Lambda Sensor: 20 Questions & Answers

Lambda_20Qs_Final1.
qxd 3/10/07 10:48 Page 2
Lambda Sensor
20 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Lambda_20Qs_Final1.qxd 3/10/07 10:48 Page 3
Lambda Sensor
20 QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS
1. What is a Lambda sensor? 3

2. Why do cars need a Lambda sensor? 4
3. What does the Lambda sensor do? 5
4. Is there more than one type of Lambda sensor? 5
5. How does the Zirconia binary sensor work? 6
6. How is the Titania binary sensor different? 7
7. Why do sensors have different amounts of wires? 7
8. Why do sensors require a heater? 8
9. What is a wide band sensor? 8
10. Which cars use wide band sensors? 9
11. How does the wide band sensor work? 9
12. What is a diagnostic sensor? 10
13. How often should the sensor be renewed? 10
14. How can I identify which sensor is fitted to my car? 11
15. How does the NTK part number system work? 11
16. For fault diagnosis can a visual inspection
tell me anything? 12
17. How can the sensor be tested? 13
18. Are there any installation tips? 13
19. Why should I choose NTK when replacing a sensor? 14
20. What does the future hold for sensors? 15
2
What is A LAMBDA SENSOR is a device

fitted to cars, light commercials
It is located in the exhaust system
and its purpose is to monitor the
concentration of residual oxygen
a Lambda and even some motorcycles that
are equipped with a petrol within the exhaust gases produced
by the engine. A more descriptive
sensor? engine.
name for this device is the exhaust
gas oxygen sensor. Although oxygen
sensors have many applications
for industry, medicine and science
the most common use is in the
automotive sector.
3
Why do WITH SO MANY vehicles in use

on our roads the reduction of
Lambda sensors are a vital part
of the exhaust gas after treatment
cars need pollutants produced by the

internal combustion engine is
technology used by vehicle
manufacturers to reduce engine
emissions. This technology employs
a Lambda of ever increasing importance.
To encourage advances in
an oxygen sensor and three-way
catalyst (catalytic converter) which
sensor? technology that can bring this
about governments have
together have the ability to take the
three main toxic gases produced by
progressively introduced an engine, carbon monoxide (CO),
tougher and tougher exhaust oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and
gas emission legislation. hydrocarbons (HC) and convert them
efficiently to considerably less
harmful, non-poisonous gases:
Catalytic converter
sensor
carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O)
conversion rate %
voltage
100
and nitrogen (N2).
As a result of the function of the

HC Lambda sensor the engine can
also deliver the best economy and
performance available.
50 1.0
NOx
CO
From the end of 1992 most petrol
engine cars and light commercial
vehicles sold in the UK had Lambda
V 0.2 sensors fitted. About 10 years later
0
0.9 h 1.0 h 1.1 h
fitment to some types of motorcycles
fuel rich stoichiometric lean
commenced.
4
What does IN ORDER for a catalyst to

carry out the conversion of
air/fuel ratio is known as a stoichio-
metric ratio or Lambda (h) =1.0.
the Lambda gases efficiently it must be

provided with exhaust gases
A fuel rich mixture would have a
lower value e.g. 0.8 and a fuel lean
mixture would have a higher value
sensor do? that are proportionally within
certain very tight tolerances.
e.g. 1.2.
To achieve this an engine needs

Mixture proportions Amount of air
to attain as close to complete
1 kg fuel
combustion as possible – using Fuel-rich mixture Stoichiometric Lean mixture
(shortage of air) mixture (surplus of air)
up all the available fuel and 0.9 h 1.0 h 1.1 h
oxygen.
14.7 kg air
The ideal ratio of air to fuel to
achieve complete combustion is
14.7:1; this means that for 14.7 kg
of air 1 kg of fuel would be required. The precise control required to
The term Lambda refers to the ratio operate this system can only be
of air to fuel; this chemically correct provided by the use of a Lambda
sensor which must be installed
upstream of the catalyst. Depending
engine
on the oxygen content detected by
control unit the Lambda sensor, a signal is sent to
the engine control unit which can
Lambda sensor then initiate a change to keep the
fuelling system operating within the
fuel fuel mixing engine three-way exhaust desired parameters. This is known as
system catalytic converter gas
air a closed-loop control system.
Is there LAMBDA SENSORS have been

continually developed since
The second type is the Titania
binary sensor; this does not generate
more than their initial fitment in the

1980’s, this has lead to improve-
a voltage but it has the ability to
modulate an applied voltage in
relation to the oxygen concentration.
one type ments in sensor performance
and general durability. Over this
Its output signal has a similar
characteristic to the Zirconia type.
of Lambda period NTK have developed
three sensor operating The third type is the wide band or
sensor? strategies for automotive

application.
air/fuel sensor. This sensor is
considerably more sophisticated
than the binary sensors. Faster and
The most common is the Zirconia more accurate information regarding
binary sensor. This sensor generates a oxygen concentration can be
small voltage that varies in relation obtained form this type. This sensor
to the oxygen concentration. It is can also be termed a current
designated a binary type as its output generating sensor.
can be interpreted as binary code.
Each sensor type has its own specific
operating system and therefore
cannot be interchanged.
5
How does INSIDE the sensor there is a

hollow thimble shaped ceramic
of oxygen concentration between
the exhaust gas and the ambient
the Zirconia body made from zirconium

dioxide. The protective metal
reference air in the centre of sensor
thimble, the higher the voltage
produced. The voltage produced in
binary shell has specially designed
holes to allow the exhaust gases
the fuel lean position should be
approximately 0.1 volt and in
sensor to come into contact with the
outside of the ceramic element.
the fuel rich position approximately
0.9 volt. The very useful part of
work? Both sides of this ceramic
element are coated with a thin
this function is that at around the
stoichiometric point there is a large
micro porous layer of platinum. easily readable change in voltage.
These layers are the electrodes This allows the sensor to keep the
that carry the sensors signal to the engine emissions within strict limits
wire cables. Over the outside by constantly bringing the fuelling
Lambda sensor output signal electrode a thin additional layer of system back from a fuel lean or
Sensor voltage (V) porous ceramic is added to protect fuel rich position to retain the
Volt (V)
the platinum from erosion by the stoichiometric mixture. The time
1.0
exhaust gases. The inside of the taken to switch from fuel lean
thimble is hollow and is used to hold to fuel rich is approximately 300
ambient air as a reference gas. milliseconds.
At temperatures in excess of 300°C

the Zirconia element possesses a
0.2
property that causes a transfer of
Exhaust gas External platinum electrode
oxygen ions. This movement creates (in contact with exhaust gas)
0.9 1.0 1.1
Sensor element
a voltage. The greater the difference
Air/fuel ratio
Housing
Ambient air
Metal body with hexagon nut
Heater connection
Heater
(white cable)
Protection tube
Sensor earth (grey cable)
Internal platinum
electrode
(in contact with
ambient gas)
Insulator Zirconia element

Openings
in protective
Sensor signal (black cable) Ceramic holder sleeve
Gasket Protective sleeve Exhaust pipe
6
How is EXTERNALLY these sensors can

look similar to the Zirconia type
rich) the resistance falls. As the
stoichiometric point is passed, the
the Titania however the sensor body may

be generally smaller. These
Titania sensor element has a very
large change in internal resistance.
This results in an output signal
binary sensors do not generate a
voltage as in the Zirconia type
characteristic similar to the Zirconia
binary types. By virtue of its design
sensor but the electrical resistance of
the Titania changes in relation
there is no need for a pocket of air
as a reference gas and due to certain
different? to the oxygen content of the
exhaust gas.
other design differences the sensor
can be smaller, stronger and have
If there is a surplus of oxygen in the a faster reaction time. The control
exhaust gas the element resistance system for this type of sensor is
rises and as the concentration of very different to that used for the
oxygen decreases (becoming fuel Zirconia type.
How the Titania sensor works

Protection tube Carrier substrate
Ceramic holder Signal cable R
-
Platinum O2 Platinum
electrode 4+ electrode
Ti
-
O2
Outer metal body
-
O2
Gasket Glass insulation Seal
Exhaust
gas
Titania element Metal body with hexagon nut
Why do EARLY SENSOR designs

depended on the body of
Sensors with an integral heater
required additional lead wires for the
sensors the sensor and the exhaust

system of the car to provide
heating element. Three wire sensors
are usually the early types having
two wires for the heater, one for signal
have the electrical ground and
therefore had only one lead -
with the ground being provided by
the sensor’s metal body via the exhaust
different the signal wire.
system. Most Zirconia binary sensors
The two wire sensor provided a now have four wires, a signal wire,
amounts more reliable ground, by the addi- a separate ground wire connected to
tion of a separate lead being con- the vehicle harness and a pair for the
of wires? nected directly to the vehicle wiring
harness or ECU rather than relying
heater.
NTK’s wide band sensors have five

on the exhaust system which is
wires, two heater wires and three more
prone to corrosion and the possibility
connecting the sensor element to the
of poor ground continuity.
integrated circuit built into the ECU.
Zirconia Binary Titania

1 x wire Black = signal 3 x wire Black = signal Type 1 Red = heater (+)
White = heater White = heater (-)
White = heater Yellow = signal (+) (OMITTED IN 3 x WIRE TYPES)
Black = signal (-)
2 x wire Black = signal 4 x wire Black = signal Type 2 Grey = heater (+)
Grey = ground Grey = ground White = heater (-)
White = heater Yellow = signal (+)
White = heater Black = signal (-)
7
Why do
sensors
require a
heater?
THE SENSOR needs to reach To combat this delay, heated exhaust

approximately 300°C before it gas oxygen (HEGO) sensors are used.
starts to work and the exhaust These sensors have a heating device
gas can usually provide this installed within the ceramic element,
heat energy. Under cold starting which rapidly brings the sensor up
to temperature, and therefore strict
conditions however there is
fuelling control can start very quickly.
insufficient heat energy
During extended periods of idling,
available in the gas and there
exhaust gas temperature can drop
is a delay before the fuelling significantly; heated sensors ensure
system can be controlled as that this drop in temperature does
strictly as we would like. not affect the stable operation of
This could mean an increase the sensor.
in unwanted emissions.
What is a SOME YEARS AGO NTK designed

a sensor that could easily detect
There is little need to measure
beyond this point as contemporary
wide band air fuel ratios well away from

the stoichiometric point.
engine design will not allow the use
of an air/fuel ratio leaner than 25:1,
this is referred to as the “lean limit”.
sensor? Typical measurement can range
from 8:1 in the rich region to
Practical identification of these
NTK sensors is by the five wires they
beyond 30:1 in lean condition.
need in order to communicate
with the fuelling management ECU.
These sensors are also known as

Air/Fuel or linear sensors.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
λ1.0
Air/Fuel Ratio
UEGO wide band Lambda sensor
8
Which cars MOST ENGINES and catalysts

are designed to operate
Other applications that may require
this type of sensor include:
use wide efficiently when running with

an air/fuel ratio of 14.7:1 or a
Motor racing, where extremely fast
and precise measurement (sometimes
in the rich segment) is essential.
band stoichiometric mixture.
Diesel or CNG (compressed natural
Zirconia and Titania binary sensors
sensors? can detect the change in the exhaust gas) engines run with an excess air
factor and therefore require a sensor
gas oxygen content at this point.
One fairly obvious strategy to that can read lean air/fuel ratios.
improve fuel consumption would be
to use less fuel for the same given
amount of air and some cars
currently use this strategy under
certain driving conditions. When in a
cruising condition with light throttle
loads the air/fuel ratio can be shifted
to around 20:1. In order to monitor
and therefore control fuelling in
this area, a wide band type sensor is
required.
How does THESE SENSORS are manu-

factured using NTK’s thick film
Each sensor requires its own
ASIC (application specific integrated
the wide technology producing a wafer

like structure Zirconia element
circuit) or “chip”, similar to the
drivers required for a computer
peripheral. This ASIC is usually
band sensor comprising a heater, an oxygen
pumping cell and another cell
installed onto the circuit board of
the engine management control
work? which is used as an oxygen rich
accumulator element.
unit. In addition, every sensor is indi-
vidually trimmed during manufacture
The operating principle is complex to produce an extremely accurate
but similar to the more familiar output by use of a selective resistor
Lambda 1.0 sensor involving the installed into the connector plug.
movement of oxygen ions across a
ceramic substrate. By measurement
of the current produced by the Wide band (5 wire) Sensor
pump element the air/fuel ratio can
be determined.
9
What is a With a sensor fitted upstream

of the catalyst we have good
from the catalyst is outside the
manufacturers’ predetermined
diagnostic control of the fuelling system

providing the best possible
tolerance the oxygen sensor can flag
up a warning to the driver of the
vehicle and a fault code can be held
sensor? combination of exhaust gases
for efficient conversion thereby
in the electronic control unit for
diagnostic purposes.
reducing harmful emissions to
the legislated limits. These sensors are a vital part of the
EOBD (European On Board
This makes one big assumption – that
Diagnostics) systems that help to
the catalytic converter is functioning
keep cars performing efficiently and
correctly. If the catalyst becomes
pollution to a minimum.
faulty or ageing reduces its efficiency
there will be an increase in toxic
emissions and unless a gas analysis
is carried out during service or repair Driver Warning
the driver will be unaware. (MIL) Lamp
By installation of another oxygen

sensor downstream of the catalyst we
can monitor the performance of the
conversion process. If the output
ECU
Diagnostic Sensor
Lambda Sensor
European On Board Diagnostics
How often LAMBDA SENSORS are designed

to operate in an extremely
The use of leaded fuels, which
are still available in some markets,
should the hostile environment with

extremes of temperature and
may require the use of specifically
protected sensors.
sensor be in contact with corrosive

exhaust gases.
Sensor function should therefore
be checked every 20,000 miles
renewed? Lambda sensors have high life

or annually. A visual inspection is
recommended whenever the
expectancy but the element will
exhaust system is repaired and
eventually age and the operation
a full functional check carried out if
will become impaired which
any part adjacent to the sensor is
may increase fuel consumption,
involved.
exhaust emissions and affect general
If the catalyst is being replaced it
engine performance.
is recommended that the sensor
Contamination by fuel and be renewed at the same time.
lubricant impurities such as silicones
will also have a detrimental effect
as can excess vibration or impact by
road debris.
10
How can SIMPLY take a look at the

NGK/NTK Lambda Sensor
I identify catalogue, where our full list of

vehicle applications is available.
which This information is also featured

on our website.
sensor is Go to www.ngkntk.co.uk and select
Part Finder.
fitted to
my car?
How does
the NTK
part number
system
work?
OZA 4 4 6 – E30
O = Oxygen Sensor Sensor connector &

L = Linear (Wide Band) lead length configuration
T = Titania Sensor
Sensor design
Z = Zirconia Sensor
Thread Ø
A = 18mm
D = 12mm
11
For fault A SIMPLE visual check of the sensor could

save a lot of diagnostic time.
diagnosis The following images show some typical problems

that affect sensor performance. In all cases it is
can a visual imperative that the root cause is rectified to prevent
premature failure of a replacement sensor.
inspection
tell me
Problem Solution
anything? Cables and plugs Replace with new
melted by contact sensor and route
with exhaust without touching
the exhaust
Frayed or broken Replace with new

cables sensor and make
sure there is some
slack in the cable
Cable seal is loosened Replace with new

Water may enter the sensor and make
sensor sure there is some
slack in the cable
Sensor is bent Replace with

new sensor
Water in the connector Replace with new

sensor. Check electrical
connections and seal
off connector, and also
the connection between
the sensor and the
engine control unit
Soot deposits Diagnose and correct

are blocking the fault. Note: Excessive
openings of the deposits of soot and oil
protective sleeve, on the protective sleeve
due for example to are not caused by the
fuel-rich mixture or sensor itself
high oil consumption
because of wear
on engine or valves
and leaks in the
exhaust system
12
How can THE IDEAL WAY to test a

sensor would be by using a
equipment. Scan tools will be able to
detect fault codes related to sensors
the sensor combination of diagnostic tools

including an oscilloscope,
and associated wiring that are stored
in the vehicle’s diagnostic system
memory.
be tested? an exhaust gas analyser and
an Ohmmeter. Don’t forget that in order to check
the output signal the sensor needs
The oscilloscope will check the signal
to have reached its operating
output from the sensor for amplitude
temperature and the engine must be
and frequency. The frequency is the
running at a reasonable speed, for
speed of response of the sensor to
example 2000 rev/min to produce the
changes in fuelling. The gas analyser
characteristic switching signal pattern.
can check that if the fuelling is
enriched or leaned off, the sensor will
attempt to trim the injection back
Sensor voltage
to its correct setting. The Ohmmeter
V 0.9
can be used to check the heater
0.8
circuit and the integrity of the earth
0.7
circuit. Proprietary sensor testing
tools are useful but some may be 0.6
limited in their diagnostic ability. The 0.5

use of a voltmeter to analyse sensor 0.4
output is extremely limited in its 0.3
ability and not suitable for checking 0.2
on the vehicle. To prevent damage to
0.1 ~ max. 0.7-1 s
the vehicle’s electronic components
0
great care must be exercised when
connecting any diagnostic Zirconia Binary Output
Are there SENSORS are very vehicle

specific, therefore it is essential
sensor is inevitable. This can make
removal difficult and so it is essential
any that the replacement item has

the same specification as the
that suitable tools be employed,
such as a tube spanner, to prevent
personal injury or damage to the
installation original factory fitted part.
sensor.
Differences in the wiring config-
tips? uration may not be easily identified Before installing the new sensor,
ensure that the threads are clean and
and therefore selection of the
correct part is vital. Part of the EOBD in good condition. All NTK sensors
(European On Board Diagnostics) have a factory applied anti-seize
function is to monitor the perform- compound on the threads. This
ance of both the fuel regulating and grease is sensor friendly and care
catalyst monitoring diagnostic sensor. should be taken if alternative
Fitting a sensor that does not match greases are used to make sure that Torque figures
they contain no sensor damaging and thread form
the specification of the original part
ingredients. information:
could result in poor running, record a
fault code or cause the MIL (malfunc- Tighten the sensor to the recomm- M18 x 1.5mm
tion indicator lamp) to illuminate, ended torque to ensure correct - 35 ~ 45Nm
telling the driver that there is a sealing, a good earth via the exhaust M12 x 1.5mm
problem in the system. (if applicable) and not to over stress - 18 ~ 23Nm
Sensors live in a harsh environment the metal shell. Before connecting
and corrosion of the exhaust and the multi-plug, check the vehicle
side connector for damage,
oil contamination and corrosion.
13
Why should
I choose
NTK when
replacing
a sensor?
NTK Sensors always

match or exceed Original
Equipment specification
Saves considerable time when
compared to fitting universal
types
NTK sensors have a factory

fitted connector and all the
necessary grommets, harness
NTK sensors are always
compatible with On Board
Diagnostic Systems
clips and protective sheath as
supplied with the original part.
Have confidence in fitting
sensors made by World’s
Every sensor has a

full functional test at
the factory
largest sensor manufacturer
The connection at the vehicle

harness can be a problem
area, this connection is
remade when using the NTK
sensor
Its not possible for water

to ingress the sensor body
or electrical connections
14
What does NTK is continually developing

faster acting and more
Cars are not the only source of
engine pollution; any device that
the future accurate sensors for cars.

Ideas such as a sensor that is
uses the internal combustion engine
will create pollution. It has been
established by independent research
hold for energised remotely as the
driver approaches the vehicle
that one hour’s use of a typical lawn
mower creates as much pollution as
sensors? could help reduce emissions
even further.
driving a modern car for approxi-
mately 100 miles. Small engines
are used on many horticultural and
industrial applications such as lawn
mowers, chainsaws and generators.
NTK’s innovative engineers are
continually striving to develop
lighter and more compact sensors
with simple control systems that are
suitable for use with smaller engines.
Other pollution control sensors

manufactured by NTK include NOx
detectors, exhaust gas temperature
sensors, air quality sensors and
hydrogen sensors. Whatever direction
engine design takes, NTK’s relentless
research into the vital area of
pollution reduction will continue to
assist in providing cleaner air for the
environment.
Carburettor Air filter
Air valve
Motor
Operation of a Lambda sensor

carburettor type
petrol engine
with a regulated
Engine control unit
catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
15
NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd.

Maylands Avenue
Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire
HP2 4SD England
Tel: 01442 281000

Fax: 01442 281001
www.ngkntk.co.uk
For up-to-date information

about Lambda sensors go to:
www.ngkntk.co.uk

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What is a Lambda sensor?

What is a Lambda sensor?

Why do cars need a Lambda sensor?

Why do cars need a Lambda sensor?

Lambda_20Qs_Final1.

qxd 3/10/07 10:48 Page 2

1. What is a Lambda sensor? 3

What is A LAMBDA SENSOR is a device

Why do WITH SO MANY vehicles in use

cars need pollutants produced by the

As a result of the function of the

What does IN ORDER for a catalyst to

the Lambda gases efficiently it must be

To achieve this an engine needs

Is there LAMBDA SENSORS have been

more than their initial fitment in the

sensor? strategies for automotive

How does INSIDE the sensor there is a

the Zirconia body made from zirconium

At temperatures in excess of 300°C

Insulator Zirconia element

How is EXTERNALLY these sensors can

the Titania however the sensor body may

How the Titania sensor works

Ceramic holder Signal cable R

Why do EARLY SENSOR designs

sensors the sensor and the exhaust

NTK’s wide band sensors have five

Zirconia Binary Titania

THE SENSOR needs to reach To combat this delay, heated exhaust

What is a SOME YEARS AGO NTK designed

wide band air fuel ratios well away from

These sensors are also known as

UEGO wide band Lambda sensor

Which cars MOST ENGINES and catalysts

use wide efficiently when running with

How does THESE SENSORS are manu-

the wide technology producing a wafer

What is a With a sensor fitted upstream

diagnostic control of the fuelling system

By installation of another oxygen

European On Board Diagnostics

How often LAMBDA SENSORS are designed

should the hostile environment with

sensor be in contact with corrosive

renewed? Lambda sensors have high life

How can SIMPLY take a look at the

I identify catalogue, where our full list of

which This information is also featured

O = Oxygen Sensor Sensor connector &

For fault A SIMPLE visual check of the sensor could

diagnosis The following images show some typical problems

Frayed or broken Replace with new

Cable seal is loosened Replace with new

Sensor is bent Replace with

Water in the connector Replace with new

Soot deposits Diagnose and correct

How can THE IDEAL WAY to test a

NTK Sensors always

NTK sensors have a factory

Every sensor has a

The connection at the vehicle

Its not possible for water