In the article we will talk about how to clean the lambda probe with your own hands. The design of a modern car contains a large number of sensors. And everyone is responsible for measuring certain parameters. The data received by the sensors are sent to the electronic control unit. It allows you to generate commands that adjust the engine to the desired conditions.
What sensors are placed on the car?
The following sensors are installed on modern cars:
- Speed.
- Temperature.
- Sveta.
- Oxygen (also called lambda probe).
- Oil pressure.
The oxygen sensor will be discussed in the article. The lambda probe allows you to perform several important functions at once. It significantly improves engine performance due to the fact that the fuel is correctly dosed. Also, with its help, the harmfulness of the exhaust gas is reduced. And more precisely, it can improve the catalyst, significantly extends its life.
Sensor Design Features
There is nothing complicated in the design. There are two electrodes - external and internal. On the outside there is platinum spraying. This significantly increases its sensitivity to the measured gas - oxygen. The inner element is made of zirconium.
The exhaust gas passes through the active part of the part, while the external electrode fixes the oxygen content in it. The electronic control unit understands how much oxygen is in the exhaust tract according to what is the potential difference between the internal and external parts.
Some devices use heating elements. The problem is that normal operation of the sensor is possible only at a very high temperature - about 600 degrees.
Varieties of sensors
There are two types of oxygen sensors:
- Broadband
- Two point.
We mentioned the latter a little higher. Two-point allows measurement inside the exhaust tract and outside. As for broadband, they operate on a different principle. Oxygen is pumped into the device, when the current strength changes, a signal is sent to the corresponding input of the control unit.
Do I need a cleaning?
As you can see, the operation of the lambda probe is quite important, without it the engine will not be able to function correctly and economically. Yes, it is in order to save fuel and reduce toxicity that this device is installed on a car. The lambda probe can be cleaned with phosphoric acid. But this is necessary if contamination of the active elements has occurred.
During prolonged use, even under absolutely ideal conditions, carbon deposits accumulate on the electrodes, which interferes with measurements. It should be noted that for some cars the cost of a lambda probe can reach up to 30-40 thousand rubles. Therefore, in order not to waste money on expensive repairs, it is recommended to perform timely maintenance and cleaning. You can do it yourself, no problems during the work will arise.
Sensor removal
Before cleaning the lambda probe with acid, you need to prepare. The most important thing is that you cannot treat surfaces with any abrasive compounds or brushes (even soft ones). Any physical impact can damage the integrity of expensive platinum spraying. Of course, after such a cleaning, the oxygen sensor will not work.
It is recommended to use phosphoric acid during the work. It is able to remove all soot as delicately as possible; no harm will be done to active parts. But first you have to disassemble the lambda probe. This can be done on a lathe. Try not to damage the element, since it is unrealistic to restore it. Only thin incisors should be used. Cut off the cap with their help and remove all wiring.
What's next?
After disassembling the device, you need to find the ceramic rod in its design. It is he who will have to be cleaned: apply a little phosphoric acid to the surface using an ordinary paint brush. But it is forbidden to completely immerse the sensor in acid, as this can only do harm.
If the level of contamination is high, then the rod will be brown or black. Cleaning should be stopped after the shaft turns gray. This suggests that all the dirt came off the surface. The effect of acid on pollution does not start immediately, you must wait 15-20 minutes. Next, you need to clean the lambda probe with running water. And do not forget to dry the item well before assembly and installation on the car.
And if there is no lathe?
It should be noted that it is not always possible to use a lathe. And to cut off the cap with a hacksaw for metal is unlikely to succeed accurately, you can accidentally damage the active part of the sensor. And then only the replacement of the device will help. A problem may arise when installing the cap in its old place, because special requirements are also imposed on this process, which it is not always possible to fulfill.
To qualitatively and reliably weld a cap (the one that you cut on a lathe), you must use argon welding, a simple one will not help. In the event that it is not possible to use either a lathe or argon welding, the lambda probe must be cleaned without cutting off the cap.
To do this, make two windows in the cap with a file. Next, you just need to rinse the element without completely disassembling it. Of course, the quality of cleaning will turn out to be much worse, but nevertheless, most of the carbon deposits will go away. After carrying out the work, you need to put the sensor in place and carry out the monitoring using a diagnostic scanner. Please note that cleaning the sensor is only a last resort, when you find deviations in normal functioning.
The sensor plays a very important role in the operation of the motor. It increases its productivity due to the correct dosing of the amount of air supplied and significantly prolongs its life. Unstable operation can adversely affect the dynamics of the car. But nevertheless, cleaning is an extreme measure, which is applied only in case of detection of very serious failures.