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NTK lists the main differences between broadband lambda probes and conventional probes.
The company also gives tips to mechanics on how to change these components should be carried out
São Paulo, setembro de 2024- Desde o final dos anos 90, Automotive fuel injection systems have started to incorporate oxygen sensors, Known as lambda probes, responsible for adjusting the air-fuel mixture and keeping it close to the ideal to optimize performance, Fuel consumption and reduce emissions. With the advancement of regulations on pollutant emissions and the demand for greater energy efficiency, Many vehicles adopt a sensor called a linear probe or broadband probe. The NKT, brand of Niterra, Japanese multinational that also owns the NGK brand and specializes in components for ignition systems, explains the differences between broadband lambda probes and conventional probes.
1- Measurement accuracy: enquanto as sondas convencionais fornecem uma medição com menor precisão, Detecting if the mixture is rich or poor, Broadband probes measure the exact Lambda value with high precision (λ), allowing for more precise adjustments to the air/fuel mixture, possibilitando que o motor trabalhe sempre na melhor condição de operação com menor consumo e emissões de poluentes.
2- Air/fuel mixture control: Offers precise and detailed mixing control, automatically adjusting to different engine speed and load conditions. The system continuously checks and adjusts to maintain optimal mixing.
3- Efficiency and emissions: contributes significantly to the reduction of pollutant emissions and improves fuel efficiency. More efficient burning results in lower environmental impact and improved fuel economy.
4- Response Time: has a faster and more accurate response time, allowing near real-time adjustments to the air/fuel mixture with a high degree of accuracy.
5- Applications and compatibility: They track details like the number of unique visitors, Broadband lambda sensors are employed in vehicles that have direct injection systems, turbocharged and meet the strictest emission standards.
The big difference between the probes is in the principle of operation, The conventional probe, works with an average of the air/fuel mixture, Broadband probes, on the other hand, work with an accurate measurement of the air/fuel mixture, Providing precise control of the injection system.
Replacing lambda sensors
Oxygen sensors should be replaced when they fail. There is no maintenance or repair, and it is necessary to replace it when necessary. In this sense, mechanics must pay attention to technological developments that have changed the diagnosis of injection systems: em vez de um sinal oscilante entre 0 e 1 volt, for conventional probes, New injection systems calculate exactly the best lambda value, with the probe measuring the mixture without the traditional signal oscillation.
“Enquanto os sensores antigos fornecem uma tensão de 0 a 1 volt, Linear probes generate a current in milliamps converted to lambda values by the scanner", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant. "These probes have specific processors for each type of engine, making them not adaptable to other applications. The adoption of linear probes and the change in electronic motor management require continuous updating of professionals, reflecting the need to adapt to new technologies. A verificação do correto funcionamento da sonda lambda deve ser realizado anualmente ou a cada 30.000km.”
In case of damaged probes, the NTK may show signs of problems, as the indication on the fault light panel in the injection system (LIM lamp), increased fuel consumption and imbalance in the optimal air-to-fuel ratio. Furthermore, There may be difficulties in identifying the type of fuel in flex fuel vehicles.