KBM Systems Ltd.
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Lambda Manager Software
Testing Oxygen Sensors for Fuel Contamination and Poor Performance
The lambda sensor is the essential sensor in the emission control system of your vehicle. Its function is to continually monitor the exhaust gas produced by the combustion of fuel and air. The sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold downpipe before the catalytic converter or between the exhaust manifold and the catalytic converter. It generates a voltage signal proportional to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced by the vehicle's engine. If the mixture supplied is too rich in fuel then CO reading will be high. Likewise, if the fuel content in the mixture is too low (lean) then the CO reading will be low. Having plenty of fuel (running rich) the engine will try to burn as much of the fuel as possible, using up all available oxygen. However, if there is not enough fuel to maintain a correct burn then the excess oxygen will pass into the exhaust system. This is the basic principle of fuel management in a closed loop fuel system.
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Rich mixture = High CO = Low Oxygen
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Weak mixture = Low CO = High Oxygen
The Lambda Manager program will take live readings from your lambda sensors and fuel system and inform you of the state of the system.
The speed with which the lambda sensor reacts to oxygen changes in the exhaust is very important for accurate fuel control, peak fuel economy and low emissions. The air/fuel mixture in an older carburetted engine doesn't change as quickly as that in a throttle body fuel-injected vehicle, so response time is less critical. But in new engines with multipoint fuel injection, the air/fuel mixture can change extremely quickly, requiring a rapid response from the oxygen sensor.
Failing or defective Lambda sensors cause problems, for instance high fuel consumption, difficult vehicle handling or failing the exhaust gas test.
An additional consequence of any oxygen sensor failure may be damage to the catalytic converter. A rich operating condition causes the converter to run hotter than normal. If the converter gets hot enough, the catalyst substrate inside may actually melt forming a partial or complete blockage. The result can be a drastic drop in highway performance or stalling because of a build up of back pressure in the exhaust system.
| Common Lambda Sensor Failures | |||
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| Antifreeze | Lead |
Rich Fuel or Fuel Contamination |
Silicone |
Lambda sensors are usually tested by means of an oscilloscope. But now all you need is the Lambda Manager software and an OBDKey vehicle interface scan tool. This software program can detect and report your lambda sensor readings and fuel management system status.
Program Features
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Tests all types of lambda (oxygen) sensors, including zirconium and titanium
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Works on all oxygen sensors from single wire up to four wire.
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For heated or unheated oxygen sensors.
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Numeric Sensor Display shows Max. Voltage, Min. Voltage and Switching Frequency in Hertz.
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Graphic Sensor Display shows a sensor switching in real time at eliminating the need for an oscilloscope.
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Diagnostic Mode automatically checks the condition of the sensor returning a definitive result in 10 seconds. If a sensor is not good Lambda Manager will indicate a cause such as high voltage, low voltage or failed frequency.
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Works with OBDKey Vehicle Interface Device
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No need to disconnect lambda sensor circuits. Connection is made via the OBD socket.
Lambda Manager Introduction Screen
(click for larger image)
Lambda Manager Main Screen (click
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Available for purchase
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