There are many small components on your vehicle that play a big role in the overall performance of your engine. One of these small parts is the Cadillac Catera oxygen sensor. Part of a network of sensors, the Catera oxygen sensor is located under your hood near the exhaust manifold.

The Cadillac Catera oxygen sensor has only one job: to measure the oxygen content of the exhaust that is leaving your cylinders, and relay this information to your car's computer hundreds of times per minute. These measurements from the Catera oxygen sensor are essential to your car, because your onboard computer uses them to calculate the amount of fuel that should be injected into your cylinders.

Your engine relies on a mixture of oxygen and fuel to generate power, and the Cadillac Catera oxygen sensor ensures that the ratio of oxygen to fuel remains as close to optimal (14.7 to 1) as possible. When your Catera oxygen sensor does not work as it should, your engine relies on estimates from other sensors to make the determination, and ends up injecting more fuel than necessary since not enough fuel will damage your engine. Your oxygen sensor may simply fail over time, or it may become contaminated with oil, antifreeze, fuel additives, or gasket sealant. Typically, the only sure way to tell whether your Catera oxygen sensor is through an emissions test. However, if your engine is running hot, performing sluggishly, or losing fuel economy, a bad oxygen sensor may be at fault. It is a good idea to replace your Catera oxygen sensor whenever you have exhaust work done.You'll find the oxygen sensor you need in our extensive online catalogue, and you will pay far less than you would at a dealership.