What does a lambda sensor do on a diesel engine?
Lambda sensors were introduced in 1977 to improve the efficiency of car engines. Fitted in both petrol and diesel vehicles, they help to reduce the number of harmful emissions, primarily gases such as carbon monoxide, and pollutants, produced by your car.
What causes high lambda?
If the mixture contains too much oxygen for the amount of fuel (a lean mixture), lambda will be greater than 1.00. If a mixture contains too little oxygen for the amount of fuel (a rich mixture), lambda will be less than 1.00.
Can I drive with a faulty lambda sensor?
Yes, you can drive with a bad oxygen sensor if you can still start your engine and feel little difficulty driving. But don’t leave it alone for over a couple of days, as it might cause safety problems and lead to the malfunction of other parts of your vehicle.
Can a lambda sensor cause a misfire?
A malfunctioning Lambda sensor may send an erroneous signal that the air/fuel mixture is too rich. The vehicle’s computer will make the correction according to the signal that the Lambda sensor sent, decreasing the amount of fuel in the ratio, causing the spark plugs to misfire.
Would a faulty lambda sensor cause a misfire?
Why does the Check Engine light come on on my Lambda?
The “Check Engine” light may come on. A vehicle owner will have to have a reputable technician check the code. A cold engine with a faulty Lambda sensor that has unburned oxygen in the catalytic converter may emit a “rotten egg” smell. A malfunctioning Lambda sensor may send an erroneous signal that the air/fuel mixture is too rich.
Why is there a warning light on my diesel engine?
Some diesel-powered cars have a specific warning light for their diesel particulate filter (DPF), whereas others don’t and rely on the EML providing a warning instead. The latter is sometimes also illuminated if the car detects a fault with the differential pressure sensor, which determines how effectively the DPF is performing.
Can a faulty lambda sensor increase your mileage?
According to Fueleconomy.gov, the repair of a faulty sensor may increase mileage by as much as 40 percent. An early warning signal of Lambda sensor failure in the form of an uneven idle can be noticed by a driver who feels the vehicle wanting to surge ahead when at a red light or stop sign.
Where are the lambda sensors located on a car?
It was developed by Volvo in the 70s. If you own a newer car, it will be equipped with 2 lambda sensors. In that case, the second sensor will be located right behind the catalytic converter. What is it used for?