What is a lambda probe needed for and where is it located?

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe: how to check the oxygen sensor with a multimeter yourself, repair and replacement of the device

The lambda probe is an oxygen controller. It is used to control and balance the proportions of air and fuel during the formation of a combustible mixture. Correct functioning of the element will prevent destabilization of the motor's operating process. To determine the cause of the breakdown, you need to know the signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe.

External signs and causes

If the lambda probe heating system or the device itself in the car does not work, the symptoms of the malfunctioning condition will be as follows:

  1. The power unit began to operate less stably. The revolutions can spontaneously increase and fall. The engine often stalls, especially at traffic lights.
  2. The quality of the combustible mixture, which is pumped with air into the cylinder system, has decreased. If the sensor is not functioning properly, this will cause excessive fuel consumption.
  3. The fuel supply has become ineffective, fuel enters the combustion chambers uncontrollably. This can lead to malfunctions in the operation of the unit, as well as the electronic system of the car.
  4. Over time, the engine may experience intermittency when operating at idle speed. At maximum, the efficiency of the internal combustion engine will also be less low.
  5. There were problems with the functioning of electronic systems. Due to the need to repair the sensor, individual compartments of the power unit will operate unstably. This is due to the fact that pulsed fault signals are sent with a delay.
  6. While driving, the vehicle began to jerk. Especially when the car is going uphill.
  7. When the engine operates at any speed, popping noises may appear.
  8. The engine began to respond slowly to pressing the gas pedal. Acceleration occurs, but not immediately.

One of the important symptoms is the lightning of the Check Engine indicator or the oxygen controller failure light on the car’s dashboard.

The reasons why the performance of the oxygen sensor will be impaired may not arise immediately, so failure of the part occurs in several stages:

  1. At first, the oxygen sensor begins to function unstably. Periodically, the signal from the device disappears, information is provided over a wide range. This leads to deterioration in the quality of the combustible mixture, as well as unstable speed operation. At the initial stage, the car jerks when moving, popping noises uncharacteristic of the operation of the internal combustion engine appear, and a malfunction indicator may light up on the dashboard.
  2. At the next stage, the lambda probe stops functioning on a cold engine until the unit warms up. The symptoms of the problem will be similar, only they will appear with greater force. The engine power of the car may decrease, and a response will appear when you press the gas pedal. As a result, this can lead to overheating of the internal combustion engine.
  3. At the third stage, the oxygen sensor usually fails completely. The power of the power unit drops even more, this is clearly evident when driving at high speed. An unpleasant and pungent odor appears from the muffler.

Reasons that may cause a breakdown of the oxygen sensor:

  1. The device casing has depressurized. Because of this, exhaust gases and air began to get inside.
  2. Controller overheating. The reason may be due to malfunctions in the ignition system or incorrectly performed tuning of the power unit.
  3. Long-term exposure to external factors. This reason can be attributed to natural wear and tear, since any oxygen sensor fails over time.
  4. The working surface of the oxygen sensor is covered with combustion products, which block its operation. This is usually due to the regular use of low-quality fuel.
  5. There is a power failure or the wiring leading to the central control unit is damaged.
  6. Mechanical damage to the device. A strong blow to the case may destroy the internal components of the controller. This often occurs during regular off-road driving.

The “Online auto parts store” channel talked about the causes of malfunctions in the operation of oxygen controllers.

Lambda Probe Sensor for Renault Logan

17 Jul

Replacing the oxygen sensor ( lambda probe ) Renault Megane 1 and 2

Useful functionality

At a time of total increase in prices for energy resources, including gasoline for cars, the invention of systems and components that help avoid overconsumption of precious fuel becomes relevant.

Detailed video instructions for removing and installing a heater (heater, air conditioner) fan without dismantling the instrument panel on a Renault Logan Group VK Equipment of modern technology makes it possible to automate many processes while driving, where the on-board “brain” of the car is responsible for this - the electronic control unit ( ECU). Whether or not struts from Renault Logan are suitable for Sandero and how much they are Renault Duster At 29,000 mileage it began to suck to start (once with Renault Logan 2 not always from the first Why the revs on Renault Logan “wander” when cold I won’t say, then the engine life For serviceable and economical operation of the engine, the control unit needs data from the so-called “peripheral" components and assemblies, these include the lambda probe. The lambda probe is an oxygen sensor. Here we will look at what a lambda probe is, how it works and what it is used for. How to replace the cooling system liquid for Renault Logan The Megan model range from the French manufacturer Renault .

The main purpose of the lambda probe in the design of cars is to measure the level of residual oxygen in the exhaust gases and transmit data on the oxygen content to the electronic control unit.

How to check a lambda probe and does not “switch” like a 4-wire lambda, lambdas on an Audi 100 Expert recommendations on how to check a lambda probe with 4 to the question of how to check This element gives a clear idea to the on-board computer about the nature of fuel combustion, and that in turn, corrects the process of enrichment or depletion of the injected fuel mixture.

Reasons for replacement

The design of the exhaust gas system in a Renault Megane car provides for the presence of two oxygen sensors, one of which is located directly in front of the catalytic converter and performs a control function. Replacing the generator on a Renault Logan with air conditioning I already wrote on the forum that the Renault Dealer at nfp pour oil into the Logan and how much. This sensor is called the top sensor because it is located at the top in relation to the second one.

Oxygen sensor for Renault Logan: where is it located, replacement

The second lambda probe is the lower one, it is screwed into the exhaust pipe after the catalyst and performs exclusively a diagnostic function.

The size of the Renault Logan windshield wiper blades becomes a very important parameter when you decide to replace standard wipers with more modern and advanced ones. Regardless of the type of oxygen sensor in Renault Megane, the malfunction of this unit can be prevented.

As you know, we change antifreeze on Renault Logan with our own hands. Renault Logan, To do this, you need to know the most common causes of failure that accompany the lower lambda probe:

  • rupture of sensor contacts;
  • electrical circuit closure;
  • contamination by vehicle operating products (oil, fuel mixture);
  • thermal overloads associated with unstable ignition operation;
  • damage resulting from thermal or mechanical shock.

Diagnostics and replacement of DC Renault Logan

Replacing the Sensor

Oxygen
Renault Logan
.

Lambda Probe, Lower Oxygen Sensor, Catalyst!!!

My partner Practical advice to avoid getting lost in the future.

How to diagnose a problem

Car service specialists who have closely encountered problems with the exhaust system of Megane cars advise checking the oxygen sensor and the proper functioning of its operation in conjunction with other components every 30 thousand km.

The lambda probe is capable of qualitatively measuring the residual oxygen level only after heating to a temperature of 300-400 degrees.

headlights for Renault Logan fog lights for VAZ-2110 for replacement This temperature regime promotes the conductivity of the zirconium electrolyte, and the difference in the oxygen content in the atmosphere and in the exhaust gases causes the formation of an output voltage at the contacts of the lambda probe.

It is recommended to diagnose the lambda probe with the engine running, this contributes to accurate performance indicators, and it is advisable to carry out all measurements with an oscilloscope, since this device provides the most accurate data.

How to check with a multimeter

Before diagnosing the oxygen sensor itself, its heating device is checked.
The tester can check the operation of the heating component of the oxygen sensor:

  1. The diagnostic device switches to the resistance parameter measurement mode.
  2. The probes of the device are connected to the heater contacts. These elements are usually made of cable with a large cross-section.
  3. The contacts of the heating device are ringing.
  4. If the heating element is working, then the resulting resistance value will be less than 10 ohms. If this parameter is higher, then the electric heating device has failed and needs to be replaced.

The tester checks like this:

  1. Locate the controller mounting location under the hood of your vehicle.
  2. Connect the multimeter probes to the signal outputs of the sensor or electrical circuits. The tester itself sets the measurement limit to 2 volts.
  3. At the next stage, it is necessary to artificially create a situation of an over-enriched combustible mixture. To do this, you can use the throttle change method by periodically pressing the gas pedal. Or you can remove the pressure sensor connector.
  4. Then the readings given by the tester are read. Ideally, they should be from 0.8 volts, this indicates that the oxygen sensor is working properly.
  5. It is necessary to artificially create a lean mixture situation. To do this, you can create an air leak by slightly loosening the air duct clamp. With a lean mixture, the tester reading should be no more than 0.2 volts.

V_i_t_a_l_y talked about diagnosing the oxygen controller using a multimeter.

Other diagnostic methods

If signs of a lambda probe malfunction appear, you can use computer diagnostics to check its functionality. It allows you to monitor the operating parameters of the oxygen sensor online.

You can use an oscilloscope for diagnostics. If the test shows that the lower limit of the device drops to zero volts, then the controller is working, but it will need to be changed soon. If the time dependence of the voltage at the signal contact is characterized by greater smoothness, then it is time to replace the sensor.

It is correct to start diagnosing four-pin oxygen sensors with a visual inspection; this procedure is recommended to be performed every 10 thousand kilometers. For testing, the controller is removed from the manifold; WD-40 or brake fluid cannot be used, since their contact with the working surface will cause it to break. If special means are used when unscrewing coked threads, their residues are removed before removing the device.

Assess the color and condition of the operating area of ​​the oxygen controller. If traces of soot are visible on it, this indicates an over-enriched combustible mixture in the engine. Its presence leads to contamination of the device, so to ensure better performance, soot must be removed. A gray or white coating indicates the use of additives in motor fluid or fuel. The presence of a shiny coating indicates that the concentration of lead in the fuel used is exceeded. If the coating is intense, then the sensor cannot be repaired; it must be replaced.

Instructions for repairing and replacing the sensor

You can replace or restore the controller yourself.

How to remove the sensor

Removing the device, regardless of the machine model, is done as follows:

  1. Warm up the surface of the part to approximately 60 degrees. To do this, you can use a regular lighter or torch. Warming up will make it easier to remove the device from the seat.
  2. Disconnect the wires connected to the part.
  3. Carefully unscrew the oxygen sensor. It is not recommended to use special tools for dismantling.
  4. Remove the protective cap.

Diman Stepanenko spoke about dismantling the lambda probe on his own.

Cleaning and Soaking

There are two options for restoring the oxygen sensor:

  • the first - using orthophosphoric acid;
  • the second - with phosphoric acid and a burner.

It must be taken into account that phosphoric acid or another similar product belongs to the category of hazardous substances. When working with a substance, it is important to remember safety rules. Acid should not be allowed to enter the mucous membranes or inside the body.

First way

This method cannot be called accelerated, since the consumer needs to gain full or at least partial access to the ceramic surface of the device. This component is hidden behind a protective cap made of metal; it is not easy to dismantle. Do not use a hacksaw for removal as it will damage the work surface. Dismantling is carried out using a lathe - at the base of the oxygen sensor, you need to cut off the protective cap using a cutter. The cutting is done close to the thread.

If it is not possible to use the machine, you can use a file. It is not possible to completely remove the cap with this tool, but you can make small windows about 5 mm in size on it. Approximately 100 ml of orthophosphoric acid is used for cleaning. If it is not available, you can use a rust converter.

Device recovery:

  1. Pour the liquid into a glass container. You can use jars, glasses, etc.
  2. Place the oxygen sensor core into the container. The controller cannot be completely immersed in liquid. Wait about twenty minutes.
  3. Remove the sensor from the container and rinse its base with tap water. Wait until the device is completely dry.
  4. If you are unable to remove the dark deposits on the core the first time, repeat the procedure. It is necessary to ensure that the element again becomes a metallic color.
  5. If, after several attempts, high-quality cleaning fails, you can use a brush to enhance the effect of the product. The base of the device is wetted and treated with it. As a result, the plaque should be removed. If the protective cap has been removed, then the brush will not be needed. It is better to use a toothbrush instead.
  6. After cleaning has been completely completed, the sensor is washed. If the cap has been removed, then after restoration it must be put back in place. For this, argon welding is used.

When using this method, please note:

  1. If the device is heavily soiled, then twenty minutes will not be enough to restore it. For critical blockages, the soaking procedure can be extended to three hours. In some situations, cleaning may take a full night, at least eight hours.
  2. After cleaning, you need to check how effectively the procedure was performed. Diagnostics will require some time for the car owner to understand how the car behaves and how much fuel it “eats.” If the malfunction indicator on the device remains lit, then the controller could not be repaired.
  3. If the machine is equipped with a sensor whose protective cap is equipped with a double shell, then it will not be possible to make a hole in it with a file. To solve the problem, you need to soak the device in acid or another product with the cap itself.

The process of cleaning the oxygen controller is shown by Alexander Sabegatulin.

Second way

To restore the controller you will need the same acid, as well as a gas burner or stove. When using a household stove, give preference to a small burner.

Cleaning procedure:

  1. The lid is removed from the burner. Then it is turned over and installed back, with a slight offset to the side. It is necessary to install the lid so that it covers the pipe itself from liquid getting inside.
  2. The fire on the burner is lit.
  3. The lambda probe core must be dipped in a container of acid, then taken with pliers and heated over a fire. This will cause the acid to boil and the substance will begin to splash. A greenish tint of salt will appear on the working surface of the device.
  4. Wait until the substance has completely boiled away. Rinse the controller with clean water and then repeat the cleaning procedure. These steps must be continued until the controller is completely shiny. This may take ten minutes or more. Before further installation, the thread of the lambda probe must be treated with graphite lubricant, which will prevent the oxygen sensor from sticking to the threaded hole.

Installing a lambda probe

Installation of the device is carried out in the reverse order:

  1. A protective cap is installed on the sensor.
  2. Wires are connected to the device.
  3. The controller is installed in the seat and screwed in.

How to make a corrector (fake) lambda probe?

There are several types of correctors for oxygen controllers. The mechanical device is the simplest and most affordable in terms of corrector design. It is necessary to machine a special adapter into which the lambda probe is installed, as well as a mini-catalyst. After this, the assembled device is mounted in the standard place of the car muffler.

If the catalyst device or the oxygen sensor installed after it breaks down, a signal will be sent to the control unit. The module will be warned that the exhaust gases contain harmful substances, the volume of which exceeds the permissible value. The control unit will perceive this event as an emergency and increase the fuel supply to enrich the air-fuel mixture.

When installing such a corrector, exhaust gases will flow through a small hole in the adapter into the catalyst device. The latter is filled with ceramic dust with a catalytic layer. The concentration of harmful substances in the exhaust gases will be lower. The control module will perceive this as the correct operation of the controller and standard catalyst device. The manufacture of blende is carried out using a lathe and a diagram; steel or bronze can be used as a material.

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe: how to check the oxygen sensor with a multimeter yourself, repair and replacement of the device

Scheme of a mechanical corrector for a lambda probe

Universal drawings that can be found on the Internet may not be suitable for making a lambda probe blende for a specific car model; you need to look for a proven option.

Making an electronic controller fake:

  1. Using the SprintLayout program and a printer, a layout drawing and arrangement of circuit elements are printed. Printing is done on glossy paper.
  2. When sending a file for printing, you must select 100% black for layer K1. In the program, check the box next to Mirror and Scheme Outline. All other layers are deleted.
  3. Then the next layer is sent for printing. For the M2 layer, the color is black. The checkbox opposite the Mirror item is removed, but it remains opposite the second element. Other layers are removed.
  4. When performing the task, it is recommended to use foil textolite. It must be one-sided, and its thickness will be no less than 1 and no more than 2 mm.
  5. When the printout is in hand, it must be transferred to the LM324 board using an iron. The board itself is cut out taking into account the dimensions, and printouts must be made along its contour. After cutting, attach the diagram to the drawing; the dimensions must match exactly.
  6. Using fine-grained sandpaper, the copper layer is cleaned. The board is cleaned using fuel or solvent.
  7. Then you need to transfer the printout with the tracks to the working surface of the board. A printed layer of elements is installed on the reverse (copper surface). To do this, foil paper is applied to the board and heated with an iron; the procedure takes no more than 10 minutes. When warming up, the surface of the iron should be pressed as close as possible to the board. As a result, the toner should be reprinted from the foil surface onto the circuit. If the paper density is low, the tracks will be visible. The problem can be corrected using a permanent black marker.
  8. The next step will be etching, this will require ferric chloride or sodium perchlorate.
  9. Then holes are drilled on the board and the elements are soldered.
  10. At the final stage, the operating parameters of the corrector are adjusted. To do this, +950 mV is supplied to the input, and the voltage value is adjusted in the range from 950 to 1000 mV. For the LM324 board, the procedure is done by setting up elements VR3 and VR4.

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe: how to check the oxygen sensor with a multimeter yourself, repair and replacement of the device
Circuit for making electronic decoy

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe: how to check the oxygen sensor with a multimeter yourself, repair and replacement of the device
Printout of the circuit for installation on the board

Signs of a malfunctioning lambda probe: how to check the oxygen sensor with a multimeter yourself, repair and replacement of the device
Connecting all components on the decoy board

Highly professional replacement of oxygen sensor for Renault Logan (lambda probe)

There are two oxygen sensors or, as experts call them, lambda probes in the Renault Logan car, and both of them are located in the exhaust system. The first one is located directly behind the output manifold, the second one is at the very end of the exhaust tract. And although the designs of these elements are identical, their purposes are completely different.

Operating principle of the oxygen sensor

Today, there are two types of sensors that measure the level of oxygen in exhaust gases: broadband and two-level.

Oxygen sensor for Renault Logan: where is it located, replacement

The design of the second type lambda probe includes the presence of two types of cells: measuring and pumping. Between them there is a small, several microns, gap filled with gas.

The mechanism of operation of such a sensor is that while there is little oxygen in the exhaust gases, they are sent to cells of the first type. When its concentration is above a certain parameter, the exhaust is automatically redirected to other cells.

The probe can only record which cells the exhaust passes through in order to determine whether it contains enough pure oxygen.

Sensors of this type are considered more accurate, but the former, due to the relative simplicity of their design, are less expensive and at the same time more reliable. Therefore, the choice of manufacturers of the budget car Renault Logan in favor of two-level lambda probes is completely justified.

Purpose of the first and second lambda probes

Oxygen sensor for Renault Logan: where is it located, replacement

But if the amount of oxygen suddenly exceeds the maximum permissible level, this will indicate a serious malfunction of the engine. Which one exactly - this will be shown by car diagnostics. The ECU will simply turn on an alarm signal on the dashboard and, if the car owner does not contact the car service center in the near future, will prevent the engine from starting.

The second lambda probe has a completely opposite task: being located at the very end of the exhaust tract, it controls the quality of exhaust gas purification, more precisely, the quality of the work of the catalytic converter, which splits nitrogen and carbon oxides into pure oxygen and nitrogen with carbon. The more pure oxygen there is in the exhaust at the stage of its release into the atmosphere, the more efficient operation of the catalyst this fact will mean.

The lower threshold for the amount of this gas in the exhaust depends on the environmental class to which the car belongs. Thus, the first Logans corresponded to the Euro 5 class, while the post-restyling ones belong to the higher Euro 6 class.

Replacing the oxygen sensor on Renault Logan: prerequisites

Replacement of oxygen sensors on Renault Logan is carried out only in case of their breakdown.

When upgrading the exhaust system of a car, as a result of which its basic parameters change (for example, when installing a flame arrester instead of a failed catalytic converter), the probes themselves do not change, but a special device is installed on the second one - a snag, which “corrects” its readings in the right direction.

Oxygen sensor for Renault Logan: where is it located, replacement

Signs of a malfunction that require replacing the lambda probe on a Renault Logan are as follows:

  • from time to time, the engine power begins to decrease abruptly, which indicates interruptions in the fuel supply to the cylinders caused by periodic shutdowns of the probe (the “check” light may light up on the dashboard at this time);
  • then difficulties arise when starting the engine;
  • further - more: the engine now and then begins to stall for no reason at both low and high speeds;
  • As a result, starting the engine becomes completely impossible.

What is the price?

The cost of the device will vary depending on the manufacturer and brand of the machine.

NamePrice, rub
Lambda probe for Volkswagen GolfFrom 2900 to 8000 rubles depending on the brand
Oxygen sensor for VAZ carsFrom 1900 to 4200 rubles depending on the car brand
Lambda probe for Daewoo carsFrom 800 to 6 thousand rubles on average
Oxygen controller for Renault carsFrom 1800 to 8 thousand rubles depending on the brand
Prices are relevant for three regions: Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Krasnodar.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning lambda probe

Check Engine icon on dashboard

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

  1. Floating idle speed. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor, lambda probe, leads to the fact that the idle speed does not stay at the same level and constantly drops to 500-600 revolutions. This is due to the fact that a lean mixture is supplied, which is not enough for stable operation of the engine at idle. The lambda probe is responsible for the fuel content in the mixture.
  2. Reduced engine power. In addition to floating speeds, engine power is reduced due to a lean mixture. As a result, the engine picks up speed slowly, climbs poorly, and accelerates poorly.
  3. Increased fuel consumption. An incorrectly functioning sensor can also lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption, by 20-30%. Because too much fuel is supplied, the exhaust becomes dark and has a distinct smell of gasoline, which is not completely burned in the catalytic converter. Excessive enrichment of the mixture can be determined by black deposits on the spark plugs.
  4. Jerks when accelerating. If the lambda probe is not working correctly, the car cannot accelerate quickly and evenly, jerking and jerking appear.
  5. The Check Engine light is on. The lambda probe error is sent to the ECU and accordingly the 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.
Rating
( 2 ratings, average 5 out of 5 )
Did you like the article? Share with friends: