Ignition parts specialist NGK is the world’s largest manufacturer of Lambda sensors and under the NTK vehicle electronics brand name, the company supplies a comprehensive range of Lambda sensors to the Irish automotive aftermarket.

With its broad OE experience NGK is encouraging garages to choose carefully when it comes to replacement of these vital components. Tim Howes, Deputy General Manager, Supply Chain & Technical Service, at NGK explains that it is not possible to define what the service life of a Lambda sensor should be due to the very different conditions that each vehicle experiences under different drivers. However, due to the hostile environment in which they work, sensors are subject to a degree of wear and tear and ageing.

Tim says, ”We recommend that the function of the sensor is checked every 20,000 miles or annually. The emissions check as part of the current NCT test samples the exhaust gases to monitor the efficiency of the engine, exhaust system and engine control systems. The Lambda sensor is a vital part of this system and its function is therefore influenced by many other components.” He adds, "A malfunction of an associated part may directly affect the performance of a sensor. An oscilloscope and gas analyser is a much more accurate way of assessing sensor performance than relying on fault codes alone. Garages should look for slow response times, output range and heater function.”

A further issue Tim raises is contamination from poor quality oils and fuel, which remain in the exhaust gasses and can become deposited on the sensor element affecting its operation. Even coolant or oil leaking from an engine can enter the wiring and compromise electrical connections and even reach the sensor element and affect sensor operation.

When it comes to replacement garages can sometime believe that a ‘Universal’ sesor will be as good as a ‘Bespoke’ Lambda sensors. A ‘universal’ Lambda sensor is designed to cover as many applications as possible by splicing in the old connector from the unit being replaced. This can cause many potential problems and subsequent premature failure risk is increased. There is also the problem of breakage of sometimes brittle clips and clamps which can require re-using.

Bespoke, OE quality Lambda sensors, such as those from NTK, are ready to install and offer considerable advantages over ’universal’ types. They come complete with any necessary fittings and grommets and no requirement to use ‘old’ connectors, which may be corroded or damaged.

As Tim points out, installation times can be halved with the confidence of compatibility and reliability. So, for all these reasons motor factors should always recommend that their workshop customers go with a bespoke OE quality NTK Lambda sensor.