2 lambda probe not working. Important nuances of how the lambda probe works

Lambda probe is required for normal operation system that provides control and proper formation of the air-fuel mixture in the car. He is located in exhaust manifold where pipes connect. But other accommodation options are not excluded.

Constant loads, exposure to an aggressive environment leads to breakdowns, which is accompanied by malfunctions in the operation of the car. It is easier to avoid problems by periodically checking the oxygen sensor, signs of a malfunction can also indicate the need for a service call.

If there are violations in the operation of the oxygen sensor, this affects the performance power plant. Breakdowns are always accompanied by a decrease in the quality of the formed fuel mixture.

Frequent causes:

• mechanical damage appears, depressurization is possible due to incorrect operation, off-road driving;
• problems develop, power outages;
• thermal overload, overheating resulting from improper ignition;
• severe pollution due to the use of fuel, which contains a lot of additives that increase the octane number;
• air, exhaust gases can enter the system.

Typically, the probe fails gradually, which allows you to identify the problem in time.

Symptoms appear in sequence:

1. There is an unstable idle. The reason is that at certain moments the signal is not generated. Fluctuations can be serious, in a wide range.
2. The quality of the air-fuel mixture decreases. This is accompanied by the appearance of jerks, uncharacteristic pops in the work. power unit. The dynamics are deteriorating.
3. The corresponding lamp lights up. dashboard, which is a signal to the owner.
4. If the situation worsens, the device stops working on a cold engine.
5. Power drops noticeably, responsiveness when you press the gas. Claps, jerks appear more often. Engine overheating is not ruled out.
6. Fuel consumption is growing, exhausts acquire a toxic smell.

In such a situation, it is necessary to replace the lambda probe; symptoms of a malfunction should not be ignored. On new car models, emergency mode is activated, which makes it impossible to continue driving. This eliminates the development of more serious problems with the motor, costly restoration.

How is the sensor checked?

The service life of the sensor depends on the type of device and starts from 50,000 for unheated, 100,000 for heated and 160,000 km for planar. If the first problems appear, you can check the status of the device.

Visual assessment:

1. The presence of soot affects the transmission of signals to the control unit. The reason is overheating, high oxygen content in the fuel mixture.
2. The formation of whitish and grayish deposits indicates a large amount of additives in the fuel, which affects the performance of the unit.
3. Brilliant streaks suggest that the content of lead particles in the fuel has been increased.

To determine the performance, obtain accurate information, professionals use special equipment. If it is not possible to go to a car service, it is enough to clarify how to check the lambda probe with a multimeter. It's easy to do it yourself.

Main steps:

1. The motor is gradually warmed up to 75 degrees.
2. They monitor the gradual increase in speed to 3000, maintaining the performance for 3 minutes. This is necessary to warm up the sensor.
3. Taking a multimeter, the signal wire is connected to the device for verification. The second wire is fixed to the ground. During normal operation of the sensor, the indicators given by the multimeter remain within 0.2 - 1 Volt.
4. During testing, the data should constantly change - when you press on the gas pedal, approach 1 Volt, and when released, quickly fall.

When thinking about how to check the lambda probe, they take into account that if the readings of the device do not change during the process, a voltage of 0.5 volts is maintained during gassing, the unit is probably faulty. With zero data, you need to make sure that the sensor is connected to ground. It is recommended to check the integrity and serviceability of the wiring leading to the ignition switch, relay.

Benefits of using a car service

In a car service, diagnostics are carried out using an electronic oscilloscope. It is advisable to do this after 30,000 km of run, which will avoid unforeseen breakdowns. To check the oxygen sensor lambda probe, specialists observe several important points.

Car service check:

1. The sensor is heated to 300 - 400 degrees for normal operation and measurement of residual oxygen.
2. So, the electrolyte in the design of the device receives conductivity, and the differences in the amount of atmospheric and oxygen in the exhaust determine the appearance of the output voltage.
3. After disconnecting the plug, determine the resistance of the heater. The indicator should remain within 2 - 14 ohms.
4. The voltage applied to the heater is estimated. The best option- 10.5 ohms. The test is performed with the ignition on with the probe connector connected.

The advantage of referring to wizards is the accuracy of determining not only the health, but also the state of the element.

Can the probe be cleaned

If the oxygen sensor breaks down, you cannot do without replacing it, since there are no methods for its restoration. Given the high cost of spare parts, repairs can be accompanied by considerable costs.

But there are other options:

• select a universal sensor, which is much cheaper than the original, suitable for most car models;
• looking for a used part with a guarantee, an exhaust manifold with a sensor installed is also suitable.

But it is not always necessary to change the spare part. It is enough to know how to clean the lambda probe. After all, situations of severe pollution are not ruled out. On the sensitive element, covered with a protective cap, particles of soot and soot can be deposited. Because of this, there are malfunctions and errors in the work. After the plaque is removed, the efficiency of the device is restored.

Subtleties of cleaning:

1. The procedure begins with dismantling, for which the surface of the part is heated to 50 degrees. After removing the sensor, remove the protective cap.
2. In the work, orthophosphoric acid is used, which is able to remove particles of soot, dirt, without damaging the electrodes, important elements. Soaking is carried out for 10 - 20 minutes.
3. A more complex option involves removing the protective cap and washing using the thinnest brush. After removing dirt, the part is washed and dried.

Washing is carried out if it is possible to reinforce the protection, which involves argon welding. The cost of cleaning is much less than replacement. This solution is only suitable for serviceable but contaminated sensors. During subsequent fixing, it is important to lubricate threaded connection mounting paste. When installing a new element, lubrication is not required, the connection is processed at the time of production.

To understand what the lambda probe is responsible for, you should pay attention to the operation of the fuel system. Oxygen sensor- an important element that allows you to maximize the efficiency of the motor on injection machines.

High performance is possible with complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Therefore, it is important to determine the optimal proportion of the components. Due to the correct assessment of the oxygen content in the exhaust, the subsequent calculation of the composition of the fuel mixture is performed.

A properly functioning probe provides:

• reduction of fuel consumption up to 15%;
• improving the environmental friendliness of exhaust gases;
• the factory life of the catalyst is preserved;
• excellent dynamics and responsiveness during control are maintained.

The best performance is characteristic of cars with two sensors, where one is located before the catalyst, and the second after it.

When studying the principle of operation of a lambda probe, it is worth considering that the scheme of action differs depending on the type.

Device types:

1. Two-point models in their design include two electrodes. This makes it possible to estimate the coefficient of excess oxygen in the fuel mixture by determining its content in the exhaust. The action takes place during the passage of exhaust gases. Here the first element is sensitive to oxygen. The second is made from zirconium. At the time of passage of the exhaust between the electrodes, the potential is measured. An increase in the indicator means an excess of oxygen.
2. Broadband represent a new type of probes. A voltage of 450 mV is stored here. The device includes ceramic components - two-point and pumping. The latter draws in the oxygen present in the exhaust. In this case, a certain current strength is used. A drop in the oxygen level leads to an increase in voltage, which is accompanied by a corresponding signal from the ECU.

Care, timely diagnostics, troubleshooting allows you to exclude most unforeseen situations, save the factory resource, the functionality of the nodes.

What to do when the “traction” suddenly drops in the car or it starts to consume gasoline at a too high pace? An experienced craftsman will tell you that the problem is in the lambda probe and it needs to be repaired or replaced. Owners of foreign cars are especially susceptible to this problem. And really - what to do in such a situation? After all, you yourself understand that now auto parts are not cheap. Is it possible to prevent the breakdown of the lambda probe, what are the signs of a lambda probe malfunction, and what is it like? Let's take it all in order.

What does a lambda probe look like

Simply put, a lambda probe, also known as an O2 sensor, is a sensor that evaluates the amount of unburned fuel and oxygen in the car's exhaust system. Although lambda probes are also used in other areas, in this article we will only talk about automotive oxygen sensors.

What is this oxygen sensor for? The so-called catalysts, which reduce the proportion of harmful substances in exhaust, are currently available in every more or less modern car. The lambda probe controls the amount of oxygen in the catalysts, thus extending their life. It also significantly affects the amount of fuel consumed by your car and improves engine performance.

If we mention specific facts, it is known that fuel burns efficiently only with the correct ratio of fuel and air in the fuel mixture. Otherwise (if there is less or more air), the catalysts will wear out and become unusable. Therefore, the lambda probe directly affects exhaust system car.

Faulty lambda probe: causes and symptoms

The main reasons that lead the lambda probe to a faulty state are as follows:

• Overheat;
• Mechanical damage;
• Connection problems;
• Wear.

As you can see, all these reasons do not immediately affect the oxygen sensor, which is why inexperienced drivers may not understand the cause of the unstable behavior of the car and will not take appropriate measures in time. Therefore, in order to avoid common mistakes, we will tell you about several stages of oxygen sensor failure.

• First stage. At the initial stage, the lambda probe starts to "jump" - from time to time the signal stops coming, the data goes in a very wide range, which significantly worsens the quality of the fuel mixture and worsens the speed idle move. At this stage of the lambda probe malfunction, the car jerks sharply, the engine makes strange pops and a warning light comes on on the panel.

• Second phase. At the second stage, when the engine is cold, the sensor stops working altogether. In this case, the same, but even more pronounced symptoms of a malfunction will be visible. They will also add a significant drop in engine power and slow action of the accelerator pedal. In one of the worst cases, the engine will overheat very much, which will lead to more significant malfunctions and, consequently, costs.

• Third stage. The third stage is usually the breakdown of the lambda probe. In this case, you will find an even greater decrease in car power (this will be especially noticeable when driving at high speed), as well as a sharp and unpleasant toxic smell from the exhaust pipe.

How to test a lambda probe

If you notice the symptoms of a malfunction of the lambda probe described above, then you need to check it immediately. It is best to check the lambda probe on professional equipment. Often the test is carried out using an electronic oscilloscope. The process itself takes place with the engine running, because otherwise, the data cannot be received. A lot of service stations can provide you with such a relatively inexpensive service.

Although you can check the sensor with a voltmeter at home, if the sensor is not warmed up, you may get incorrect data.

Video about malfunctions and checking the lambda probe

The oxygen sensor, the symptoms of which are known to most experienced car owners, plays a significant role in the functioning of the car. For all its invisibility and small size, this regulator adjusts the fuel mixture, thereby helping the power plant.

Car engine getting well mixed air-fuel mixture works as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, the sensor regulator or lambda probe, as it is also called, tends to deteriorate.

Causes of disruption and obvious signs

As a rule, the following reasons lead to a violation of the functioning of the sensor:

• Some kind of aggressive liquid, such as antifreeze or brake fluid, gets on the sensor.
• Problems can begin if the owner used chemically active agents in the process of cleaning the regulator housing.
• If the fuel for the car contains a large amount of lead compounds.
• In the event of a significant overheating of the regulator, which occurs either due to the use of poor quality fuel or due to filter clogging.

Regulator malfunctions can be judged by obvious signs of an external nature. It's easy to notice. It is enough to pay attention to the following points:

1. Fuel consumption has increased sharply.
2. The car jerks jerkily, even when the engine is warm.
3. The color and smell of exhaust gases has changed.
4. Catalyst malfunction.

Of course, the general operating conditions also have a negative effect on the sensor. The electrical wiring or the regulator itself may be damaged if the standard vehicle operating rules are not followed carefully.

steps

In turn, experts see two main stages in the deterioration of the sensor.

At the first stage of a sensor malfunction, there is an increase in the reaction time of the engine to pressing the gas pedal. The power unit reacts sluggishly, when you press the accelerator, the “check” starts flashing, the pedal goes down - the flashing stops. At this stage of the malfunction, the driver notices a deterioration in traction, acceleration dynamics and an increase in fuel consumption (slightly so far). As a rule, this stage of a regulator malfunction can last about a year.

The second stage is already much sadder. Most car owners at this stage are thinking about why this oxygen sensor is actually needed. Normal acceleration completely disappears, the car “dulls” even on a completely flat road. One more hallmark the second stage can be called a decrease in the speed of the power unit, even when the accelerator is pressed into the floor. Pops may be heard in the intake manifold.

For complete certainty, it is recommended to start the car "cold". If the oxygen sensor is faulty on the second severity scale, the car will only run perfectly for the first few minutes. When the device starts to function by sending signals to the ECU, problems will immediately arise.

Regulator check

If there is a suspicion of a malfunction of the regulator, it is recommended to start with an assessment of its external condition. In most cases, if the sensor is faulty, it becomes covered in a layer of dirt or soot. Normal appearance sensor, as a rule, indicates its normal operation, but the check should be continued.

• The regulator should be disconnected from the block.
• Then connect it to a voltmeter that has a fairly high accuracy class.

Note. The connection diagram of the regulator to the voltmeter should be based on its pinout: the black wire of the sensor is responsible for the signal (goes to the controller), the white wires are responsible for heating, the gray wire is for grounding.

Checking the voltmeter readings is a diagnostic on the dynamics of the car's power plant. For example, if cruise mode (2500 rpm) is engaged, with the vacuum tube removed, a normally working regulator should output 0.9 V (a little more or less). If the sensor readings are below 0.3 V, then the device is definitely faulty.

Checking the sensor may have another mode. It is possible to simulate forced air suction, thereby depleting the air-fuel mixture. In this case, the regulator readings should be less than 0.2 V.

Another test mode is associated with the intermediate position of the motor. In other words, if the speed of the power plant is within 1500 rpm, the regulator should show a value of 0.5 V.

In case of complete evidence of a sensor malfunction, it should be dismantled and replaced. And here it is necessary to adhere to certain rules.

1. It is better to change the regulator on a used car, so to speak, “hot”. This gives more chances not to break the thread.
2. It is also recommended to slightly raise the connector of the new regulator, thereby protecting the device from dirt and moisture.
3. And finally, experts advise treating the sensor housing with “graphite”, even with factory lubrication.

Almost all modern cars have an oxygen sensor. The device may be located in different ways. On some vehicles it is near the catalytic converter, on others it is in the exhaust manifold.

What to do if a faulty sensor is caught on the road

If a sensor malfunction caught on the road or you need to go somewhere urgently, but problems with the probe have not been resolved, what can be done? The solution is ingenious to simplicity - you just need to turn off the probe. Of course, the flashing of the “check” will not disappear anywhere until the engine stops, and the dynamics, in principle, will not be normal. But you can easily get to the car service, albeit without amenities.

You need to install a probe that is recommended by a specific automaker. By putting some kind of "left" device, albeit for the sake of economy, you can subject the engine to unbearable loads and problems. Undoubtedly, engine repairs will cost a lot more than buying a quality oxygen sensor.

Regulator replacement

Replacing the oxygen sensor with domestic cars does not usually cause any particular problems. The only difficulty may lie in the boiling of the probe, after which it is almost impossible to mechanical impact. But even for such cases, there is an effective and step-by-step instruction. It is shown below.

• The car rises to the overpass.
• The protection of the power unit is removed.
• The hood opens, work begins with the wires of the probe. The wiring from the oxygen sensor can be found on the CO (cooling system) hoses. They are fixed with clamps.

• The plastic clamp holding the wiring is cut;
• The sensor is unscrewed with a key to "22".

If the device is not removed, the sensor is boiling. We act according to the following scheme. We spray the regulator with WD-40, wait a bit and try to remove it again. If it doesn’t work again, start the engine and heat up the exhaust system a little, pour water on the regulator and try again. If it does not help, you will have to heat the sensor directly with a soldering iron, tap it with a hammer (not hard) and unscrew it.

Install the regulator in the reverse order of removal. You must not forget to connect the connector and fix the wiring to the hoses.

Knowing the signs of a malfunction of the lambda probe, you can react to it in time and replace it. A normally functioning sensor is a high-quality and trouble-free operation of the engine. This motorist should never forget.

The lambda probe is one of the most important parts of a modern car. Without it, the engine simply cannot work correctly. Therefore, work with a broken lambda probe must not be allowed. It may also lead to more serious problems with engine. Symptoms of a malfunctioning lambda probe may be similar to problems with fuel system or, so detailed diagnostics are needed. Before proceeding with the repair, you need to figure out what a lambda probe is in a car, why it is needed, what problems can arise if it malfunctions.

A lambda probe is needed in order to ensure optimal formation of the fuel mixture.

The lambda probe is a special sensor that determines the composition of the mixture coming from the exhaust manifold. Based on this information, it is determined which fuel mixture will enter the engine cylinders. If the fuel does not burn completely, then the lambda probe gives a signal about the need to lean the mixture. This is necessary in order to reduce the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere in the form of unburned fuel. In addition, a lambda probe is needed in order to ensure optimal mixture formation, which is difficult to achieve in older cars. The fuel mixture must be such that the vehicle runs on full power, and there was no overrun.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning lambda probe

Icon " check engine» on the dashboard

A faulty lambda probe leads to an increase in fuel consumption by 20-30%.

1. Floating idle. A non-working oxygen sensor lambda probe leads to the fact that the idle speed does not stay at the same level, and constantly sags up to 500-600 rpm. This is due to the fact that a lean mixture is supplied, which is not enough for stable operation of the engine at idle. It is the lambda probe that is responsible for the fuel content in the mixture.
2. Reduced engine power. In addition to floating speed, engine power is reduced due to a lean mixture. As a result, the engine slowly picks up speed, goes uphill poorly, accelerates poorly.
3. Increased fuel consumption. A malfunctioning sensor can also lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption, by 20-30%. Due to too much fuel being supplied, the exhaust becomes dark and has a distinct smell of gasoline, which is not completely burned in the catalyst. You can determine the excessive enrichment of the mixture by the black coating on the candles.
4. Jerks when accelerating. With an incorrectly working lambda probe, the car cannot accelerate quickly and evenly, jerks and twitches appear.
5. The "Check Engine" icon is on. The error of the lambda probe is fed to the computer and, accordingly, a light comes on, which tells the driver that the car needs to be diagnosed. Even if this error is reset, it will appear again until the lambda probe is repaired or replaced.

Causes of failure of the lambda probe

1. Poor quality fuel. The main reason for the breakdown of the lambda probe is the use of quality fuel. Because of this, a large amount of harmful impurities is deposited on the surface of the sensor and it becomes clogged. Therefore, it is necessary to use only high-quality fuel in order for all engine components to work for a long time and correctly.
2. Lifetime. On average, the lambda probe works normally up to a mileage of 100-150 thousand. When using high-quality fuel and the original sensor, this figure may be higher. Low-quality non-original sensors have a much shorter service life.
3. Wiring problems. The lambda probe is connected to the computer with ordinary copper wiring, which can break due to the high operating temperature of the collector.

Checking the lambda probe

Checking the lambda probe with a multimeter

Before you check the lambda probe with your own hands, it is advisable to read the instructions for your car. The operating voltage range for this sensor is standard, but the instructions detail how to test on this machine. Diagnostics of the lambda probe is carried out with the engine running, since it is not active when the engine is off. It is best to check the lambda probe with a tester that measures voltage and resistance. The probes are connected to the sensor plug and measured under various engine operating modes. On a fully functional lambda probe on idling the voltage should constantly fluctuate in the range from 0.1 to 0.9 volts. The disadvantage of checking the lambda probe with a multimeter is that it is difficult to determine the voltage switching speed. To do this, you need to use an oscilloscope. The rate of voltage change should not exceed 0.2-0.3 seconds. If any of these indicators is very different, then the lambda probe needs to be replaced or at least cleaned.

How to clean a lambda probe

You can clean the lambda probe at home with phosphoric acid.

It is quite possible to clean the lambda probe with your own hands, without additional equipment. It is advisable to do this after the car has been turned off for several hours. This will completely cool the collector, which is very hot when the engine is running. You can see where the lambda probe is located in the instructions for the car, usually it is easy to see it on the manifold. First you need to disconnect the sensor from the circuit and unscrew it. It is desirable to disconnect the wiring from the sensor when the battery is disconnected. The sensor itself is unscrewed with a regular wrench. If the lambda probe is stuck and it cannot be unscrewed with normal force, then the threaded connection can be filled with ammonia, kerosene or vinegar. After a few hours, the rust should sour, and the sensor can be easily unscrewed. You can't hit him. First, you can break the sensor itself. Secondly, it will get stuck there even tighter, the landing thread will be damaged, and the collector will have to be completely changed.
You can clean the lambda probe at home with phosphoric acid. It is necessary to lower the sensor into acid for half an hour, and then take it out and rinse it well with warm water several times. Phosphoric acid should eat away any deposits that accumulate on the sensor.

Replacing the lambda probe

Replacing the lambda probe

The lambda probe is not repairable, so if it is completely out of order, then it is replaced with a new one.

If the cleaning did not help, then the lambda probe must be replaced. Repair of the lambda probe is not carried out, either in a car service or with your own hands. There are two sensitive filaments of rare earth or precious metals that burn out and cannot be replaced.
As a rule, the price of a lambda probe is about 3-4 thousand rubles, but it can fluctuate, given the model and class of the car. You can also install a universal Bosch lambda probe, which is attached using a special adapter and is suitable for any car. It can replace even a more modern broadband lambda probe, which costs several times more.
The old lambda probe is unscrewed and simply replaced with a new one. If it changes similar, original, then no settings are needed. If another lambda probe is installed, then you may have to change the connection plug. When installing a new sensor, the thread must be lubricated with hermetic paste to avoid depressurization of the collector. In addition, then such a sensor can be easily unscrewed and cleaned, since it will not stick.

Removing the lambda probe

If the catalyst is removed from the car, then the lambda probe can be dismantled. In this case, a plug is necessarily installed, or the wiring from the sensor is simply disconnected. As a rule, the lambda probe is removed or if the catalyst is replaced with a flame arrester. You can't just leave the catalytic converter empty, as this will make the engine run too loud. In addition, after turning off the lambda probe, the computer is reconfigured. If you simply turn off the sensor, then an error will be displayed, and the engine will run in emergency mode. However, this is not recommended, because you need to remember what exactly a lambda probe is needed in a car for. Firstly, in this case, the car will not meet modern environmental standards. The exhaust of such a car will pollute the air much more. Secondly, it is considered a change specifications car, that is, there may be problems with traffic police officers.
If you do not clean or replace the lambda probe in a timely manner, the engine will not work correctly. At the same time, its resource is greatly reduced, since the fuel mixture is constantly supplied in the wrong proportion.

One of the important elements of the engine exhaust system is the oxygen sensor or lambda probe. The failure of this device can cause serious malfunctions of the vehicle, so the driver should always take care of the diagnosis of the regulator. From this material you will learn what the lambda probe has signs of malfunction, for what reasons the regulator breaks down and how to replace it.

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What causes an oxygen sensor to fail?

Before you start diagnosing signs and symptoms, as well as repairing a particular malfunction with your own hands, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the reasons for the failure of the regulator.

So why is the regulator not working:

1. Use of low quality fuel. If the fuel contains iron, water, petroleum decay elements, lead and other harmful substances, it will cause damage to the regulator. Such components clog the platinum electrodes fast enough that it would take two or three fills with low-quality fuel to clog them.
2. Heating fault. The oxygen sensor is equipped with special heating. If the heating fails, the regulator may give an operation error. Heating is an important element, since it is thanks to heating that the driver receives accurate information from the lambda probe. If the regulator is running without heating, it will produce the wrong amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Accordingly, the heating comes into operation immediately after starting the engine. A heating failure implies repair and replacement of the sensor as a whole, since in the absence of heating, there will be no sense from the regulator.
3. Overheating of the lambda probe housing due to incorrectly set ignition timing. Also, a symptom of overheating can occur as a result of an overly enriched combustible mixture.
4. If state oil scraper rings bad this could lead to exhaust pipe motor fluid. Accordingly, its effect on the sensor can be detrimental and it will be necessary to repair or replace the device.
5. Malfunctions in the ignition system are another reason lambda doesn't work. We are talking about candles, coils, all kinds of modules and wiring. The reason may be pops in exhaust pipe- they are able to destroy the fragile ceramics of the device.
6. Shocks appear in the intake manifold of the engine.
7. Wrong start of the car engine. The need to repair a malfunction arises as a result of repeated and at the same time unsuccessful attempts to start the car's engine, also from the fact that these attempts are carried out at short intervals. As a result, unburned fuel accumulates in the engine's exhaust manifold. If a shock wave occurs, the fuel may ignite.
8. Contact with the ceramic element of various consumables- solvents, coolants, detergents, etc., may necessitate repair of the regulator.
9. Use of sealants when mounting the regulator can lead to serious problems. Especially if they can vulcanize at room temperature or contain silicone.
10. As a result of a break or poor contact of the device, as well as a short to ground of the output wiring there is a need for repair.
11. If the engine is running with incorrectly adjusted valves, which can be pressed or clamped, or with valves that have not been adjusted for a long time.
12. In the engine cylinders, the compression level is incorrect. If the compression is uneven, then this can lead to an unbalanced combustion of the combustible mixture.
13. When installing the timing belt, the device marks were incorrectly set, or they could be violated during the operation of the vehicle.
14. Clogged petrol injectors. Also, the need to repair a malfunction arises as a result of clogging of the gasoline engine injectors or due to the fact that an imbalance has arisen in their work.

The main symptoms of malfunctions

Next, consider the signs that will allow you to diagnose and check whether the lambda probe corrector and the sensor as a whole are working or not. As practice shows, the device fails gradually, and not immediately. Therefore, if you do not know where the lambda probe is installed and how to check it, then most likely you will not immediately detect signs of a breakdown. But if you familiarize yourself with the signs described below, then you will not have any problems during the check.

So, the failure of the regulator can be divided into several stages.

1. The first symptom is that the device stops working normally. In particular, during certain operating moments of the engine, the regulator refuses to generate a signal. As a result, the smoothness of the idle speed begins to destabilize, that is, the speed floats. This symptom may indicate that the device needs to be restored. It should be noted that the speed can float in a very wide range, respectively, over time this can lead to a decrease and loss of the quality of the combustible mixture.
2. Another sign that indicates the need to restore the device is that the machine starts to twitch. As a result of starting and checking the motor, you may hear pops that are uncharacteristic of its operation. In addition, if during the test you notice that a new indicator lights up on the dashboard, then this indicates that the device needs to be checked in more detail using a multimeter. If you do not have a multimeter, then contact an electrician for help.
3. The next step by which you can check the malfunction is the complete failure of the regulator when running on a cold engine. In this case, the control unit will warn the driver about a malfunction and the need for repair - the engine power will decrease, when you press the gas pedal, a slow reaction of the car will be felt. The same pops will be heard from under the hood, the car will twitch while driving - these signs of malfunction indicate that it is necessary to repair and restore the device.
4. One of the most dangerous signs of a malfunction is overheating of the motor.
5. It can also talk about the need for repair and restoration increased consumption fuel, and from the muffler of the car may appear bad smell with signs of toxicity.
6. If you have modern car, then as a result of a breakdown of the device, the emergency lock system may work. Accordingly, further movement vehicle will be impossible, the only way out is to call a tow truck and take the car for repair.
7. One of the worst options for the further development of events may be the depressurization of the device, since if the depressurization occurs, driving a car will be impossible. There is a high chance of engine failure. When this process occurs, the exhaust gases do not exit through the muffler, but enter the intake channel. When the driver presses the brake, the sensor sees an excess of oxygen in the system, resulting in a huge number of negative pulses. Thus, the injection control system can fail completely. If the regulator is depressurized, this can be recognized as a result of a loss of power, which is especially felt when driving fast. Jerks and pops, as well as an unpleasant smell - the same symptoms of a breakdown. You can also check the exhaust valve body and the mounting locations of the candles - soot deposits may form on them (the author of the video is HondaDiagnostic Sistem).

How to check the lambda probe yourself?

To check the sensor yourself, you will need a voltmeter. It can be digital or pointer, it doesn't matter.

So, the verification is carried out in several stages:

1. First you need to turn on the ignition, but it is not recommended to turn off the lambda probe. Otherwise, the motor control unit may fix an error in memory indicating a failure of the lambda probe heater.
2. With the probes of the device, it is necessary to pierce the wires that fit the heater. Or you can stick the probes into the connector located on the side of these wires.
3. Look at the voltmeter screen - it should show a voltage level equal to the voltage in the battery. Remember that when the engines are off, the minus from the ECU may not be supplied. Accordingly, after this, it is necessary to carefully start the engine.

The positive wire approaches the heater device, as a rule, directly, while the circuit can be protected by a fuse. As for the negative wire, it comes from the motor control unit. So if there is no plus, then you need to check the electrical circuit from battery through the fuse to the sensor.

It is possible that another relay is installed in this section of the circuit. In the event that there is no minus, then it is necessary to check the wiring that goes to the computer. There is a possibility that a contact has “lost” on one of the connectors.

Replacement instructions

How to replace the oxygen sensor with your own hands:

1. To remove the device correctly, warm up the engine a little and turn off the ignition.
2. All wires are disconnected from the device.
3. Using a wrench, in some cases a socket wrench is required, it is necessary to unscrew the failed regulator. After the lambda probe is dismantled, it is also necessary to remove the protective cap, then the device is cleaned. Orthophosphoric acid can be used for cleaning, this option is one of the most effective. After cleaning, rinse the regulator with clean water, reinstall and check its operation.
4. In the event that cleaning did not work, it is necessary to dismantle the old sensor and install a new one. The new component is mounted to the stop, you should not apply much effort. To ensure the tightness of the device, it can be treated with a sealant before installation.
5. Reinstall all wires.

Video "How to change the lambda probe"

You can learn how to properly replace the regulator with your own hands in the video below (the author of the video is oasex).