Niterra, owner of the brands NGK and NTK, Shows the differences between pre- and post-catalyst lambda sensors

The company explains that the pre-catalyst is responsible for optimizing the air/fuel mixture, while the post-catalyst monitors the efficiency of the equipment

 ;

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, Shows the main differences between pre- and post-catalyst lambda sensors - Indispensable components of the injection system. Probes work together, however, they play different roles in optimizing the performance and proper maintenance of vehicles, as well as the reduction of polluting gas emissions.

 ;

Lambda sensor pre-catalyst

The pre-catalyst lambda sensor is responsible for providing information to the injection module, Assisting in the precise control of the injection time of the system. Its main purpose is to evaluate the burning quality of the air/fuel mixture, allowing the injection system to make the necessary adjustments to the injection time by measuring the amount of residual oxygen in the exhaust manifold. This action results in better control of the air/fuel mixture, Ensuring efficient engine operation.

 ;

"It is important to note that the pre-catalyst lambda sensor does not have the function of improving engine performance, but evaluate the condition of the mixture", explains Hiromori Mori, Technical Assistance Consultant at Niterra do Brasil. "A well-functioning probe provides the injection module with fast and accurate information. On the other hand, Its aging can increase response time, making it more difficult to adjust the mixture."

 ;

Improper mixture adjustments can lead to more fuel consumption, Loss of performance, increase in emissions of polluting gases, and formation of residues in the combustion chamber, Candles & Catalyst, reducing the life of these components. "It's fundamental, starting difficulties and irregular idling already indicate a marked wear of the spark plug, conduct an annual evaluation of the injection system as a whole", recommends Mori.

 ;

Lambda sensor after catalyst

The post-catalyst lambda sensor, on the other hand, has a different purpose: Its main function is to check the efficiency of the catalyst. By means of your sign, The injection module identifies if the catalyst is losing efficiency, which results in the injection lamp lighting up (LIM), that alerts the driver to the need to look for a specialized mechanic. Problems throughout the injection system can also trigger LIM ignition.

 ;

"The post-catalytic converter lambda sensor is designed to continuously monitor the efficiency of the catalytic converter and does not contribute to improving vehicle emissions. Nonetheless, It performs an essential job by indicating to the injection system when the catalytic converter is not working properly", says Mori. "This approach makes it possible for car owners to take steps to repair the vehicle in time, avoiding additional costs and negative environmental impacts."

 ;

The signal from the post-catalyst probe can be used to verify that the first probe is functioning properly. During an acceleration, When the injection system enriches the mixture, Both probes should indicate a rich mixture. During a deceleration, Known as Engine Brake, Fuel injection is interrupted, resulting in a poor mix, that should be reflected in both probes. The coherence of the probe signals in these scenarios is evaluated by the injection module, Ensuring the verification of the pre-catalyst probe.

Taking into account the importance of pre- and post-catalytic converter probes for the overall operation of the vehicle, drivers have at their disposal a wide range of high-quality lambda sensors and advanced technology from the NTK brand. "We supply lambda sensors to automakers as original equipment and have a wide range of these components for other vehicles in the aftermarket with an extensive distribution network for easy consumer access.", affirms Mori.

 ;

NTK also offers broadband probes, Also known as linear probes, which provide much more precise control of the mixture and are applied in vehicles with direct fuel injection and turbo systems, as well as a wide range of sensors for a wide range of automotive applications. Beyond the lambda sensor, NTK launched seven segmented lines containing fuel level sensors this year, temperature, ABS, rotation, speed, TPS (butterfly position) and MAP (absolute pressure), that reaffirm the brand's commitment to mechanics and increase its portfolio with high-quality products within the aftermarket.