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lambda Sensor

Printed From: Bavarian-Board.co.uk - BMW Owners Discussion Forum
Category: Regional & Specific Forums
Forum Name: Irish Forum
Forum Discription: where Irish members can discuss upcoming events, etc.
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=47171
Printed Date: 03-May-2024 at 07:52


Topic: lambda Sensor
Posted By: venomousXFROG
Subject: lambda Sensor
Date Posted: 10-September-2010 at 20:12

Hey everyone .

Engine light came on today , brought to the local mechanic , put it on the diagnostics and said it was the lambda sensor . A few questions

Wat causes this ? is it an easy fix ? rough estimate to repair ? what effect does it have on the car , whats the purpose of the sensor ?

Thanks for any advice .



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Drive it like you stole it



Replies:
Posted By: Andrew Rolland
Date Posted: 13-September-2010 at 08:20

What car have you got?

The six cylinder units have two lambda sensors.  If it is a 6 pot you will need to know which one it is.

A lambda sensor measures hydrocarbons in the exhaust gasses.  It then sends signals to the ECU to control the fuel going to the cylinders to ensure that the correct amount of hydrocarbons are coming out of the exhaust.  A faulty lambda sensor can lead to incorrect fuelling so the engine wont run right.  Incorrect signals from the lambda sensor will thow on the engine management light.

New sensor is about £60.  Relatively simple to replace if you have the right tool and provided it isn't seized solid in the manifold pipework.



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Current
'13 62 F10 535i MSport Auto

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Posted By: venomousXFROG
Date Posted: 13-September-2010 at 10:21

Thanks Andrew for the info .

Its a 1999 E46 1.9..... got a price today for 80eur parts and labour . the mechanic said its a universal sensor and will work fine , should i sitck with OEM or will the universal sensor be just as good ?



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Drive it like you stole it


Posted By: MBmw
Date Posted: 14-September-2010 at 20:12
Lambda sensors often show faults if there is something wrong upstream,like
a vacuum leak,more often than not they are not the fault.***Make sure the
sensor is checked on live data first*** And do not use a universal sensor.OE
or a well known brand like Bosch



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