The engine management system of a modern car provides for a number of sensors that collect information about how well one or another of its units functions. Thanks to them, the electronic "brain" of the machine has the ability to make certain adjustments to the operation of the power unit.
One of such information devices is an oxygen sensor (lambda probe). It is installed on all cars that meet environmental standards above Euro-2, including domestic cars.
In this article we will talk about the purpose, functions, design and malfunctions of the lambda probe on the example of "Lada Kalina".
Where does this name come from
In order for a gasoline engine to work as efficiently as possible with minimal fuel consumption, it needs an ideal (stoichiometric) combustible mixture. The ratio of air to gasoline in it should be 14.7 to 1. The indicated amount of oxygen for automakers is usually denoted by the Greek letter βΞ»β (lambda).
The role of the lambda probe
An oxygen sensor is installed on one of the elements of the exhaust system. Usually this is a collector or front pipe. Its sensitive element is placed so that it is in constant interaction with exhaust gases.
The task of the probe is to determine the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. He informs about this the electronic engine control unit. The latter, in turn, based on the data of the lambda probe, as well as the mass air flow sensor (DMRV), corrects the amount of fuel supplied to the intake manifold.
But car manufacturers thus do not so much care that your car consumes less fuel, but rather that it meets the mandatory environmental requirements. Without this, the car simply will not get off the assembly line. The oxygen sensor is very important here, because if the engine consumes the perfect fuel mixture, the amount of harmful impurities in the exhaust gases will be minimized.
Where is the oxygen sensor on the Kalina
As for the location of the lambda probe, then in the "Kalina" it is installed on the exhaust manifold (pants). But there is one caveat. If your car meets the environmental friendliness of Euro-3 and above, i.e. refers to the latest modifications, it has not one, but two oxygen probes installed: a control and a diagnostic one.
The first, as was said, is located on the exhaust manifold. It is he who performs the above functions. And where is the other?
A diagnostic oxygen sensor is installed after the converter. βKalinaβ with its help controls the first probe, and if it fails, the electronic unit will immediately notify the driver.
How is the lambda probe
The Kalina oxygen sensor has a simple design, the basis of which are two electrodes coated with zirconium dioxide. They are placed in that part of the body that fits inside the exhaust system element, and are protected from above by a perforated steel screen. The contacts are connected to the sensor connector through which it is connected to the control unit. The probe design is enclosed in a metal case with a thread and a skirt for a wrench in the lower part. Some modifications of modern sensors are additionally equipped with electric heaters. They are necessary in order for the device to start functioning from the first seconds of starting the engine. Without them, it is included in the work only after the temperature inside the collector reaches 300-400 0 C.
The diagnostic probe has the same design as the control oxygen concentration sensor. "Kalina" in this regard wins due to the fact that these devices are interchangeable.
Principle of operation
The operation of the lambda probe, regardless of its modification and the make (model) of the car, is built on the potential difference between its electrodes. In other words, the electronic control unit determines how much the voltage supplied by it to the oxygen sensor changes . Kalina is no exception. Its probe is capable of detecting voltage fluctuations at the contacts within 50-90 mV. A low signal indicates that the fuel mixture is too lean, i.e. it has a lot of oxygen, and vice versa, the higher the voltage, the richer the mixture entering the cylinders.
As already mentioned, the lambda probe begins to work only after warming up to 300-400 0 C. Before that, the electronic control unit does not take into account its readings. In the first minutes of engine operation, the concentration of the fuel mixture is calculated based on the data of the mass air flow sensors, coolant temperature, throttle position and crankshaft speed. When the probe warms up to the desired temperature, and this takes 5-7 minutes, the electronic control unit includes its indicators in the general formula for calculating the amount of fuel.
Oxygen Sensor Symptoms
A malfunction of the Kalina oxygen sensor and its owner can result in more serious problems. The fact is that without it the engine works in emergency mode, and this is fraught not only with increased fuel consumption and violation of environmental standards, but also with the occurrence of such a phenomenon as detonation. In order to prevent this, it is important to know what signs your βLada Kalinaβ can supply, the oxygen sensor in which has failed. Symptoms of a malfunction of a lambda probe can be:
- βCHECKβ warning light constantly on the dashboard;
- noticeable decrease in power;
- floating idle;
- increase in fuel consumption.
Decryption of codes of possible errors
More accurate diagnostics of the lambda probe can be carried out using an electronic tester connected to the engine control unit. Having read the errors from it, you can already say for sure whether something else broke, or just the oxygen sensor. "Kalina" about the malfunction of the lambda probe can report the following codes:
- P0130 - an incorrect signal is received from the first sensor;
- P0133 - the device delivers too weak an impulse;
- P0134 - the first sensor does not give a signal at all;
- P0135 - probe heater is defective (if provided by design);
- P0136 - the second oxygen sensor "Kalina" closes to "mass";
- P0140 - open circuit in the second probe.
Modifications of lambda probes for Kalina
If you find a malfunction of the lambda probe, hurry to replace it. This, of course, will cost you dearly (about 2500 rubles), but with a broken sensor it is better not to drive. Before replacing the device, ask what oxygen sensor in Kalina is installed from the factory. It is this model that should be bought for a replacement.
The first Kalin models that meet Euro-2 standards were equipped with Bosch probes (catalog number 0 258 005 133). The same sensors were used for later models as the first probe.
Currently, devices of the same Bosch company are used more often, but modifications 0 258 006537 are already used. They differ from previous sensors by the presence of a heating element.
Replacing the oxygen sensor on Kalina
In order to replace the lambda probe, it is not necessary to contact the service. If you are sure of its malfunction and have already bought a new device, you can install it yourself. To do this, you will need:
- a key on "10";
- anti-rust fluid (WD-40 or equivalent);
- the key is on "22".
The order of the work is as follows:
- The car is installed on a flat platform. If the engine is hot, let it cool.
- Using the key on "10", unscrew the bolt on the "negative" terminal of the battery. Remove the terminal.
- We find the sensor, disconnect the connector with the power wires from it.
- We process the junction of the probe with the collector with anti-rust fluid. We give her time to "work."
- The key to "22" unscrew the sensor. In its place, install a new one. We connect the connector.
- We connect the "negative" terminal to the battery, fix it.
That, in principle, is all the work. Now it remains to start the engine and check its idle speed. If the signal lamp goes out, and the power unit began to work with a noticeable improvement, it means that you and I did everything right.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated either in the device or in replacing the Lada Kalina oxygen sensor. It is only important to notice the malfunction in time and eliminate it. And so that the lambda probe of your car serves as long as possible, refuel it with high-quality fuel.