D50/Ram 50 L4-2350cc 2.4L SOHC (1992)
CONSTRUCTION
The oxygen sensor is made of a ceramic material called zirconium dioxide. The inner and outer surfaces of the ceramic material are coated with a
very thin layer of platinum. The outer surface is exposed to the exhaust gasses, while the inner surface is exposed to the outside air.
Catalytic Converter Performance
OPERATION
The difference in the amount of oxygen contacting the inner and outer surfaces of the oxygen sensor creates a pressure differential which results in
a voltage signal being generated.
The amount of voltage produced is determined by the air/fuel mixture. Voltage output from the Oxygen Sensor is about 0.9 volts DC when the fuel
air mixture is richer than stoichiometric and about 0.1 volts DC when the mixture is leaner than stoichiometric with a sharp voltage transition from
high to low at the stoichiometric point.
Oxygen Sensor Voltage vs Fuel/Air Ratio
The ECU's instant mixture adjustment in response to the voltage output of the oxygen sensor causes the output voltage from the Oxygen Sensor to
fluctuate rapidly between 0.1 and 0.9 volts DC and will be observed as an average of about 0.6 volts DC when measured with a voltmeter.
