more important for engine timing and air/fuel ratios. By using a OBDII scanner you can determine exactly which sensor is bad, and what is wrong with it.
What happens when an O2 sensor goes bad?
When an O2 (oxygen) sensor go bad, it’ll cause your Volkswagen Golf ‘s engine to run less efficiently.
How do you know if your oxygen sensor is bad?
One of the most common symptoms that an oxygen sensor has gone bad is exhaust that does not smell good. The smell is often described as “rotten eggs” or sulfuric. Either way, like with rotten food, “the nose knows”.
Does the oxygen sensor on a golf club come on?
Oxygen sensors can change the way that your Golf’s engine runs. Most of the time, the check engine light will come on. It’s a good thing that the check engine light would come on, as there is more than one oxygen sensor, and they can be difficult to get to and test.
Can a golf fail an emissions test?
Failed Emissions. Often enough, there won’t be any noticeable signs of a bad oxygen sensor. You’ll go to get an emissions check done, and your Golf fails the test. Without a check engine light, it can be tough to lock down exactly what would cause the vehicle to fail, but oxygen sensors are one of the more common causes.
How much wire does a Ford sensor have?
The Ford sensor #15718 only has about 15-16" of wire. You're going to need around 30", so don't get too eager and cut off your VW harness just yet, lthough you can cut off the plug of your new Ford sensor as close as you can towards the connection.
When did the Jetta start using wideband sensors?
At some point between 1995 and 2002 (I'm looking it up), Jetta began using wideband sensors. If you have one, begin your research by calling your VW dealership and see how much they would charge for a front sensor; some old ones may be on clearance. Tools you will need to replace an O2 sensor in VW 2.0L engines.
What happens if your Volkswagen has a bad oxygen sensor?
When your Volkswagen has a bad oxygen sensor, it will usually idle erratically or roughly. Engine misfires. Sometimes, a bad O2 sensor will disrupt engine combustion and cause a misfire. These misfires are typically more pronounced at lower idle speeds.
How to tell if O2 sensor is bad?
This is the easiest way to tell if there’s a bad O2 sensor on your VW — the check engine light will illuminate on your dash. This happens when a trouble code is stored in the ECM ...
What happens if O2 sensor is bad?
Poor fuel economy. Depending on which one of the O2 sensors is bad, the fuel delivery and combustion systems may become extremely irregular. If too much fuel is sent to your car’s engine, the fuel mileage is going to suffer. Rough engine idle.