244000414 - LAMBDA SENSORS
LAMBDA SENSOR UPSTREAM OF THE CATALYZER (A)
The lambda sensor measures exhaust gas oxygen content: it is fitted on the exhaust pipe upstream of the catalytic converter.

lambda = 1 Ideal mixture (stoichiometric) lambda greater than 1 Lean mixturelambda less than 1 Rich mixtureExcess air; CO level tends to be lowLack of air; CO level tends to be highResistance: 4.5 ± 0.5 Ohm at 20° CThe sensor output signal is sent to the control unit for retroactive correction (feedback) of the mixture concentration. When the sensor supplies a low signal (voltage lower than 200 mV), the control unit detects a lean mixture and increases injection time. Then when the sensor signal is high (voltage higher than 800 mV), the control unit detects a rich mixture and decreases injection time. This event sequence is repeated with a frequency in the order of tens of Hertz to ensure that the engine runs on a mixture that fluctuates constantly about a stioichiometric level. At temperatures lower than 300° C, the ceramic material is inactive and the sensor cannot therefore send reliable signals: the sensor is fitted with an electrical heater coil to ensure fast heat at start-up and maintain a minimum temperature.
LAMBDA SENSOR DOWNSTREAM OF THE CATALYZER (B)
The downstream sensor is identical to the upstream sensor.
 | Sensors can be quickly be put out of service by the presence of even small amounts of lead in the fuel. |
Sensor heater resistances may be measured by disconnecting the connector and connecting an ohmmeter as shown in the figure.