Over time engines not only develop faults, but also become tired, meaning performance is reduced and the car seems sluggish. Niterra, the company behind NGK ignition components and NTK electronics says one way to rectify this is by fitting new lambda sensors. 

If an engine warning light is on, or there are other symptoms of poor performance, fitting new lambda sensors can offer a range of immediate benefits, including; better performance, reduced emissions and increased economy. For garages new sensors can also bring improved diagnostic and repair rates thanks to accurate readings for the engine control unit. 

With a range of 986-part numbers from OE to IAM giving 76 percent coverage of European vehicles in operation (source: TecDoc) NTK is the number one lambda choice of most of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers. 

Becca Knight, Marketing Manager for NTK brand owner Niterra UK Ltd, said, “As the leading supplier of lambda sensors both for OEMs and the aftermarket, Niterra is continually improving its sensors to make engines cleaner and more efficient and we can enable installers to select the correct sensor for each vehicle application.” 

Becca added, “Many part numbers are brought into the aftermarket from the OE side of our business so motorists can be confident that their engines are fitted with components which meet or exceed vehicle manufacturers’ specifications. Garages are able to ’fit and forget’ the sensors safe in the knowledge that the vehicle will have fast and accurate readings for optimum engine management”.

“We pride ourselves on not only providing a superb range of OE-quality sensors which can be sourced easily through Part Finder on our website but also providing the necessary technical support and training via our online NGK Academy which has 270+ technical training videos that can be accessed easily by technicians between jobs 24/7.”

Niterra advises garages to fit a new NTK lambda sensor whenever they replace a vehicle’s catalytic convertor as a worn or failed sensor can result in drastically reduced control of the fuelling system which could result in increased fuel consumption, uneven running, generally poor performance or failure of NCT emission tests. The company also advises against fitting so called universal sensors has these often have fitting issues and high failure rates. 

NTK has developed a variety of sensor types have been developed catering to specific applications. They include broadband sensors and lambda sensors whose electric resistance changes depending on the air-fuel ratio.

NTK experts also provide useful technical tips. For example, sometimes a fault code issue can be solved by fitting a new sensor, however, upon the removal of the sensor, technicians should closely inspect the inside of the connector for any oil contamination. On some vehicle models it is known for an engine oil leak to allow oil to enter the wiring loom. This can then migrate to other areas of the loom via capillary action. 

Secondly, sometimes fault codes are recorded for lambda ‘sensor 2’ (rear). Garages sometimes say the sensor they need has more wires than the one supplied. NOx sensors always have more wires than a Lambda sensor and outwardly are very similar in appearance, the lambda sensor will be close by so technicians need to be aware of this.  

The lambda sensors are part of the NTK family that includes NOx, MAF/MAP, camshaft and crankshaft and EGT sensors, EGR valves and the recently introduced Exhaust Pressure Sensors, comprising differential, absolute and high-pressure sensors.

To discover more about NTK products and services please visit www.ngkntk.com/uk