The lambda probe plays an important role in ensuring that the engine in your vehicle runs economically and produces less harmful emissions during operation. It is therefore essential to detect lambda probe failure in time.
source: https://smartnews.hu/a-lambdaszonda-hiba-jelei/
A few sentences about the lambda probe
In modern vehicles, there are usually two lambda probes: one in front of the catalytic converter and one after the catalytic converter.
The first is a regulator responsible for mixture formation, i.e. optimising the oxygen content of the exhaust gas leaving the cylinders.
The second one is a measuring device which tests the efficiency of the catalytic converter, i.e. it detects the oxygen content of the gas leaving the catalytic converter.
Catalyst after lambda probe failure
is mainly due to the fact that it does not detect a bad catalytic converter, since the first probe does not see this.
What problems can a lambda probe fault cause?
As the “Check Engine” light on the instrument panel does not always come on, it is also worth considering the following telltale signs when trying to spot a lambda probe fault:
Increased fuel consumption
This “symptom” is not only noticeable when refuelling, as the smell of petrol coming out of the exhaust will be more saturated and noticeable, which may indicate that the mixture is richer than it should be optimally.
Inadequate fuel mileage
If the lambda sensor is not working properly, it will also affect the fuel delivery and combustion systems. In practice, this means that too much fuel may be entering the engine.
Irregular engine idling
Because the lambda probe helps to control the engine timing, combustion intervals and air/fuel ratio, a lambda probe fault can cause irregular engine idling.
What causes lambda probe failure?
Mechanical damage is the main cause. This could be a broken probe wire, loose probe gasket, corrosion of the probe contacts, or deposits of oil, rich mixture or burnt thermal fluid on the sensor.
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