NGK manufactures and supplies a sizeable range of Lambda sensors to the aftermarket under the NTK brand name, and the company says there are good reasons why NTK Lambda sensors are a popular choice for vehicle manufacturers (VMs) around the world.
NGK said the experience it has in supplying VMs worldwide allows it to offer exactly the right sensor for every vehicle application.
The company urged distributors to encourage workshops to always go with a bespoke OE-quality Lambda sensor. A ‘universal’ Lambda sensor is designed to cover as many applications as possible by splicing in the connector from the unit being replaced and while, in theory, this sounds like a good idea, in practice, the potential for a mismatch with the vehicle’s system or subsequent premature failure is high, NGK claimed.
NGK also told distributors to help educate workshops by ensuring they fit a new NTK Lambda sensor whenever they replace a vehicle’s catalytic convertor.
A worn or failed sensor can result in drastically reduced control of the fueling system, which could result in increased fuel consumption, uneven running, generally poor performance or failure of an MOT emission test, so replacement is good news for the customer, garage and distributor.
NGK recommends that the function of the sensor is checked every 20,000 miles or annually. The emissions check, as part of the current MOT 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.
A malfunction of an associated part may directly affect the performance of a sensor, NGK reported. An oscilloscope and gas analyser are “more accurate ways of assessing sensor performance than relying on fault codes alone” and workshops “need to look for slow response times, output range and heater function”.
Contaminants from poor quality oils and fuel, which remain in the exhaust gases, can become deposited on the sensor element affecting its operation. Even coolant from a leaking head gasket can reach the element.
Discover NGK’s improved PartFinder
Links to NGK’s PartFinder website can be accessed with just two clicks from its BoxClever app’s homepage. The app also enables members of its independent workshop loyalty scheme to check their points balance, browse the gift range, redeem points and win prizes instantly, all from their mobile phones.
NGK has a variety of other sensors to satisfy UK requirements including:
- NTK camshaft and crankshaft sensors, comprising more than 200 UK-specific part numbers with excellent UK vehicle parc coverage
- A range of 87 NTK mass air flow and 69 manifold absolute pressure sensors
- Exhaust gas temperature sensors, with 38 part numbers covering 33 million cars
