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How a Lambda Sensor Works

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Oxygen sensor

Video tutorial

This video explains how a Lambda sensor is constructed and how it performs its measurement. Its role is to detect the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases and compare it with the oxygen in the air. There are three types, but the most commonly used in the market is the zirconium dioxide type, which requires an internal heater to reach its operating temperature (400°C). There are two Lambda sensors: one upstream and one downstream of the catalyst.

They measure the difference between the oxygen in the exhaust gases and the oxygen in the air. If the difference is low, it means the combustion mixture is very rich. (The exact ratio would be 14.7 to 1) The sensor informs the ECU that the mixture is too rich and implements its strategies to control the fuel mixture by increasing or decreasing the amount of petrol.

If the Lambda sensor fails, the engine light (or MIL) will illuminate; additionally, there may be fluctuations in acceleration, and you will notice that the vehicle behaves strangely because the sensor is not providing accurate data to the ECU.


Updated on 1 September 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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