Making a snag for an oxygen sensor. Lambda probe snag electronic or mechanical when removing the catalyst

Today's environmental safety requirements oblige automakers to install special devices on their cars that reduce the level of hazardous compounds in exhaust gases. Most modern cars are equipped with catalytic converters (catalysts), which can significantly reduce the concentration of nitrogen and carbon oxides in the exhaust by converting and burning them. A mandatory element of such devices is a lambda probe, or, as it is also called, an oxygen sensor. Focusing on its data, the car's electronic control unit controls the concentration of fuel and air in the combustible mixture, because the level of harmful emissions depends on the completeness of its combustion.

The harsh operating conditions and the poor quality of our fuel often lead to the fact that the lambda probe or the catalyst fails, and none of these elements can be repaired. Only their replacement can correct the situation here, however, the cost of a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor does not allow everyone to do this.

Our craftsmen found a way out. They tried to trick the electronics of the car, and they succeeded. In this article, we will talk about what an emulated lambda probe is (a snag of an oxygen sensor), what they are, and also how to make this simple device yourself.

What is an oxygen sensor

An oxygen sensor is an electronic device designed to collect information about the concentration of oxygen in a car's exhaust. It sends the received data to the machine's computer control unit, which, in turn, based on them, forms the air-fuel mixture by adjusting the air content in it.

The lambda probe can be installed directly on the outlet manifold or on the downpipe before the catalytic converter.

The principle of operation of the device

The working device of the oxygen sensor is a galvanic cell with a solid ceramic electrolyte based on zirconium dioxide. It is doped with yttrium oxide and has porous platinum electrodes, one of which is focused on the oxygen content in the surrounding air, and the second - in the exhaust gases. It is this difference that creates the output voltage on the sensor when it is heated to a temperature of +300 0 C.

What causes a sensor failure

When the lambda probe fails, the controller stops receiving the necessary information, or receives false data. This causes improper formation of the fuel mixture. As a result, excessive fuel consumption appears, the engine loses power, the amount of harmful compounds in the exhaust increases, and the control unit issues a critical error on the control panel.

Why do I need a second lambda probe

Some vehicles are equipped with two oxygen sensors. The first of them, as usual, is installed in the manifold or on the exhaust pipe, and the second - behind the catalytic converter. An additional sensor is used to determine the oxygen concentration in the gases at the outlet of the catalyst. This is necessary so that when forming the air-fuel mixture, the controller takes into account the amount of air additionally required to burn harmful combustion products in the catalyst.

The essence of snag

What is the function of the emulated lambda probe? The trick is designed to mislead the electronic control unit of the car with a failed catalytic converter by signaling to it that the catalyst is operating in normal mode, and the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gases is not lower and not higher than the permissible one.

Types of snags lambda probe

There are three ways to cheat the electronic unit:

change the software of the car computer, making appropriate adjustments to it;
install a blende of a mechanical type;
install an electronic snag.

Let's consider all three options.

Controller flashing

The method of flashing the "brains" can be considered a good way out of the situation, but only if it is carried out by a specialist. Its essence is to enter the program, electronically turn off the oxygen sensor, and make the appropriate changes to it. If the work is done correctly, the error signal will disappear from the instrument panel, and the engine will work normally without a lambda probe. But if you make a mistake during flashing, this can lead to the failure of the “brains” of the machine. The consequences of this can be the most unpredictable.

This method can be used both in case of a malfunction of the catalyst and the sensor.

Mechanical snag

A mechanical snag of a lambda probe is nothing more than an ordinary sleeve (spacer) between the sensor attachment point (the surface of the intake pipe, manifold) and the probe itself. The spacer is made of high-quality heat-resistant steel or bronze. It is a hollow cylinder filled with ceramic chips. The side with which the snag is attached to the exhaust system element has a thread and a thin axial hole.

The essence of the method is to move the oxygen sensor away from the manifold or downpipe. In this case, the exhaust gases, passing through a thin hole (in low concentration), fall on the ceramic chips, where they are oxidized under the influence of temperature. The concentration of harmful substances, of course, is reduced. This is how the emulated lambda probe works in such a simple way. The trick simply misleads the oxygen sensor, forcing it to transmit a “normal” signal to the controller.

This method, taking into account the direct participation in the process of "deception" of the sensor, is acceptable only in case of a catalyst malfunction. The latter, at the same time, is removed from the exhaust system, or replaced by a stronger (flame arrester).

How to make a do-it-yourself lambda probe snag

If you have turning skills, making a mechanical blende will not be difficult for you. This will require a steel or bronze blank, a lathe, as well as knowledge of the main dimensions of the future part. A drawing of a snag lambda probe is presented below.

If you are far from turning, the part can be freely bought or made to order. But it is important to understand what kind of lambda probe snag is needed. The price of such products, depending on the type and complexity, can vary between 200-800 rubles.

How to install the scam yourself

Installation of blende will not cause any difficulties even for a person who does not have special skills. It is enough to find the location of the oxygen sensor, turn it off, unscrew it, and install a spacer in its place. After that, it is necessary to screw the sensor into the sleeve and connect it to the on-board network.

Electronic snag lambda probe

An electronic type decoy is a more complex device. It is also used when the catalyst fails. Its principle of operation is to convert the signal coming from the sensor to the electronic control unit in such a way that its characteristics are as if the catalyst is operating in normal mode.

The snag is connected directly to the wires that go from the lambda probe to the controller. The basis of such tricks is often a programmable microprocessor, but you can assemble the simplest version yourself, of course, if you are friends with a soldering iron.

The homemade product described below is used for the second sensor located after the catalyst. At first glance, it may seem rather primitive, but its performance has been proven in practice.

Such an electronic snag of a lambda probe is assembled with your own hands from the following electrical components:

non-polar capacitor with a capacity of 1 uF;
1 MΩ resistor.

In addition, you will need a soldering iron, solder, rosin and a knife.

The snag 2 lambda probe usually has four wires: blue, white and two black. We do not touch the latter, but make a break in the blue conductor. We install a resistor at the break point. Next, connect the white wire to the blue through a capacitor.

It is best to install this snag in front of the connector. For some cars, it is located in the central tunnel (mine) between the front seats, for others it is under the dashboard, and for others, in general, in the engine compartment.

Before starting installation, do not forget to disconnect the ground wire from the battery.

But do not forget that the use of such devices significantly affects the ecological state of the planet. Therefore, in the event of a malfunction, it is still better to install not an emulator on your car, but a new catalyst or lambda probe. The cheat should be a temporary solution.

Better yet, try to avoid catalytic converter failures. To make the catalytic converter last longer, use the following tips.

Fill the tank with only high-quality fuel.
Do not use unknown and untested fuel additives.
Try not to fall into deep puddles - a sharp cooling of a heated catalyst will inevitably lead to its destruction.
Avoid mechanical damage to the catalyst housing. Driving into a deep hole at speed can also destroy its working elements.
Perform regular maintenance.

Lambda probe allows to reduce the harmful effects of exhaust gas and reduce vehicle fuel consumption. However, why do many drivers create devices that emit or deceive this sensor. In this article, you will learn what a snag on a lambda probe is and what are the ways to bypass it.

The lambda probe is a small battery that generates a low voltage sufficient to transmit the necessary information to the control unit. One sensor electrode is located inside the exhaust system, and the other is outside. Being electrified due to the composition of the exhaust gases, the first electrode, together with the second, creates a voltage of a certain value and sends a signal to the electronic engine control unit.

Depending on the content of unburned fuel in the exhaust, a certain EMF arises, on the basis of which the ECU decides on the amount of air and gasoline supplied to the engine cylinders. This property makes the most optimal.

Any lambda probe contributes to an ideal 1:1 mixture. However, such values almost never occur, since the engine operates in various modes, where the ratio of gasoline and air changes quite quickly.

What is deception for?

Unfortunately, not all sensors have an accurate algorithm of operation. Many of them are simply defective or even - they fail at the wrong time. If the lambda probe fails, the ECU stops receiving a signal from it and puts the engine into emergency mode. The amount of fuel and air ceases to be regulated and is displayed at one set value. At the same time, fuel consumption increases markedly, and the cylinders become contaminated with unburned excess. This mode is designed to get to the service station and prolonged operation of the vehicle during sensor failure is not recommended.

Many modern cars are equipped with two sensors that are installed on opposite sides of the catalyst. This solution allows you to evaluate the correct operation of the exhaust, since the data from the sensors must necessarily differ. If they work the same way or one of them simply fails, the familiar Check Engine icon will light up on the instrument panel.

It would seem that everything is simple - you just need to replace the faulty element and bring the engine into normal operation. Many drivers do not do this due to the high cost of the sensor. If domestic low-quality spare parts have a much more affordable price, then good foreign counterparts are very expensive. Devices come to the rescue that allow you to bypass the sensor and save the engine. All these devices are used in cases where there are two lambda probes on the exhaust and one of them starts to work with large errors or fails. These tricks are also relevant in case of catalyst malfunctions.

What snags are used on the lambda probe?

There are quite a few ways to bypass this sensor. Conventionally, they can be divided into two categories: mechanical and electronic.

Mechanical snag

The first category involves interference with the design features of the exhaust. To do this, the catalyst is removed and a special spacer is installed in its place. It must be exactly the same size and repeat its original counterpart. Inside the spacer, ceramic chips coated with a catalytic layer are scattered. Naturally, this part must have holes for exhaust gases.

As a result of chemical interactions between ceramic chips and exhaust gases, harmful gases begin to oxidize, and at the end of the spacer, a purified gas is obtained, which has a smaller amount of harmful substances. Thus, two sensors placed on opposite sides of this spacer take completely different readings. The engine control unit “thinks” that the sensors are working correctly and does not put the engine into emergency operation.

The mechanical way to bypass the lambda probe is the cheapest and does not require the driver to have extensive knowledge in the field of automotive electronics.

Electronic snag

The electronic method is of several types. The first ones involve not just cheating the ECU, but also setting the engine to work as correctly as possible. The second method involves intervention in the controller and disabling a special function that controls the amount of gasoline in the exhaust.

The ECU is deceived by connecting a special emulator. While one of the sensors stops working, a special device adjusts to the required mode and simulates the operation of a faulty sensor. Thus, the controller receives a signal from both sensors, as well as serviceable ones. In addition, the processor of such a blende has a more advanced function in the field of information transfer, because it not only reads the amount of gasoline, but also selects the most optimal mixture for a given mode of operation and “tells” the ECU how to properly supply gasoline and air.

Such a device is most often made independently from a single resistor or capacitor. Nevertheless, now ready-made solutions with a small processor have appeared on store shelves. However, sometimes there are those whose price exceeds the cost of a new sensor, which is very unprofitable.

The second type of electronic trick is not the most correct, but quite effective. To do this, the electronic control unit is “reflashed” and it ceases to take into account the signals transmitted from the sensors. Reprogramming is carried out by connecting the ECU to computers and installing new software. Many wizards can not only reinstall the software, but also make adjustments to the existing one.

This intervention in the on-board network should be carried out with the help of specially trained personnel. Since the incorrect setting of the controller can cause serious damage to the engine.

Despite all the charms and advantages of these methods, it is still recommended to replace the defective part as soon as possible. After all, such devices not only affect the proper operation of the controller, but also perform their main function - getting rid of harmful substances in the atmosphere. And this is, first of all, the air we breathe.

Video - Device snag "Lambda-sleep"

Replace lambda probe

If the oxygen sensor is faulty, there are several options for solving the problem. One of them is to change the lambda probe sensor. You can do this yourself by buying a new part in a specialized store or car service. Pay attention to the marking that is applied to the old probe. With exactly the same should be a new probe.

If you are not sure that you can handle it, contact the experts. Where can a lambda probe be replaced? In any car service for little money. Experts will do a quality job. The next 50,000-100,000 km, the original oxygen sensor will work perfectly.

Improves engine performance;

A significant disadvantage of this solution is the price. The cost of a new lambda probe reaches 25,000 rubles. If the car has a disabled or knocked out catalyst, replacing the lambda probe will not help. A software shutdown will help - chip tuning.

Clear lambda probe

Soot often accumulates on the oxygen sensor, and combustion products settle inside. This prevents him from working at full capacity. The car loses traction, reduces the maximum speed and increases fuel consumption. One of the solutions to the problem is cleaning the lambda probe.

Orthophosphoric acid cleans the lambda probe in 15-25 minutes. Then rinse the device with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Types of snags on the lambda probe

Disabling lambda probes programmatically using chip tuning will bring nice bonuses:

Increased power and torque;
Reduced fuel consumption (compared to emergency mode);
Improved traction on the bottoms;
The gas pedal will become more responsive;
The overall dynamics of the car will improve, acceleration will become more frisky;
Gear shifts will be smoother;
The operation of the engine with the air conditioner on is optimized, the car will stop “stupid”.

Software deactivation of lambda probes is carried out by ADACT partners in Russia and the CIS countries.

Do not drive with a defective oxygen sensor. The car loses dynamics, fuel consumption increases. Therefore, car owners change, clean, install snags or programmatically disable the lambda probe. Which way is better? We analyzed the pros and cons of each.

Replace lambda probe

Replacement must be done on a cooled engine and the ignition off. To begin with, the wires are disconnected from the old device. Then the old probe is disconnected with a wrench, and a new one is put in its place. You have to be careful not to break the thread.

Benefits of Installing a New Oxygen Sensor

Saves fuel from 5 to 15%. The deterioration of the sensor affects fuel consumption, so installing a new one will return it to normal;
Improves engine performance;
With 100% certainty notifies about the failure of the catalyst;
Reduces the release of harmful substances.

A significant disadvantage of such a solution is the price. The cost of a new lambda probe reaches 25,000 rubles. If the car has a disabled or knocked out catalyst, replacing the lambda probe will not help. Software shutdown will help - chip tuning.

Clear lambda probe

How to clean an oxygen sensor:

Before cleaning the probe, inspect it carefully. If there is damage, or the structure is deformed, then the malfunction is unlikely to be due to contamination. If there is no damage, then the lambda probe can be cleaned.
You will need phosphoric acid, which corrodes scale well and cleans soot. Do not use mechanical cleaning tools: iron brush, sandpaper, file, etc. You will damage the precious metal layer and the sensor will become unusable.
Remove the oxygen sensor from the car and place it in acid. To speed up the process, take a soft brush and apply the liquid evenly over the entire surface.
Orthophosphoric acid cleans the lambda probe in 15–25 minutes. Then rinse the device with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Unfortunately, cleaning does not always help.

If the orthophosphoric baths did not bring results, the sensor should be replaced or disabled by software.

Install lambda probe

A broken or malfunctioning oxygen sensor cannot be repaired, but can be replaced with an expensive new one or a snag can be installed. Many car owners choose this simple way to deceive the electronic control unit. At the same time, the snag sends an average (similar to a working) signal to the ECU and the computer thinks that everything is fine. In this case, the whole point of the adaptability of the engine disappears. The computer does not understand how well the mixture is prepared and how environmentally friendly the exhaust is. Without a normal sensor, the ECU goes crazy, which leads to increased fuel consumption and other troubles.

Types of snags on the lambda probe

Mechanical snag on the lambda probe. This universal spare part is installed on almost all cars. Inside it there is a mini-catalyst through which the exhaust gases pass. There they are cleaned a little and the electronic control unit receives underestimated values of harmful emissions.
Electronic snag on the lambda probe. It is specially programmed for a certain brand, volume and year of manufacture of the car, which makes it more expensive than mechanical. Connect the device to the wires through which the values are adjusted to acceptable values.

In both cases, the signals from the first and second oxygen sensors will be different. The ECU will take these readings as the normal operation of the catalyst.

Pros and cons of installing a snag lambda probe

Tricking the lambda probe will turn off the "Check Engine". The cost, compared to other solutions, is small, so this is the most popular procedure.

A snag on a lambda probe, unlike sensor replacement or chip tuning, does not take into account different parameters and engine operating conditions. For example, adjusting the fuel injection. Therefore, during automatic adjustment, the readings after some time will go beyond the limits of conditionally normal error P0140 will come out again and the check will light up.

Disable lambda probe programmatically

After the physical removal of the catalyst, the software shutdown of the lambda probes after it is a mandatory step. Without adaptation, the second sensor located after the catalyst transmits incorrect exhaust values, the check lights up and the engine goes into emergency mode. This is fraught with increased fuel consumption and poor dynamics.

The tightening of control over the level of exhaust gases emitted by cars has yielded positive results. Most of the machines are equipped with third-party equipment to control and reduce the level of toxicity. At the same time, there was a certain gradation of technical means: those operating on low-quality fuel and those that are not provided for this. The latter turned out to be much more. We are talking about the fact that after buying a car abroad, it ceases to fully work on domestic gasoline due to its poor quality.

To bring the mechanism into a workable form, the owners are forced to systematically find all sorts of options and subtleties to fix problems. So, after the first few thousand kilometers of using the car on native gasoline, interruptions in the work with the catalyst begin. The error indicator on the central instrument panel lights up, fuel consumption increases sharply. It is necessary to visit the service station for diagnostics.

Why do you need a snag lambda probe

The lambda probe deception, or, as it is also called, the emulator, is necessary in order to “deceive” the system, hence its name. What is this about? Poor quality fuel results in not all of the mixture igniting in the combustion chamber. Waste exits through the exhaust system into the catalytic converter and muffler. On the way, they clog the central holes, a blockage in the flow of gases is formed. Carbon deposits and fossils settle on the surface of the parts. All this leads to frequent replacement of standard equipment. Too frequent visits to the service center are also not profitable, both financially and in time.

Important! It is impossible to avoid this, provided that low-quality fuel is used, but repairs can be significantly delayed for a long period if a blende is installed.

Mechanical (spacer) snag on the lambda probe

So, the snag of a regular catalyst is a metal fitting, 30 mm x 18 mm in size. In the center there is a through hole with a diameter of 0.6 mm for gas intake. It is installed directly on the standard place for screwing in the oxygen sensor (another name for the lambda probe). The hole itself is located either at the beginning of the catalyst pipe, or directly on the metal case. On one side of the fitting there is an internal hole - a thread, on the opposite side - an external one. The diameters for each car are different.

The principle of operation is as follows: the exhaust flow follows from the exhaust manifold to the catalyst. Along the way, some of the gases are intercepted by a spacer to measure the contents and determine the level of toxicity. In the inner part they are diluted with oxygen. Incorrect data is transmitted to the central control unit, and an error is displayed on the instrument panel.

Electronic emulator or snag for a lambda probe

Along with the mechanical spacer, there is also an electronic counterpart. Such a snag is a board with a lot of capacitors and soldering on the surface. Power is supplied by soldered two power wires that transmit current from the electronic engine control unit. The dimensions of the emulator can be very different, from a few centimeters to the size of a matchbox. Much depends on the model and manufacturer. The emulator is installed near the standard engine control unit. The latter tends to hide from the human eye: under the dashboard, between the seats, under the steering wheel, in the engine compartment.

Important! If the master cannot find the location, then he should look into the instruction manual for the technical tool.

The principle of operation is as follows: the oxygen sensor transmits data on the composition of exhaust gases to the computer. Along the way, the emulator intercepts these indicators, replaces them with its own and sends the ECU the necessary numbers that do not have peak indicators and are within the normal range.

Which lambda snag is better

It is impossible to answer unequivocally that a metal spacer is more practical for this technical tool, and an electronic one for another. No one will give you such advice. For each car, you can apply both the first and the second type of snag. But there is one "but".

Important! Engines with a Euro-5 system and higher must be equipped with electronic emulators only, all others can combine options. This limitation is explained by the fact that standards 5 and 6 are more demanding and have a high emission cleanliness index.

To ensure the machine's performance, it will be necessary to reflash the control unit to Euro-2 or Euro-3 standard firmware, but more on that later.

Fake oxygen sensor lambda probe: cost and quality

As for the cost, for the lambda snag has a different price category. It largely depends on the quality of workmanship, brand, model. A metal spacer will be an order of magnitude cheaper than its digital counterpart. Also, the domestic brand has a low cost, in comparison with the foreign version.

An important issue is the profitability of the acquisition of the product itself. If you buy in a service center, you can get a bonus in the form of a free installation. Purchasing at a car dealership may seem a little more expensive.

In order for the exhaust system to have a long service life, it is necessary to systematically carry out a technical inspection of the machine. If problems are identified, respond quickly. Install only high-quality, original spare parts. The oxygen sensor snag (lambda probe) must be installed when replacing the catalyst with a flame arrester. Otherwise, invalid data will be sent to the central control unit.

Major breakdowns of blende, for example, mechanical blende lambda

The most common option is damage to the body part of the metal sheathing. As a result, the snag of the lambda probe (oxygen sensor) ceases to function properly. The second point: the quality of workmanship, the factor of marriage or the use of a low-grade raw material base. Other breakdowns are of little importance for overall performance.

Important! When choosing a mechanical spacer, the main attention should be paid to the quality of threading and its pitch. By default, the lambda mechanical snag should have a fine thread pitch. It is used when screwing important connections.

We put the snag of the lambda probe: the procedure for diagnosing the spacer and the emulator

First of all, you need to know that any preventive maintenance should be carried out in a service center with special equipment. The car is raised on an electric lift, the system is examined for integrity. If there is damage, repairs and replacements are carried out.
It often happens that the wire is subjected to mechanical friction and is damaged. The current stops flowing to the necessary sources. After that, you need to check the contact connector itself, perhaps the connection is loose. Since the mechanical type snag cannot be repaired, in the event of a problem, we put the lambda probe snag in good condition instead of the failed emulator.

If it is the emulator that is malfunctioning, then you need to start the diagnosis by ringing the electrical wiring.

The least common failure option is the failure of the microcircuit itself due to moisture and dust getting inside. In order to prevent this, it is possible to pack the chip in a plastic container.

From the article you will learn how a do-it-yourself lambda probe snag is made and whether it is worth installing it on your car. The efficiency of the engine depends on how well the air-fuel mixture burns in the engine. It is very important to choose the optimal proportion of the content of gasoline and air, depending on the load on the engine.

If in old cars all the settings for the quality and quantity of fuel depended on the adjustments of the carburetor, then in modern cars the situation is somewhat different. Everything is given into the reliable hands of microprocessor technology and a huge number of sensors.

How an injection system works

There are several most important nodes that are available in the injection system:

Fuel tank.
fuel in one housing with a pump and a filter.
Fuel rail (installed in the engine compartment on the intake manifold).
Injectors that supply the gasoline mixture to the combustion chambers.
Control block. As a rule, it is mounted in the passenger compartment and allows you to control the supply of the air-fuel mixture.
An exhaust system that ensures the complete destruction of harmful substances.

It is in the latter that the snag of the lambda probe is installed. With your own hands ("Lancer 9" or "Lada" you have, it doesn't matter) you can make it quite simply. But one should also be aware of all the consequences of installing a "stub". Do-it-yourself lambda probe snag on the Priora can be made of a simple design, in any case it will have a significant impact on the operation of the engine.

How many sensors are in the car

They are mounted in the exhaust system of modern cars with an injection fuel injection system. The system can have either one or two oxygen sensors. If one is installed, then it is located after the catalytic converter. If two, then before and after.

Moreover, one measures the percentage of oxygen immediately at the outlet of the cylinders and sends its signal to the electronic control unit. The second, which is mounted after the catalyst, is necessary to correct the readings of the first.

The principle of operation of the lambda probe

All automotive electronics, which is responsible for the correct formation of the mixture, is involved in the distribution of fuel among the injectors. Using an oxygen sensor, the required amount of air is determined in order to form a high-quality mixture. Thanks to the fine adjustments of the lambda probe, a high degree of environmental friendliness and economy can be achieved.

The fuel burns completely, at the outlet of the pipe there is almost clean air - this is a plus for the environment. The most precise dosage of air and gasoline is a gain in fuel economy. Of course, coupled with oxygen sensors, it ensures stable engine operation. But due to the fact that it is made of precious metals, its cost is extremely high. And if it fails, the replacement will cost a pretty penny. Therefore, the thought arises: “But there is a snag of a lambda probe, with your own hands (VAZ-2107 even needs to replace the oxygen sensor), it will not be difficult to make it.”

Design features of the oxygen sensor

The appearance of this device is simple - a long electrode-case, from which wires extend. The body is coated with platinum (it was this precious metal that was discussed above). But the internal structure is more “rich”:

A metal contact that connects wires for connection to the active electrical element of the sensor.
Dielectric seal for safety. It has a small hole through which air enters the case.
Hidden type zirconium electrode, which is located inside the ceramic tip. When current flows through this electrode, it heats up to a temperature in the range of 300 ... 1000 degrees.
Protective screen with exhaust outlet.

Sensor types

The two main types of oxygen sensors currently used in automotive technology are:

Broadband.
Point-to-point.

Regardless of the type, they have an almost identical internal structure. External similarities, as you know, also exist. But the principle of operation is significantly different. The broadband oxygen sensor is an upgraded point-to-point.

It has a pumping component, which, due to voltage fluctuations, sends a signal to the electronic control unit. The current supply to this element can either increase or become weaker. In this case, a small amount of air enters the gap and is analyzed. It is at this stage that the concentration of CO in the exhaust gas is measured. But sometimes a do-it-yourself lambda probe snag is made and installed. Chevrolet Lanos, for example, works stably with it and does not give errors after refueling with bad gasoline.

Determination of malfunction of the oxygen sensor

Of course, this element is not eternal, despite its high cost and platinum in the composition. Of course, the lambda probe is no exception and at one fine moment it can order a long life. And there will be some symptoms:

The level of CO content in the exhaust gases increases sharply. If an oxygen sensor is installed on the car, and the CO level is extremely high, then this indicates that the control device is out of order. It is possible to determine the content of harmful substances only with the help of gas analyzers. But for personal purposes, it is unprofitable to acquire it.
Sharply Pay attention to the on-board computer. Look at your current gas mileage. This is the easiest way. You can also judge by the frequency of fillings.
And the last sign is a lamp on the dashboard that indicates a malfunction in the engine.

If it is not possible to analyze the exhaust gas using a special device, this can be done visually. Light smoke is a sign that there is too much air in the fuel mixture. Black indicates a large amount of gasoline. Therefore, it is possible to judge the incorrect operation of the system. But the picture is different if there is a snag of a lambda probe. With your own hands ("Volkswagen", VAZ, "Toyota" - for any car), such a device is made quite simply.

Causes of breakdowns

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the oxygen sensor is located at the epicenter of fuel combustion. Consequently, the composition of gasoline has a significant impact on the operation of the lambda probe. If gasoline contains a lot of impurities, does not meet GOST, is of poor quality, then the oxygen sensor will give an error or an incorrect signal to the electronic control unit. In the worst case, the device fails. And this happens due to the high content of lead, which is deposited on the sensor and disrupts its functioning. But there may be other reasons for breakdowns:

Mechanical impact- vibrations, too active operation of the car, lead to damage or burnout of the body. It is impossible to repair or restore, the rational way out is to buy a new one and install it.
Incorrect operation of the fuel supply system. If the air-fuel mixture does not completely burn out, then soot begins to settle on the body of the lambda probe, and also enters through the air inlets. Of course, cleaning the device helps at first. But if it needs this procedure more and more often, then you will have to install a new device.

Try to diagnose your car from time to time. In this case, the failure of any element will not be a surprise for you.

Troubleshooting

Of course, only diagnostics on specialized equipment will give the most accurate answer about breakdowns. But you can also identify a breakdown of the sensor yourself, just read carefully about the features of the sensor and its characteristics. But the lambda probe snag is installed extremely rarely. With your own hands (VAZ-2114 or any other car if you have one), you can literally make a fake plug from improvised means. The troubleshooting algorithm is as follows:

Open the hood and find the exhaust manifold. Work must be carried out on a cold engine, as serious injury can result. Locate the lambda probe on the catalytic converter.
Do an external inspection. Pollution, soot, light coating are signs of incorrect operation of the fuel system. Moreover, the last sign suggests that there is too much lead in the gases.
Replace the oxygen sensor and diagnose the entire fuel system again. If no contamination is observed, continue troubleshooting.
Disconnect the sensor plug and connect a voltmeter with a scale of up to 2 Volts to it. Start the engine and increase the rpm to 2500 rpm, then decrease it down to idle. The change in voltage should be insignificant - in the range of 0.8..0.9 volts. If there is no change, or the voltage is zero, we can talk about a sensor failure.

You can also judge the breakdown by other characteristics. In a vacuum tube, artificially create a vacuum. In this case, the voltage should be very low - less than 0.2 volts.

Oxygen sensor resource

To ensure the smooth and stable operation of the car, you need to regularly conduct a technical inspection. For example, a lambda probe needs to be inspected every 30 thousand kilometers. Moreover, it has a resource of no more than one hundred thousand - you should not operate a car with an old sensor - this will only lead to the fact that the engine will have to be repaired much earlier. And the question arises - is the lambda probe snag suitable for your car? With your own hands on Kalina, you can make such a device in a few minutes.

But there is one caveat. The motorist cannot guarantee that the fuel with which he fills the car is of high quality. Of course, everyone is used to filling up the gasoline that is sold at his favorite gas station. But who knows what the composition of the gasoline that is poured there is? Therefore, try to trust the “brand” gas stations that value their name. But if there are no good gas stations nearby, then you will have to be content with what is available at hand. And a burning ICE error lamp is a frequent occurrence, which installation of a snag will help get rid of.

Homemade trick device

It all depends on what resources you have. It is worth noting that do-it-yourself lambda probe snag on a VAZ can be the most democratic, it still works flawlessly. The cheapest option is homemade. The body is made of bronze. This metal is better to choose, since it has a very high resistance to heat. Moreover, the dimensions of this blank must be exactly the same as that of the sensor itself, so that exhaust vapors do not leak. In fact, this is a spacer with a small hole - no more than three mm. This spacer is screwed into place of the sensor. And the lambda probe itself is installed in the spacer.

Between the sensor and the hole in the blank there is a layer of ceramic chips, on which a catalyst layer is applied. Due to this, it passes through a thin hole and is oxidized by the crumb. The result is a significant reduction in CO levels. Therefore, the standard oxygen sensor is deceived. But such devices can be installed on budget cars. More expensive cars should not be subjected to alterations.

Electronic snag

But if you have skills in installing electrical circuits, you can make a homemade device. You will need only one of these two elements - a resistor or a capacitor. But such a blende of a lambda probe is not suitable for everyone. With your own hands ("Subaru Forester" or VAZ, it does not matter), you can make it according to one of the proposed options. But be careful, because a misunderstanding of the blende operation process will affect the functioning of the entire control unit. And if you are not sure, it is better to purchase a ready-made one on a microcontroller. She is good in that she can independently carry out the following actions:

Estimate the gas concentration at the first sensor.
Next, the pulse is formed, which corresponds to the signal that was received earlier.
Gives average readings for the electronic control unit, which allow the engine to work normally.

Firmware of the electronic control unit

The most effective way is to completely change the program embedded in the control unit. The essence of the whole procedure is to get rid, in whole or in part, of any reaction to a change in the readings coming from the oxygen sensor. But pay attention to the fact that the warranty is lost on the car. Therefore, for new cars, this method, as well as any other, will not work.

Conclusion

And most importantly - think about whether the game is worth the candle? Is it even necessary to make such a detail as a snag of a lambda probe with your own hands? "Lancer 9", let's say, the car is far from being a budget car, but a high-class car, so is there any point in violating its design with various homemade products? Is it reasonable? If there is money for an expensive car, then there must be funds to maintain it in working order. If not, then why did you buy such a car?

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