A lambda sensor, also known as an oxygen sensor, is a device used to measure the amount of oxygen in an engine’s exhaust gas. This information is then used to adjust the air-fuel ratio, which is the ratio of air to fuel in the engine’s combustion chamber. The lambda sensor is an important part of the engine management system, as it helps to ensure that the engine is running efficiently and cleanly.
There are two main types of lambda sensors: narrowband and wideband. Narrowband sensors are less expensive and are used in most vehicles. They can only measure the air-fuel ratio within a narrow range, typically from 14.7:1 to 16:1. Wideband sensors are more expensive but can measure the air-fuel ratio over a wider range, typically from 10:1 to 20:1. They are used in some high-performance vehicles and in vehicles that are equipped with advanced engine management systems.
