Lambda (Oxygen) Sensor

@Autogurukul
Stoichiometry

@Autogurukul
 Stoichiometry
A/F Ratio From Lambda

A/F = 14.71 x Lambda

@Autogurukul
 Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry in automotive terms is the principle that
refers to the “ideal” air to fuel ratio being consumed in
the cylinder.

At 14.7 pound of air to 1 pound of fuel, even pre-

converter HC, CO and NOX exhaust gases will be at
their lowest levels.

However, no vehicle can maintain a precise 14.7:1

mixture.

@Autogurukul
 Stoichiometry
Constant changes in the throttle position, engine load,
and vehicle speed cause the mixture to vary almost
constantly.

The feedback system has to adjust the mixture

constantly to keep the mixture near optimum levels.

The system keeps the air/fuel mixture close to the

ideal by constantly switching back and forth on either
side of stoichiometry.

@Autogurukul
 Stoichiometry

The engine management system is responsible for

maintaining stoichiometry allowing the catalytic
converter to operate at maximum efficiency while
maintaining minimal emissions.

The engine management system uses an oxygen

sensor in the exhaust to determine if the air/fuel
mixture is rich or lean and adjusts to compensate.

@Autogurukul
Lambda Calculation from Exhaust
Gas Measurements

Determining how close the A/F ratio

is to the stoichiometric point using
exhaust gas analysis.

@Autogurukul
 What is Lambda?
• Lambda is Oxygen Balance

 (Lambda)  Combustibl
Oxygen available
es demand for Oxygen

Lambda is the ratio of O2 available to the Combustion Process vs the

Combustibl e Demand for O2 to attain complete oxidation.

Lamdba is equal to 1.000 when O2 and Combustibl e Demand for O2

are in balance - the perfect stoichomet ric point.

@Autogurukul
 Why is Lambda Important?

• Lambda control is necessary for peak

combustion efficiency in the Engine.
• Lambda control is necessary for peak
CAT efficiency.
• Lambda Control Improves Reliability,
Fuel Economy and Lowers Emissions.

@Autogurukul
 Combustion Efficiency (CE)
• Engine out CE for Gasoline Fuel is no better
than 95%.
• Tailpipe-out CE for CAT equipped vehicles
improves to 99.0-99.5%.
– Factor of 10 improvement
– Required for Current Emission Standards
– CAT CE is very Lambda-Dependent

@Autogurukul
 16.00
Engine-Out Gas Values
15.50

15.00

14.50

14.00
% Concentration

CO2 - Carbon Dioxide

13.50

13.00

12.50

12.00

11.50

11.00
0.90 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10
Lambda

4.00

3.50

3.00

2.50
% Concentration

2.00

CO - Ca rbon Monox ide

1.50

1.00 O2 - Ox yge n

0.50
H2 - Hydroge n

0.00
0.90 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10
La mbda

@Autogurukul
 CAT Oxidation and Reduction Efficiency vs Lambda
100%

90%

80%

70%

60% Reduction Efficiency

50%

Oxidation Efficiency
40%

30%

20%

10%

0%
0.950 0.960 0.970 0.980 0.990 1.000 1.010 1.020 1.030 1.040 1.050

@Autogurukul
0.50
CAT Out Gases 1000

0.45 900

0.40 800

0.35 700

0.30 600

0.25 500

CO - Carbon Monoxide
0.20 400

0.15 300
NOx - Oxides of Nitrogen

0.10 200
H2 - Hydrogen

0.05 100

0.00 0
0.950 0.960 0.970 0.980 0.990 1.000 1.010 1.020 1.030 1.040 1.050

@Autogurukul
 3-Way CAT vs Lambda
• NOx Reduction Bed
– Requires Lambda to be not greater than 1.020.
• CO/HC Oxidation Bed
– Requires Lambda to be not less than 0.980.
• Modulation Depth
– Cycles Rich and Lean Between the Limits Above.

@Autogurukul
 Brettschneider Equation
- a balance equation that calculates
Lambda
 (Lambda)  Combustibl
Oxygen available
e demand for Oxygen

Lambda is calculated as the ratio of Oxygen available (as O2) to the

combustibl e demand for O2 to attain complete oxidation.

Lambda is equal to 1.000 when O2 and Combustibl e demand are in balance

- the perfect stoichomet ric point.

@Autogurukul
Calculating A/F Ratio from Lambda

• Lambda = 1.000 when the Oxygen available and

Combustible Oxygen demands are in balance.
• This is the point of perfect stoichometric balance.
• At this point the A/F ratio is 14.71 to 1.00 for
Gasoline.
• Thus, A/F = 14.71 x Lambda

@Autogurukul
Sensitivity to Combustion Efficiency
(Pre CAT vs Post CAT)

• Brettschneider Lambda uses all the oxygen-

bearing and combustible-bearing gases.
• Balance Equation - Calculation not affected by the
degree of oxidation.
• Method is insensitive to combustion efficiency.
• Either Pre-CAT or Post-CAT gases may be used.

@Autogurukul
 Lambda for Emissions Control

•  = 1.000 when Oxygen available and

Combustible demands are in balance.
• ECM controls =1.000 at 0.5-1.0 Cycles/Sec using
‘lambda sensor’ input.
• 3-Way CAT operation requires   0.980 to 1.020
• Lambda can be confirmed by exhaust gas
measurement, either pre or post CAT.

@Autogurukul
Lambda for Fuel Control Diagnostics

•  calculated from exhaust gas indicates air-fuel

mixture independent of the engine controls.
•  calculated from exhaust gas indicates air-fuel
mixture independent of combustion efficiency.
• Cold (Open Loop) vs Hot (Closed Loop) vs CAT
light-off operation can be evaluated.
•  can be used to tune systems which do not have
closed-loop control.

@Autogurukul
Qualifying EGA gas tightness prior to Lambda
Calculation

• High Combustion Efficiency: Measure O2 post

CAT - every 5% air leak adds 1.0% O2 to gases.
• Low Combustion Efficiency: Add CO and CO2 -
should equal 15% for Gasoline.
• Compare both Methods. If O2 indicates air
dilution - then confirm this with low CO and CO2
sum. They should agree.

@Autogurukul
 A/F Ratio From Lambda

A/F = 14.71 x Lambda

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor
Operation

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation
The oxygen sensor plays a critical role in providing optimum
engine performance with minimal emissions.

There are three basic types of oxygen sensors. They are the:

• Zirconia
• Titania
• Air Fuel

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
The Zirconia oxygen sensor produces a voltage by distributing
oxygen ions across the surface of the two platinum electrodes.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia

An ion is an electrically charged atom. Oxygen ions have a

negative charge and are attracted to the ZrO2 electrolyte. Since
the inside of the thimble-shaped electrolyte is exposed to a
much higher concentration of oxygen ions than its outer side
(exhaust side), a potential difference is created between the two
platinum electrodes.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
The platinum is used as an electrical connection point. It also
serves as a catalyst for the chemical reaction that enables the
sensor to produce a voltage. It needs about 599°F (315°C) to
completely set up the catalytic reaction of the ZrO2 electrolyte.

At temperatures below 572°F (300°C), the difference between

rich and lean voltages diminishes rapidly. This is the reason the
computer ignores the oxygen sensor signal until proper operating
temperature is achieved.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
A properly functioning zirconia oxygen sensor generates a
voltage up to one volt depending on the oxygen content in the
exhaust gas.

When the air/fuel ratio is lean, the oxygen content in the exhaust
gas is high. This will cause the oxygen sensor to produce
voltage less than 300 millivolts.

Conversely, there is less residual oxygen in the exhaust gas

when the mixture is rich. Under this condition, the oxygen
sensor will output a voltage in excess of 600 millivolts.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Zirconia

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Titania

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Titania
Many Titania sensors act similar to the Zirconia sensor. The
sensor uses a thick film of Titania at the tip of the element to
detect oxygen concentrations in the exhaust gas.

They have less than one volt when rich and close to five volts
when lean.

Titania sensors are typically used on vehicles that are likely to

be driven off-road, because they do not require a fresh air vent
that can become clogged with debris.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Titania
Some Titania oxygen sensors, as used on the Toyota Corolla
GTS (except California) - and the V-6, 2WD California truck,
operate differently in that they have close to one volt when lean
and close to zero volts when rich.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The AF sensor, also called a broadband planar sensor or Lean
Air Fuel sensor (LAF), used in some applications resembles the
heated Zirconia sensor in appearance only.

The AF sensor improves overall efficiency by keeping the fuel

control system in closed-loop during a much wider range of
driving conditions. Subsequently, instead of using
preprogrammed, open loop air/fuel ratios in many situations,
the PCM fine-tunes the mixture much more closely based on
the actual oxygen readings from the exhaust.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
AF sensors may be configured as seven-wire, five wire, or four-
wire sensors.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
AF sensors are used as the pre-catalyst (upstream) oxygen
sensors.

On a four-wire AF sensor, two wires are power and ground for

the sensor heater, and the other two wires are used for the
exhaust mixture signal.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The Air Fuel oxygen sensor heater is designed to heat the
oxygen sensor thimble to a minimum of 1200°F. This
temperature is double that of an early four-wire sensor and is
required for the AF sensor to properly sample the exhaust
oxygen content.

When the AF sensor heater is commanded on by the PCM,

approximately 8 amps of current should be flowing through the
circuit.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The PCM controls the voltage to a fixed voltage. It is difficult to
confirm the AF sensor voltage without a scan tool as the
voltages at the terminals are fixed and any change is noted
within the PCM itself.

The voltage signal is proportional to the change in the air/fuel

mixture. This allows the PCM to more accurately judge the
exact air/fuel ratio under a wide variety of conditions and quickly
adjust the amount of injector pulse.

Think of the AF sensor as a generator that is capable of

changing polarity.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The AF sensor has two zirconia elements that share a diffusion
chamber. The AF sensor is really two O2 sensors in one unit.

There are three chambers in the AF sensor:

• The first chamber contacts the exhaust flow.

• The diffusion chamber between the elements.
• The air reference chamber.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The first chamber is really the outside of the sensor, which
contacts the exhaust. The diffusion chamber is the area
between the two zirconia elements and the air reference
chamber is at the other end. The basic operating principle
behind the AF sensor is that by controlling the amount of O 2 in
the diffusion chamber, you can control its operating range.

One of the zirconia elements acts as an oxygen pump. We

discussed how a flow of oxygen ions creates a flow of electrons.
The inverse is also true. A flow of electrons applied to the
sensor causes a flow of ions. This is what happens when you
charge a car battery.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
Notice how the elements are wired in parallel, and there is a
common ground lead. This ground is a reference point for the
ECM.

Do not confuse it with the vehicle ground. In fact, if you

measure the voltage between the sensor ground and the vehicle
ground, you will see about 2.7 volts.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
For this explanation, we will distinguish the two zirconia
elements by calling one, sensor #1 and the other, sensor #2.

The ECM monitors the voltage between sensor #1 input and

the ground lead. The ECM tries to hold the voltage difference
between sensor #1 and the ground lead to 450 mV.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
When the mixture goes rich, oxygen ions flow from the diffusion
chamber to the exhaust. The voltage on sensor #1 input
increases. The ECM detects the voltage increase and reduces
the voltage on sensor #2 input.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The voltage on sensor #2 input then goes more negative than
the ground voltage. This causes sensor #2 to pump oxygen
out of the diffusion chamber into the air reference chamber.
When the oxygen content of the diffusion chamber drops, the
voltage on sensor #1 drops. At the same time that the ECM
reduces the voltage on sensor #2 input, it is also reducing fuel
delivery.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
When the mixture goes lean, oxygen ions flow from the exhaust
into the diffusion chamber. The voltage on sensor #1 input
decreases. The ECM detects the voltage decrease and
increases the voltage on sensor #2 input. The voltage on
sensor #2 input goes more positive than the ground voltage.
This causes sensor #2 to pump oxygen into the diffusion
chamber from the air reference chamber. The voltage between
sensor #1 input and ground is consistently held at 450 mV.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)
The ECM knows how rich or lean the exhaust is by how much
amperage it takes the sensor #2 input to hold sensor #1 input
voltage to 450 mV.

• Positive voltage the mixture is lean.

• Negative voltage the mixture is rich.

@Autogurukul
Oxygen Sensor Operation - Air Fuel (AF)

Lean Mixture

Zero Volts

Rich Mixture

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Oxygen Sensor
Heater

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Heater
To keep the engine operating in closed loop, an oxygen sensor
must be maintained at a minimum temperature of approximately
572°F (300°C). To help maintain this temperature, the oxygen
sensors used on OBD-II systems contain heating elements.
These elements combined with exhaust gas temperature keep
the oxygen sensor temperature at nearly 1200°F.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Heater
The PCM monitors the operation of the internal oxygen
sensor-heating element. If the heater current exceeds
approximately 2 amps (standard system) or 8 amps (AF
system), the PCM will store a pending code and enter freeze
frame data.

Two consecutive failures of the Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitor

will result in:

• A matured DTC
• MIL illumination

@Autogurukul
@Autogurukul
 OVERVIEW
OF A BASIC
AIR/FUEL SENSOR

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

The following is a simplistic explanation of how a

wideband (broad planar) Air/Fuel (A/F) Sensor
operates. This is a complicated subject area, and
not easily understood by many. In an attempt to
reduce the level of confusion, and enhance
understanding, this presentation covers just the
very basic areas of this subject. To this endeavor,
some of the more technical material was
intentionally left out of the program.

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

A simple O2 sensor is
constructed with:
•Platinum
Electrodes (2); and
•Zirconium Dioxide
element (between
the electrodes)

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION
As exhaust displaces the Low
oxygen in the exhaust pipe: O2

•The platinum electrodes

react (catalytic reaction) to
the potential difference in
oxygen content between Fresh Air
the outside air and the
inside of the exhaust pipe.
• This potential difference
creates an electrical current
(voltage).

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION
The current is developed,
because the platinum plate in
the exhaust stream will draw
oxygen (O2) ions from the fresh
air side to the exhaust, as part +
of the catalytic reaction. It is the - PCM
transfer of the O2 ions through
the platinum plates that creates
the current flow. The less O2 in O2
the exhaust, the higher the ION
Fresh Air
current flow (voltage) due to
the larger potential difference in
ion concentration from the
outside air to the inside of the
exhaust.

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

The Zirconium oxygen sensor just described worked

well for its time, but unfortunately, this type of sensor
was prone to producing wide voltage fluctuations
(above and below 450 mV), and was limited in its
range. The PCM was forced to make fuel/timing
adjustment decisions, based on an average of these
fluctuating signals. With the government requirement
for low and ultra low vehicle emissions, a more
accurate method of determining the exhaust O2
content and a wider range of Air/Fuel ratio (upwards of
23/1) was needed to achieve these new low emission
levels.
@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

A new sensor was developed,

called the wideband (broad
planar) Air/Fuel sensor. This
sensor is based on the
operation of the old O2 sensor
just discussed. This sensor is
actually two O2 sensors housed
in one area, with a common
chamber between them.

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

The wideband (broad

planar) Air/Fuel sensor
adds two chambers to
the original Zirconium
sensor:
• A Diffusion Chamber.
•An Air Reference
AIR
REFERENCE
CHAMBER
Chamber.
DIFFUSION
CHAMBER

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

Between the Diffusion

Chamber and the Air
Reference Chamber is
the second O2 sensor:
• Platinum Electrodes
(2)
• Zirconium Dioxide
Element AIR
REFERENCE
(between the electrodes) Diffusion CHAMBER

• These plates are

Chamber

wired in a parallel
circuit with the plates
to the left (exhaust
stream)

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

In this circuit, the two sensors

share a common (floating)
ground.
The sensor that is in contact Sensor #1
with the exhaust stream is
Ground (floating)
commonly referred to as the Sensor #2
“sense” (signal) cell, which we
will call Sensor #1.
The sensor in contact with the AIR
REFERENCE

Diffusion Chamber and the Air Diffusion

CHAMBER

Reference Chamber is commonly Chamber

referred to as the (Ion) “Pump”

cell, which we will call Sensor
#2.

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

System Operation:
Sensor #1 operates as a
traditional O2 sensor, sending
a high voltage signal (above
450mV) to the PCM when the Sensor #1
A/F ratio is rich (low O2) , and
low voltage signal (below 450 Ground (floating)
Sensor #2
mV) when the A/F ratio is
lean (high O2).
AIR

The purpose of the Diffusion REFERENCE

CHAMBER

Chamber and Sensor # 2, is to

counteract the change in
voltage of Sensor #1, and
keep it at 450 mV
(stoichiometric).

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

To keep Sensor # 1 at 450 mV,

requires that Sensor # 2 provide a Rich Mixture
current flow (positive or negative) (Low O2)

that will move the O2 ions in the

opposite direction that Sensor # 1 Sensor #1
has them moving (relative to
exhaust O2 content). Ground (floating)

Sensor #2
Example:
If a rich mixture enters the exhaust
stream (low O2), many O2 ions will O
AIR
REFERENCE
flow from the Diffusion Chamber, Diffusion
2
CHAMBER
Io
Chamber
through Sensor # 1, towards the n
exhaust stream. The voltage on
Sensor # 1 will rise.

@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION

When Sensor # 1 voltage rises

Rich
above 450 mV (rich mixture), Mixture
(Low O2)
the PCM reacts by providing a
negative (-) current flow on Sensor #1
Sensor # 2 to move (pump)
the O2 ions in the opposite Ground (floating)

Sensor #2
direction, back towards the
Diffusion Chamber, thus
limiting the O2 ion flow AIR

through Sensor #1. O

2
O
Diffusion
2
REFERENCE
CHAMBER
Io Io
Chamber
n n

This action brings Sensor #1

voltage down to 450 mV.

PCM Sends (-)

amp signal to
Sensor #2
@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION
When the O2 content in the
exhaust is high (lean mixture –
low O2 ion transfer), the system Lean
Mixture
reacts in the opposite manner. (High
O2)

Sensor #1 sends a low voltage Sensor #1

signal (under 450 mV) to the
PCM. The PCM sends a positive Ground (floating)
Sensor #2
(+) amperage signal to Sensor # 2,
to pump more O2 ions from the
Air Reference Chamber through O
the Diffusion Chamber, to the 2
AIR
Io
exhaust stream (through Sensor O
n
REFERENCE
CHAMBER
Diffusion
#1’s platinum plates). 2
Io
Chamber
n

This action causes more ions to

flow through Sensor #1 and
brings the voltage up to 450 mV.

PCM Sends (+)

amp signal to
Sensor #2
@Autogurukul
 A/F SENSOR OPERATION
As you can see, Sensor # 2 14.7 to 1

controls Sensor # 1’s voltage, A/F

Ratio

by applying a positive or
negative current flow. The Sensor #1
PCM monitors the current flow Ground (floating)
change on Sensor # 2, and Sensor #2
makes fuel and timing
corrections based on the size AIR
of these changes. REFERENCE
CHAMBER

If there is zero current flow on

Sensor # 2, the air/fuel ratio is
at equilibrium -(stoichiometric)

@Autogurukul
 Wide-band Air Fuel Sensor

Wide-range, WRAF Lean Air/Fuel, LAF

Wide-band, WAFR Air Fuel Ratio Sensor,
Linear Air Fuel, A/F AFS

@Autogurukul
 Wide-Band Oxygen Sensor
• allows engines to operate as;
• Lean as 23:1 (40:1)
• Rich as 10:1
• While maintaining closed-loop
operation.
• more accurately reflects the
oxygen content in the exhaust vs
a conventional oxygen sensor.

@Autogurukul
 Comparison of signals
• Regular O2 sensor only measures in a
narrow band at 14.7:1
– Worthless for low emission
vehicles!

• Wideband has a much “wider” band

to measure from 10:1 to 20:1
– Necessary for the new direct
injection fuel systems
– Necessary for clean air!

@Autogurukul
 Amperage
flows here!
Operation

Oxygen causes the Nernst cell to generate a voltage just like an ordinary O2.
The oxygen PUMP Cell compares the change in voltage to the control voltage from the PCM,
balances to maintain an internal oxygen balance.
CURRENT FLOW is altered creating a positive or negative current signal that
indicates the exact air/fuel ratio of the engine.
The current flow isn't much, usually only about 0.020 amps or less.
PCM converts the current output into a voltage signal to be read on a scan tool.
@Autogurukul
 Comparison of signals
• Regular
O2
outputs
voltage

• WRAF
outputs
CURRENT

@Autogurukul
 Operation

The volume ratio at 1 bar air-pressure would be about 4500 liter air for 1 lb of fuel.
1 bar is 14.5 psi.
@Autogurukul
 Current Flows! to maintain voltage!

Voltage
created by
PCM for the
scan tool!

an oxygen pump pulls oxygen from the

exhaust into a diffusion gap to maintain a
constant Voltage.
Creating AMPERAGE! .020 amps
The voltage measured at the A/F sensor will remain constant and
will not match the scan tools display. The Voltage shown on
the scan tool is created by the PCM for OBDII Diagnostics.
Amperage is the measurement! @Autogurukul
 Amperage!
When the air-fuel ratio is lean, the sensor produces a positive current ranges
from zero to 2.0 milliamperes as the mixture gets leaner up to 22:1, or
leaner. (2.2 bar is 31.9:1)

Testing a wide-band oxygen sensor usually involves using a scan tool.

Neat Russian Graphics!

@Autogurukul
 Number of Wires
Lean Air-Fuel Ratio Sensors
• May uses 4, 5, 6, or 7 wires.
• Power wire
• 1 or 2 wires for the electric heater (power & ground)
• 3 or 4 sensor wires

Current

@Autogurukul
 LAF Conversions - OBDII Scanners
Normalized OBDII
Voltage is the data
the PCM will show
the scan tool
- It is not an actual
measurement

Most PCMs display the rich and lean status of the exhaust,
BE CAREFUL! many show the operation of the oxygen sensor in millivolts from
zero to 1000 just as if the sensor were a conventional zirconia oxygen sensor.
But it is not the actual sensor data. @Autogurukul
 Figure 15.1 Many fuel-control oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust manifold
near its outlet so that the sensor can detect the presence or absence of oxygen in the
exhaust stream for all cylinders that feed into the manifold.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.2 A
cross-sectional
view of a typical
zirconia oxygen
sensor.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.3 A
difference in oxygen
content between the
atmosphere and the
exhaust gases enables
an O2S sensor to
generate voltage.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.2A
When the
exhaust is lean,
the output of
a zirconia
oxygen sensor
is below 450
mV.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.2B When the
exhaust is rich, the
output of
a zirconia oxygen
sensor is above 450
mV.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.3 Most
conventional
zirconia oxygen
sensors and some
wide-band oxygen
sensors use the cup
(finger) type of
design.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.4 A
typical heated
zirconia oxygen
sensor, showing
the sensor signal
circuit that uses
the outer
(exhaust)
electrode as the
negative and the
ambient air side
electrode as the
positive.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.4 The
oxygen sensor
provides a quick
response at the
stoichiometric
air-fuel ratio of
14.7:1.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.5 A typical zirconia oxygen
sensor.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.7 The output of a typical air-fuel mixture sensor showing that the
voltage increases as the exhaust becomes leaner, which is opposite from
normal oxygen sensors.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.8 The OBD-II catalytic converter monitor compares the signals of
the upstream and downstream oxygen sensor to determine converter
efficiency.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.6 Number and label designations for oxygen sensors.
Bank 1 is the bank where cylinder 1 is located.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.7
The OBD-II
catalytic
converter
monitor
compares the
signals of the
upstream and
downstream
oxygen sensor
to determine
converter
efficiency.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.8
Testing an
oxygen sensor
using
a DMM set on
DC volts.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.9 Using a digital multimeter to test an oxygen sensor
using the MIN/MAX record function of the meter.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.10
Connecting a
handheld digital
storage oscilloscope
to an oxygen sensor
signal wire.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.11 The waveform of a good oxygen sensor
as displayed on a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO).

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.12 The post catalytic converter oxygen
sensor should display very little activity if the catalytic converter is efficient.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.13 A conventional zirconia oxygen sensor
can only reset to exhaust mixtures that are richer
or leaner than 14.7:1 (lambda 1.00).

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.14 A planar design zirconia oxygen sensor places all of
the elements together, which allows the sensor to reach
operating temperature quickly.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.15 The reference electrodes are shared by the Nernst
cell and the pump cell.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.16 When the exhaust is rich, the PCM applies a
negative current into the pump cell.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.17 When the exhaust is lean, the PCM
applies a positive current into the pump cell.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.18 Testing
a dual cell wide-band
oxygen sensor can
be done using a
voltmeter or a scope.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 32.19
A single cell
wide-band
oxygen sensor
has four wires
with two for
the heater
and two
for the sensor
tself.

@Autogurukul
Figure 32.20 The scan can display various voltages but will often show
3.3 V because the PCM is controlling the sensor through applying a low
current to the sensor to achieve balance.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.9 Testing an oxygen sensor using a DMM set on DC volts. With the
engine operating in closed loop, the oxygen voltage should read over 800 mV
and lower than 200 mV and be constantly fluctuating. (Courtesy of Fluke
Corporation)

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.10 Using a digital multimeter to test an oxygen sensor using the
MIN/MAX record function of the meter. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.11 A Chrysler DRB III scan tool is an excellent tool to use to test an
oxygen sensor(s).

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.12 Connecting a handheld digital storage oscilloscope to an oxygen
sensor signal wire. The use of the low-pass filter helps eliminate any low-frequency
interference from affecting the scope display. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.13
The waveform of
a good oxygen
sensor as
displayed on a
digital storage
oscilloscope
(DSO). Note that
the maximum
reading is above
800 mV and the
minimum
reading is less
than 200 mV.
(Courtesy of
Fluke
Corporation)

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.14 A typical good oxygen sensor waveform as displayed on a digital
storage oscilloscope. Look for transitions that occur rapidly between 0.5 and
5.0 Hz. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.15 Using the cursors on the oscilloscope, the high- and low-oxygen
sensor values can be displayed on the screen. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.16 When the air-fuel mixture rapidly changes such as during a rapid
acceleration, look for a rapid response. The transition from low to high should be
less than 100 ms. (Courtesy of Fluke Corporation)

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.17 Adding propane to the air inlet of an engine operating in closed
loop with a working oxygen sensor causes the oxygen sensor voltage to read high.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.18 When the propane is shut off, the oxygen sensor should read
below 200 mV.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.19 When the O2S voltage rises above 450 mV, the PCM starts to
control the fuel mixture based on oxygen sensor activity.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.20 Normal oxygen sensor frequency is from about one to five
times per second.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.21 Significant hash can be caused by faults in one or more
cylinders, whereas amplified hash is not as important for diagnosis.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.22 Moderate hash may or may not be significant for diagnosis.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.23 Severe hash is almost always caused by cylinder misfire
conditions.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.24 An ignition- or mixture-related misfire can cause hash on the oxygen
sensor waveform.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.25 An injector imbalance can cause a lean or a rich misfire.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.26 Negative reading oxygen sensor voltage can be caused by
several problems.

@Autogurukul
Figure 15.27 The post-catalytic converter oxygen sensor should display very
little activity if the catalytic converter is efficient.

@Autogurukul
 Figure 15.28 The target lambda on this vehicle is slightly lower than 1.0
indicating that the PCM is attempting to supply the engine with an air-fuel
mixture that is slightly richer than stoichiometric. Multiply the lambda number
by 14.7 to find the actual air-fuel ratio.

@Autogurukul
 Diagnosis of
Oxygen Sensor
Aging
@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Aging
Age, contamination, and extreme heat can affect the oxygen
sensor response characteristics. Degradation of the signal can
be in the form of an extended response time (period duration) or
a shift in the sensor voltage curve (sensor shift biased). Both
conditions reduce the oxygen window, thereby reducing the
catalyst capacity for exhaust gas conversion.

@Autogurukul
 Oxygen Sensor Aging
To find out if the computer is "in control" of a vehicle's air/fuel
mixture, you need to view the oxygen sensor signal and
determine the computer command. Digital Storage Oscilloscope
(DSO) analysis will let you quickly determine whether the oxygen
sensor is good and whether the feedback computer system is in
control.

@Autogurukul
 Determining
System Control
& Condition

@Autogurukul
 Determining System Control
Signature Balance analysis is a term that describes the
appearance of the oxygen sensor waveform, and what that
waveform says about the vehicle's running condition.

Most technicians already know the oxygen sensor indicates

engine mixture; what many technicians do not know is the
oxygen sensor signal can show the overall condition of the
engine.

@Autogurukul
 Determining System Control
In general, the oxygen sensor waveform should appear like the
waveform in the graphic to be shown. They must switch
continuously above and below 450 millivolts, switching between
once every two seconds, and five times per second. In addition,
it should not drop below zero volts, except from occasional noise.
However, the AF sensor is an exception to this rule.

@Autogurukul
 Determining System Control
Remember: It is this switching from rich to lean and back again
that sets up the conditions in the exhaust for a three-way catalytic
converter to oxidize HC and CO and reduce NOX emissions
efficiently.

@Autogurukul
Determining System Control

Zero Volts

@Autogurukul
 Determining System Control
If the engine is not running right, the sensor will not develop a
good waveform. If the oxygen sensor is damaged, the engine
will not run right.

So how can you tell whether the oxygen sensor waveform is not
right because of a bad sensor or an engine problem?

@Autogurukul
 Determining System Control
By verifying the oxygen sensor - forcing the system full rich
and full lean - you can check the maximum and minimum
voltage levels the sensor produces, and how quickly it
switches.

Slow switch rates from a deteriorated O2 sensor causes poor

performance and excessive exhaust emissions. In some
cases, the engine may run fine but the vehicle will still fail an
enhanced emissions test.

@Autogurukul
Verifying
Zirconia
Sensors
@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
• Connect a scope to the oxygen sensor signal wire and a
good ground. Use the same ground as the oxygen. This is
critical to get an accurate measurement.

• Adjust your scope using these settings:

> Voltage Scale: 200 millivolts per division

> Time Base: 200 milliseconds per division
> Trigger Level: Auto On
> Lower the zero voltage level to one division from the bottom
of the display.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
• Make sure the engine is at normal operating
temperature, and the oxygen sensor is fully warmed up.
(2500 RPM for about two minutes)

• The engine must be in closed loop. If the oxygen

sensor voltage is not switching, it is not in closed loop.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
• Use your propane enrichment tool to richen the engine,
and see whether the oxygen sensor voltage can rise above
800 millivolts.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
• Quickly shut off the propane; this forces the engine lean.
Does the oxygen sensor voltage drop below 175 millivolts?

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
• While the engine is still lean, snap the throttle all the way
open, and check the oxygen sensor voltage. The voltage
should rise in less than 100 milliseconds.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Results:
If the oxygen sensor signal meets these requirements, the
sensor is probably okay. If not, replace the sensor, and verify
its operation again.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Results:
If the oxygen sensor voltage is fixed high, the mixture is rich.
Check for:

• A dripping injector
• High fuel system pressure
• A source of unmetered fuel such as the
canister purge system.
• A problem in the computer system, such
as a miscalibrated coolant temperature
sensor.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Results:
A fixed low voltage signal indicates a lean mixture. Check for:

• Clogged injectors
• Low fuel pressure
• A vacuum leak
• A MAP or mass airflow sensor (MAF) that
is out of calibration.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Misfire:
One of the most obvious failures to show up on the oxygen
sensor signal is a misfire in the engine. However, few
technicians realize just how clearly a misfire will appear on
the oxygen sensor signal.

@Autogurukul
Misfire:
Verifying Zirconia Sensors
The graphic shows what a misfire will look like on the
oxygen sensor signal - a high frequency variation, bouncing
high and low, much faster than a normal oxygen sensor
signal.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Misfire:
The misfire forces a pulse of air past the oxygen sensor,
which disrupts the exhaust surrounding the sensor. The
rapid change from high oxygen to low oxygen, and back
again causes the sensor to read a rapid change in the
exhaust oxygen sensor, and the sensor develops a high
frequency signal, such as the one shown.

@Autogurukul
 Verifying Zirconia Sensors
Misfire:
Of course, this depends on the rest of the system being in
proper control of the mixture. A misfire may not show up at all
on a system with the oxygen sensor signal fixed rich or lean.
However, if the sensor is switching properly, a misfire will show
up on the oxygen sensor signal.

@Autogurukul
 Honda’s

• Looks like regular O2

• 5 wires or 6
• Dual Nernst Cell
• 1200˚F operation
temp
• Recommends scan
tool for diagnosis

@Autogurukul
 Toyota A/FS -Linear A/F
4 Wire

• 1996 appearance
• Looks like regular O2
• 4 wires
• Single Nernst Cell
• 1200˚F operation
temp
• Recommends scan
tool for diagnosis

@Autogurukul
 Linear A/F signals

• Heater pulse width

• Voltage reference signals 3.3v & 3.0v
• Lambda value compared to rich lean
• Substituted HO2S values - slow & minimal movement.

@Autogurukul
 Toyota
Testing

a. Disconnect the A/F sensor connector.

b. measure the resistance between terminals +B and HT.
Resistance: 0.8 - 1.4* ohms at 20°C (68°F).
2007 FJ 1.8 - 3.4 ohms
If the resistance is not as specified, replace the sensor.
Torque: 44 Nm (440 kgf.cm, 31 ft.lbf)
c. Reconnect the A/F sensor connector.

@Autogurukul
 Toyota’s sensor output is not a changing
analog voltage, but rather a small
(< 0.020 amps) bi-directional current.
LEAN RICH
Negative Positive
Amperage Amperage

• RICH exhaust produced a positive 4.89 milliamps a

• LEAN exhaust produced a negative 1.53 milliamps.
• The sensor has two signal lines. One line has 3.3 volts, and
the other has 3.0 volts on it (relative to engine ground).
– These two voltages do not change.
• Voltage (300 millivolts) across the sensor’s two signal lines
does not change.
@Autogurukul
 Toyota’s Intelligent Tester

• A/F CONTROL
Change injection volume
– Lower 12.5 % or
– increase by 25 %
• • test at less than 3,000 rpm
• • A/F CONTROL enables
checking and graphing of A/F
• (Air Fuel Ratio) sensor and
Heated Oxygen (HO2)
sensorvoltage outputs
• • To conduct test, select following menu
items:
• ACTIVE TEST / A/F CONTROL / USER
DATA /
• AFS B1S1 and O2S B1S2,and press
YES and ENTER
@Autogurukul
Verify Proper Operation - Toyota A/FS

@Autogurukul
 Bosch Air Fuel Sensor
• Porsche says all 2010 models will be equipped
with the new sensor!
• Diagnose with Factory scan tool.
– Compare lambda values on scan tool and
emissions machine
– Watch valuse
• Create RICH
• Create LEAN

@Autogurukul
 Testing a Bosch compare Lambda
the Best way to diagnose this A/F ratio sensor
Scan tool & Gas Analyzer,

Lambda values should should match, if not…

more diagnostics will be required.
@Autogurukul
 Testing a Bosch

Heater Circuit pattern

1. Check Heater Circuit for Current or Voltage

2. Disconnect harness, check resistance of the trimming resistor, located
on Input and Output pump current wires.
1) Bosch spec is 30 - 300 ohms.
3. Reconnect harness , use DVOM check reference ground,
1) Bosch spec is 2.4 - 2.7 volts (refer to actual specs) @Autogurukul
 Testing a
Bosch

• 4. Scope the pump cell & Nernst signal

• use sensor reference ground that you just checked.
• Set scope to AC-coupled mode to see negative swings
• Nernst voltage signal remains at .45 volts at all times
• Pump cell voltage should vary about .5 to .6 volts switching across 0
volts
• Drive fuel mix rich then lean expect change in voltage of greater
than 1.0 volts.
@Autogurukul
 Verify Proper Operation - Bosch LSU 4

“Current pump sensor”

60 seconds of road test
after replacement
shows proper
operation
Check Mode 6 Data

Pump cell pumps oxygen ions from one side of the sensor to the other. PCM
monitors the Nernst signal attempting to keep the voltage at .45 volts.
PCM will increase and decrease the current flow to the pump cell to maintain
that voltage level.
@Autogurukul
Nissan Maxima 2004

@Autogurukul
Infiniti 2008 EX35

@Autogurukul
 Tech Tips

• TECH TIPS
• Honda 5-wire "Lean Air Fuel" (LAF) sensors, the 8-pin connector pin for the sensor
contains a special "calibration" resistor. The value of the resistor can be
determined by measuring between terminals 3 and 4 with an ohmmeter, and will
be 2.4K ohms, 10K ohms or 15k ohms depending on the application. If the
connector is damaged and must be replaced, the replacement must have the same
value as the original. The reference voltage from the PCM to the sensor on these
engines is 2.7 volts.
• Saturn also uses a special trim resistor in the WRAF sensor connector (pins 1 & 6).
The resistor is typically 30 to 300 ohms. The PCM supplied reference voltage is 2.4
to 2.6 volts.
• If a WRAF sensor has failed because of coolant contamination, do not replace the
sensor until the leak has been repaired. The new sensor will fail otherwise.
• Some early vehicle systems caused a "simulated" voltage to be displayed on a scan
tool. The actual value was divided by 5 to comply with early OBD II regulations.
Those regulations have since been revised, but be aware if you get a "funky"
display on your scan tool

@Autogurukul
 Tech tips continued
• variable current signal that can travel in one of two directions (positive or negative). The
signal gradually increases in the positive direction when the air/fuel mixture becomes leaner.
At the "stoichiometric" point when the air/fuel mixture is perfectly balanced (14.7 to 1), the
current flow stops and there is no current flow in either direction. And when the air/fuel ratio
becomes progressively richer, the current reverses course and flows in the negative direction.
• The PCM sends a control reference voltage (typically 3.3 volts on Toyota applications, 2.6 volts
on Bosch and GM sensors) to the WRAF sensor through one pair of wires, and monitors the
sensor's output current through a second set of wires. The sensor's output signal is then
processed by the PCM, and can be read on a scan tool as the air/fuel ratio, a fuel trim value
and/or a voltage value depending on the application and the display capabilities of the scan
tool.
• For applications that display a voltage value, anything less than the reference voltage indicate
a rich air/fuel ratio while voltages above the reference voltage indicates a lean air/fuel ratio.
On some of the early Toyota OBD II applications, the PCM converts the WRAF sensor voltage
to look like that of an ordinary oxygen sensor (this was done to comply with the display
requirements of early OBD II regulations).

@Autogurukul
 Honda's
Air Fuel Sensor

@Autogurukul
 Honda's Air Fuel Sensor
When a vehicle travels at a steady cruising speed,
it can achieve much better fuel efficiency and better
gas mileage with a mixture that is leaner than
14.7:1. Engineers designed an oxygen sensor to
take advantage of this better fuel efficiency. One
Honda model that uses the Air Fuel (AF) sensor is
a lean-burn Civic.

The AF sensor's design lets it hold the mixture at

14.7:1 during some driving conditions and leaner
than 14.7:1 during other conditions. This AF sensor
can monitor exhaust O2 levels over a greater range.
Its total operating range is from about 14:1 up to
23:1.
@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel
Sensor Testing
- Honda
@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda

Using a DSO
• Check for any trouble codes. Repair the
problem and check to see if a road test resets the
code.

• Connect the positive lead of your scope to

second sensor input (the white sensor wire) and the
meter ground lead to the sensor ground lead (the
black sensor wire, not the vehicle ground).

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda

Using a DSO
Adjust your scope using these settings:
> Voltage Scale: 500 millivolts per division
> Time Base: 200 milliseconds per division
> Trigger Level: Auto On
> Put the zero voltage level in the middle of the
display.

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda

Using a DSO
• Make sure the engine is at normal operating
temperature, and the AF sensor is fully warmed up.
(2000 RPM for about two minutes)

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda
Using a DSO
• Use your propane enrichment tool to richen the
engine, and see whether the AF sensor voltage
goes negative. Record the average low voltage.

Zero Volts

Rich Mixture

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda
Using a DSO
• Quickly shut off the propane, and force the
engine lean. See whether the AF sensor voltage
goes positive. Record the average high voltage.

Lean Mixture
Zero Volts

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda

Using a DSO
• Drop the negative sign on the negative voltage,
then add the two voltage values together to get the
difference between high and low voltages. The
total difference should be over 1 volt. If it is not
over one volt, the AF sensor may be bad.

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda
Using a DSO
• While the engine is
still lean, snap the
throttle all the way
open, and watch the
AF sensor voltage.
The voltage should
fall in less than 100
milliseconds. If it Zero
takes longer than 100 Volts
ms, the AF sensor
may be contaminated
or bad.
@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Honda

Using a DSO
If the AF sensor signal meets these requirements,
the sensor is probably okay. If not, replace the
sensor, and verify its operation again.
Once you verify the AF sensor signal, look for any
problems the signal indicates.

@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel
Sensor Testing
- Toyota
@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Toyota
Using a Scan Tool
• Add external fuel at idle and check O2 voltage.
When external fuel is added to the intake manifold,
the scan tool displays oxygen sensor voltage
dropping for a split second to 0.640 volts. Then the
voltage returns to 0.650 volts even with fuel still
being added.

• Create a lean condition and check O2 voltage.

When the power brake booster vacuum hose is
removed, the scan tool’s oxygen sensor voltage
increases for a split second to 0.670 volts then the
voltage returns to 0.650 volts even with the booster
vacuum hose still removed.
@Autogurukul
 Air Fuel Sensor Testing - Toyota

Using a Scan Tool

The average generic OBD-II scan tool voltage
indicating stoichiometric fuel trim for these vehicles is
0.660 volts. The minimum rich mixture voltage
indication from the oxygen sensor reading on the
scan tool when adding external fuel should be 0.56
volts. The minimum lean mixture voltage indication
from the oxygen sensor reading on the scan tool
when inducing a large vacuum leak should be 0.76
volts.

@Autogurukul
THANK YOU

@Autogurukul