Niterra, owner of the brands NGK and NTK, Highlights 8 problems caused by lambda probe failures

The brand also lists the main points that shorten the useful life of the component responsible for monitoring the level of oxygen in the exhaust gases after combustion

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São Paulo, October 2023 - Niterra, Japanese multinational owner of the NGK and NTK brands and specialist in components for ignition systems and sensors for injection systems, highlights eight problems caused by lambda sensor malfunctions that can affect vehicle performance.

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Also known as an oxygen sensor, The lambda sensor plays a key role for the car's electronic injection system. Through Your Information, Catalysts work more efficiently, Reducing emissions of environmental pollutants, as well as improving fuel consumption. Installed on the exhaust manifold, Its main function is to monitor the concentration of residual oxygen in the exhaust gases, allowing the engine to be injected with the amount of fuel that is closest to the ideal.

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"This is an essential component for the optimization of electronic injection systems, since it allows precise adjustments in the amount of fuel injected", explains Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant.

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Check out the eight problems highlighted by Niterra that can arise as a result of lambda sensor failures:

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1 - Increased fuel consumption

2 - Increase in emissions of polluting gases

3 - Illumination of the injection fault indicator light (LIM lamp)

4 - Difficulty in adjusting the A/F (Air-to-fuel ratio) in flex-fuel vehicles

5 - Difficulty in adjusting gas equipment in cars converted to use vehicular natural gas (CNG)

6 - Reduced spark plug and catalyst life due to contamination, in the case of a mixture that is too rich in fuel

7 - Accumulation of residues in the combustion chamber, in the case of a mixture that is too rich in fuel

8 - Problem in identifying low catalyst efficiency.

According to Mori, the problems pointed out by Niterra highlight the extreme importance of keeping the lambda sensor in perfect condition, as its failure can affect various aspects of the vehicle. "To avoid them, The driver should be aware of issues that shorten the life of the components, such as the use of poor quality fuel, Burning of lubricating oil due to engine or turbine wear, water infiltration into the combustion chamber and impact breaks", list.

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In the case of a damaged lambda sensor, It may show signs of malfunction, such as the illumination of the injection failure indicator light (LIM lamp), Increased fuel consumption and loss of the optimal air-to-fuel ratio, as well as difficulties in recognizing the type of fuel in flex-fuel vehicles.

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"When the driver identifies these signs, It is highly recommended that he have the injection system evaluated by a trusted mechanic.", affirms Mori. "It is crucial to subject the lambda sensor to annual testing. If any fault is detected, it should be replaced with a new part." In this scenario, drivers can rely on a wide selection of NTK lambda sensors, as well as a diverse line of the brand's sensors, that offer the aftermarket high-tech solutions for the vehicle.