What is a lambda probe (sensor)?

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It’s a part that may have turned up during a visit to your workshop. The lambda probe or lambda probe is a part that is located in the exhaust. This sensor measures the oxygen content of the exhaust gases and transmits this to the car’s computer system. With this information, the computer can then say something meaningful about the relationship between oxygen and fuel. An optimal ratio between these usually leads to cleaner combustion, more comfortable engine operation and optimal performance.

So far, only petrol engines have been equipped with a lambda probe, but from 2016 it can also be found in diesel vehicles. A well-functioning lambda probe is therefore important for comfortable driving. It only happens regularly that this part becomes dirty, for example when too many short distances are covered by car.

Fortunately, it is possible to clean a lambda probe without any technical knowledge. When using a catalyst cleaner, the lambda probe is also cleaned. It is important to have a long drive of at least 20 minutes after the addition, during which the engine warms up well. Occasionally revving up the engine makes it easier to loosen the dirt. The advantage here is that the rest of the fuel system is also cleaned!