Environmental standards for new cars are becoming stricter every year. This is forcing automakers to invent more and more sophisticated ways to fight for cleanliness. exhaust gases. Now not a single one is new production car cannot do without a catalytic converter or particulate filter, USR or ADBLUE and a complex mixture control system.

Classification of main exhaust gas purification systems

There are several common devices for exhaust gas cleaning.

The implementation of all these devices is not cheap. And in the case of the SCR system, it also increases the weight of the car to 300 kg. Repairing a fault can cost, in some cases, up to a third of the cost of the car. In the civilized world, the government is interested in ensuring that as little toxic pollutants as possible are emitted into the air. environment substances. In many countries, certain benefits are provided for cars with expensive cleaning systems designed to compensate for the car owner’s expenses and encourage him to maintain the environmental cleanliness of his car.

There are no such programs in Russia. And environmental standards are noticeably lower. In view of this, many car owners, in the event of a problem with the catalyst, choose to remove it and replace it with a flame arrester, stronger or a simple insert.

After this procedure, it is necessary to solve the problem with the ECU error about the ineffective operation of the catalyst. There are three generally accepted ways:

• installation of mechanical blende;
• installation of electrical blende;
• ECU firmware.

Installing a lambda probe decoy

Each method of bypassing the ECU control function has its own area of ​​application and its own characteristics.

The installation of mechanical blende is effective in relation to the EURO-3 environmental class. For EURO-4 class, malfunctions are possible. And a snag with a calibrated hole will most likely refuse to work at all. On EURO-5, mechanical devices, both with a catalytic element and with a calibrated hole, are almost always useless.

The principle of operation of the lambda probe blende

To understand how it works
electronic snag, you need to understand the principle of operation of the lambda probe. Without delving into physical and chemical processes, its work can be characterized as follows:

The oxygen sensor is an EMF generator that creates voltages (approximately 1V maximum value) at its contacts under the influence of high temperature.

Between the contacts there is a layer of zirconium alloy, which changes its conductivity depending on the presence of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If there is no oxygen in the exhaust, then the zirconium layer has minimal resistance and completely passes the EMF generated under the influence of high temperature. When oxygen appears in the gases passing through the sensor, the resistance increases and the voltage in the circuit drops.

In systems above EURO-2 there are two oxygen sensors: before and after the catalyst. The first sensor is used to scan the presence of oxygen in the exhaust and transmit data to the ECU to adjust the fuel-air mixture. The second sensor is the control one. It also checks for the presence of oxygen after passing through the catalyst. If the readings of two sensors are the same or close, this means that no changes have occurred in the gases. That is, the catalyst does not work. And on dashboard The "CheckEngine" error appears.

The electronic decoy is designed to change the readings from the second sensor and make them so that they are as similar as possible to the readings of an oxygen sensor with a normally operating catalyst.

There are two fundamentally different devices for adjusting the lambda probe signal.

1. A device based on one resistor and one capacitor. The simplest device. Works effectively on cars with environmental class up to EURO-4 inclusive. There may be problems with EURO-5, since the algorithm for processing data from the lambda probe is more advanced. It consists of a resistor and capacitor, which are selected according to technical parameters for a specific ECU and are integrated into the control lambda probe circuit.
2. A fake with a microcircuit. A complex device, usually industrially produced. Designed to change the output signal from the lambda probe on cars of EURO-5 and EURO-6 class. The pulse from the sensor is converted by software and sent to the electronic control unit in a form that corresponds to a perfectly functioning catalytic converter.

Installing an electronic lambda probe

After removing the catalytic converter, the second lambda probe is not removed from the system. It is installed either in the housing where the catalyst was installed, or in the provided hole in the replacement.

After completing all the work, our car service issues a guarantee for the work performed and the quality of the electronic decoys used. If any complications arise during operation, please contact us immediately. Within warranty period We will correct any comments free of charge.

string(10) "error stat"

Modern environmental standards require the installation of additional means of control and purification of exhaust gases from vehicles with engines internal combustion. The most common devices include a catalyst installed in the exhaust system of a car. The quality of exhaust gases is monitored using lambda probes installed on the catalyst (before and after it). The effectiveness of the catalyst cleaning system is indicated by changes in the parameters of the output signals of the lambda sensors.

During the operation of the car, the catalyst becomes contaminated. In this case, engine operation is disrupted, the control unit displays an error message, and sometimes switches the engine to emergency operation. Replacing an expensive catalyst, whose cost can reach more than 100,000 rubles for 1 catalyst, and there are usually several of them, is beyond the means of many car enthusiasts, so they resort to conventional mechanical cleaning of the catalyst from contaminated ceramic or metal filters.

However, the catalyst does not always simply become dirty; during operation it often begins to deteriorate (melt or crumble), which can lead to small parts getting into the cylinder block, scuffing them, increased oil consumption and, as a result, major renovation ICE. The only option to protect yourself is to remove the catalyst and replace it with a flame arrester or stronger, whichever you prefer.

In this case, the relationship between the electrical signals of the first and second lambda probes is disrupted, the engine control unit receives incorrect signals and displays an error. There are several ways to deceive lambda sensors.

Mechanical way to deceive lambda sensors

The lambda probe (oxygen sensor) records the concentration of oxygen levels in the exhaust gases. The principle of monitoring the efficiency of the catalyst system is based on measuring the parameters of the output signals of lambda probes. When the catalyst is removed, exhaust gases with the same composition of impurities will enter the first and second oxygen sensors. The engine control unit will receive a signal indicating that the catalyst is not working efficiently, or rather, not working at all. In order to comply with EURO standards, the engine management system will “choke” the engine, display an error message, and go into emergency mode.

The mechanical trick of the lambda probe consists of installing a second lambda sensor in the exhaust gas exhaust system through an adapter fitting. Drawings of fittings for various brands cars can be found on the Internet. The principle of operation of mechanical decoys is that exhaust gases will not be supplied to the second oxygen sensor in full. The design of the fitting adapter, in some cases, provides an additional small ceramic filter, which further reduces the concentration of harmful impurities. The adapter can be made using conventional turning equipment or purchased at a store specializing in tuning or exhaust systems. It is better to take beryllium bronze as a material. It is resistant to high temperatures and is not subject to severe corrosion.

The process of installing a mechanical lambda sensor is simple:

• When the ignition is turned off, the negative terminal is removed battery;
• the second oxygen sensor is removed, the sensor is cleaned, and, if necessary, replaced with a new one;
• a decoy adapter is installed;
• an oxygen sensor is installed;
• The negative terminal of the battery is connected.

After mechanical work, diagnostic equipment is connected, errors are read and deleted. Then a check run is performed and errors are diagnosed again. If the adapter corresponds to the optimal mode, the control unit will not generate engine errors. Otherwise, you can adjust the seating depth of the adapter fitting and an additional small filter.

It is worth noting that the efficiency of mechanical decoys on modern engines is at a very low level. Those. If you are the owner of a relatively new foreign car, most likely mechanical snag will not help you.

Electronic snag instead of a catalyst

Electronic catalyst blende provides for changing the parameters of the output signal by changing electrical diagram connecting the second lambda sensor. By installing an additional R-C filter The signal level coming to the input of the engine control unit is weakened. Thus, a signal corresponding to the “cleaned” exhaust is artificially generated. Scheme electronic decoy The catalyst includes a capacitor with a capacity of 1 to 5 microfarads and a resistor with a resistance of 10 kOhm to 1 Mohm. Specific parameters are selected for optimal operation of a particular engine; they can be found on the Internet.

The process of installing and debugging a lambda decoy is similar to connecting a mechanical decoy. Requires minor electrical installation skills, a soldering iron, solder, electrical tape, a capacitor and a resistor of appropriate values.

Setting up electronic blende consists of selecting the values ​​of radio elements (capacitor, resistor). A significant disadvantage of this decoy method is the instability of the oxygen sensor parameters. During operation, the lambda probes' own characteristics change, the parameters of the output signals will also change, and over time the error message may appear again.

Chipping (flashing) of the engine control unit

One of the most effective ways deception of the sensor - flashing the engine control unit. It is carried out using special equipment with the appropriate firmware programs. Experienced auto electricians who specialize in flashing electronic control units have a bank of firmware corresponding to common engine models. If you have programming skills, you can do chipping yourself by purchasing the firmware (program) on specialized websites.

Installation of new firmware into the engine control unit can be done using a special diagnostic equipment type LAUNCH or KTS through the vehicle diagnostic connector. Experienced auto electricians upload the firmware directly into the memory chip or microprocessor in the engine control unit.

The main disadvantage of this method is the high risk of permanently damaging the engine control unit. Therefore, when changing the unit’s firmware, it is necessary to preserve the native version.

If the correct firmware is installed, adaptation of oxygen sensors is not required. The process itself involves:

• connecting a laptop with the necessary software to the diagnostic connector;
• installation of an updated engine control program;
• control tests and diagnostics.

There are cases when initial tests show no errors in engine operation. However, during actual operation of the vehicle, the engine error signal appears again.

Catalyst emulator

Electronic catalyst emulator - the most safe way deceptions. It is an additional electronic unit installed in the electrical circuit of the vehicle's engine control system. For each engine type, special electronic emulator units are sold. There are universal emulation blocks in which adaptation to the engine type is made by installing jumpers.

The advantage of this method is the least risk of harming the engine control system. As a last resort, such an emulator of a working catalyst can simply be disabled. The disadvantage is the need for special skills in electrical installation work during installation. Therefore, it is better to entrust the installation of an electronic catalyst emulator to a specialist.

The choice of a specific method for solving the problem of lambda sensor deception depends on financial and technical capabilities. It's better to start with the most simple ways: mechanical or electronic. If you do not have the appropriate skills, it is better not to resort to more complex methods without the help of a specialist.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them

5 minutes to read.

How to make a catalyst blende yourself, why is this necessary? A catalyst is a device used to neutralize harmful substances that are formed when fuel burns in an engine. Its design is a specific barrel, inside of which there are “honeycombs”. Metal or ceramics can be used for production. As a rule, a ceramic catalyst is used in European cars, and a metal one in Asian cars.

The main problem that arises during the operation of such a device is the fragility of the ceramics. It would seem that the metal option is more preferable in this regard, but not everything is so simple. Metal can deteriorate quite quickly when exposed to aggressive gases.

When is replacement needed?

It is worth highlighting situations when the catalyst requires mandatory replacement. Among them are:

1. Mechanical impact. Even a small impact can cause damage internal elements, the appearance of cracks on the block. It is not recommended to operate a car with a damaged catalyst. In any case, this will lead to its further destruction.
2. Poor quality fuel and other liquids that are used to clean the fuel system. This leads to contamination of the catalyst paths and deterioration of its efficiency.

Certain signs will help you understand that the catalyst is in poor condition, including unstable engine speed at Idling, deterioration in dynamics, strange sound from under the bottom of the car. The problem is that the catalyst cannot be repaired. If it breaks, then it can only be replaced with a new one. There is also a small trick that allows you to solve the problem - a catalyst blende, which simulates the operation of the device. Moreover, you can do it yourself.

Types of decoys

The catalyst blend can be of several types, made in various ways:

1. Using a capacitor.
2. Chipovka.
3. Spacer.
4. Electronic emulator.

Let's start with the first one. For this method you need to purchase a 2.2 microfarad capacitor. In addition, you need to prepare electrical tape, tin, rosin and a soldering iron. If you do not know how to solder, then it is better to ask someone for help. The lambda probe has 4 wires: 2 signal and 2 12V wires. As you know, the exhaust system has 2 lambda probes. The first of them analyzes the exhaust gases and regulates the engine mixture, informs the computer about the necessary changes, etc. Since the catalyst is faulty or missing, the readings of both lambda probes are almost the same, which leads to an error, and the Check signal lights up on the dashboard . The motor will not work full power, since the mixture will be lean.

The solution to this problem will be a capacitor that will be connected to the signal wires. Quite often the question arises of how to find signal wires. It's very simple, but you will need a tester for this. You need to check and find 2 12V wires. The two remaining wires will be connected to the capacitor. This will cause the computer to recognize the operation of the lambda probes differently, and the error will not appear. Thus, the capacitor is a catalyst decoy that imitates its operation. After this, you need to disconnect the negative terminal for 30-40 minutes. This completes the process and the catalyst will no longer be a problem.

Chip and spacers

The advantage of chipping is that this method does not require making a spacer or soldering in capacitors. All that is required of the car owner is to contact a specialist who, using special software, can disable the polling of the second lambda probe. This will solve the problem forever. This deception is becoming more and more popular today due to its ease of use.

The spacer also allows you to get rid of errors due to the fact that the catalyst is missing or does not work. Its essence is that it is necessary to force the lambda probe to take readings away from the exhaust. Since the catalyst blende has a small hole, we get a weak sine wave, and the computer believes that the catalyst is working correctly.

The hole in the spacer should be 1-2 mm, although in some cases 6 mm can achieve the desired effect. Installing such a device is very simple. It is necessary to replace the second lambda probe with a spacer. After that, we put the lambda probe back into it. Next, you need to remove the negative from the battery, wait 30 minutes and connect it back. Such manipulations allow you to permanently remove the error from the dashboard.

Electronic snag

An electronic emulator is the most common method. This type of catalyst decoy is sold in most stores. Moreover, you can do it yourself to save money. An emulator is a microprocessor device that is used to ensure that the engine operates correctly when the catalyst is broken or missing. It sends a fake signal from the catalyst to the ECU, simulating normal operation. This trick allows the engine to operate without problems, and there is no need to install a catalyst.

The electronic emulator can only be used on vehicles that comply international standards EURO 3 and above. As a rule, such devices have a waterproof housing and are suitable for most cars. The service life is on average 5 years. The emulator provides the following benefits:

1. Savings on installing a catalyst, which must be replaced every 100,000 km, and its cost is quite high.
2. Allows you to create effective fuel mixture and achieve fuel consumption savings of 10-15%.
3. Improved vehicle response to the gas pedal.
4. No error or Check signal on the dashboard.

The emulator can be either universal or for a specific car model. To install it, it is necessary to remove the old catalyst, and a catalyst blende is installed in its place.

It is very easy to make an emulator with your own hands, and the main element in it is a resistor or capacitor. The capacitor must be chosen non-polar, and a resistor with a power of 0.25 W or more is required. You can place the condenser under the car, but be sure to insulate it well with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing.

Modern requirements for vehicle operation require the implementation of environmental safety measures. To achieve this, car manufacturers were required to install special devices when producing cars that could reduce the amount of hazardous chemicals released into the natural environment.

Most cars have catalysts that minimize the concentration of nitrogen and carbon in the exhaust gases by changing them chemical composition and burning. A mandatory element of the catalyst is a lambda probe or, as car enthusiasts like to call it, an oxygen sensor.

Thanks to its data, the car’s electronic control unit has completely taken control of the amount of fuel and air in the outgoing mixture, because the amount of harmful emissions depends on the degree of its combustion.

Today, the oxygen sensor is an integral part of the car. During long-term use vehicle The performance of the catalyst may deteriorate, resulting in the need to replace it with more expensive models. The most profitable solution in this case is to make a lambda probe blende.

How to independently determine the malfunction of the lambda probe?

• Open the engine compartment, find the catalyst and probe. Inspect its surface. If it is covered with soot or a light coating, this indicates poor performance of the fuel system. In this case, the part must be completely replaced with diagnostics of important components of the vehicle.
• If the part is clean, check the accuracy of the oxygen sensor readings. Start the car with a gradual increase in speed up to 2500/min and lower it to 200. In operating condition, the sensor readings should fluctuate between 0.8-0.9 W. The absence of any response or incorrect data is evidence of a malfunction of the probe.

Reliable information about a malfunction of the catalyst or lambda probe can only be provided by diagnostics in a specialized center.

In order to save on the purchase of new equipment, we will consider the main options for emulators to make and install lambda snag yourself. Today there are a great many Internet resources that reflect emulator schemes. Car enthusiasts will only need knowledge and patience.

Types of decoys

1. Mechanical.
2. Reflashing sensors.
3. Electronic.

Mechanical blende option

The part is made of high-quality heat-resistant steel or bronze. The dimensions of the part must be observed with extreme precision. Shapes and sizes are indicated in the diagram. According to the drawing, a hole is drilled in the inner part, which should be very thin. It is necessary for gases to escape through it.

Operating principle

As a result of the oxidation of gases with ceramic chips, there is a decrease in the levels of harmful substances that cause fluctuations in the sinusoids of the transmitted signal. Thanks to this, the control unit perceives the operation of the device as normal. This indicates that the emulator has fully confirmed its functionality.

Installation

Any car enthusiast can install the sensor. To do this, you need to find the lambda, unscrew it and screw the blende probe into this place. After approximately 30 minutes, remove the negative terminal from the battery, which will allow you to reset the system and turn off CheckEngine on the dashboard. After these manipulations, reconnect all contacts. Installation completed.

Flashing the oxygen sensor

This involves completely removing the oxygen sensor and making the necessary changes to the control program. In order to perform a flashing, certain knowledge and qualifications will be required, since doing it incorrectly can cause irreparable harm to the entire system.

The danger is that if the actions are performed incorrectly, it will be very difficult to restore the previous operation of the control unit. The original factory firmware is very expensive, and it will be very difficult to obtain. Therefore, it is better to immediately entrust this work to specialists.

Electronic lambda snag

One of the complex devices that is characterized by increased performance. The electronic sensor readings are the most accurate. This emulator, unlike others, is small in size and contains a microprocessor that converts incoming signals into a catalyst similar to the original working one.

For car enthusiasts with limited mechanical knowledge the best option is to purchase a finished structure and independently install it in place of the original one. When a signal arrives at the microprocessor, the device carries out an analysis by processing the signal from the first lambda probe. After the measures have been completed, an output signal is generated, which should be similar to a working catalyst.

Installing a lambda probe decoy

To do this you will need a soldering kit and a capacitor. The procedure is as follows:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
2. Find the signal wires to which the capacitor will be soldered (there is no voltage current in the signal wires).
3. Cut the blue wire, and strip the white wire, but leave it intact.
4. Solder the capacitor between the blue wires and the stripped white wires according to the drawing.
5. Connect the terminal to the battery and start the car.

The details of the installation of the electronic blende are described in the drawing.

Making a lambda probe with your own hands allows you to save the car owner from many unpleasant problems with the catalyst and save your budget. The choice of probe type depends entirely on your capabilities and desires.

Before installing any type of blende, you should familiarize yourself in detail with possible consequences, since all work involves some risk.

Main types of possible malfunctions

• malfunctions power unit resulting from incorrect injection adjustment of the on-board computer
• Damage to electrical wiring resulting from improper soldering
• malfunctions of the on-board computer leading to incorrect data display
• sensor damage

Any inaccuracies in working with electronics can lead to the operation of the entire equipment. Therefore, you should not experiment and save on your car by buying lambda decoys through dubious Internet sites. Try to do everything yourself, strictly following the recommendations, and the device will thank you for it.

ilovekiario.ru

Let's optimize: do-it-yourself catalyst blende and device diagram

At the present time of strict Euro standards, only outdated models do not experience any problems associated with the exhaust system. The situation is completely different with cars that meet Euro-2 and higher standards. The oxygen sensor in such systems is an integral part that monitors the quality of the mixture and the amount of toxic substances in the exhaust.

In cases where the neutralizer is removed or replaced with a flame arrester, the ECU begins to malfunction, causing emergency operation. At such moments, experienced motorists use a work corrector oxygen lambda probe, which allows you to avoid mistakes and continue operating the vehicle.

Do you need an oxygen sensor emulator?

Before you learn how to make a fake catalyst with your own hands, it would not hurt to familiarize yourself with the arguments in favor of this operation. Vehicles that are structurally compliant with Euro-4 or Euro-5 standards are equipped with two oxygen controllers installed before and after the catalytic converter. The sensors compare the readings, and if they do not match, then on-board computer concludes that the autocatalyst is faulty or missing altogether. This situation leads to the following consequences:

• The ECU puts the engine into emergency mode when the engine operates according to the specified fuel maps without taking into account the readings of the oxygen sensors.
• The " Check Engine"and an enriched combustible mixture enters the cylinders.
• Soot on the spark plugs increases, the power of the internal combustion engine decreases and the oil becomes contaminated.
• Increased consumption fuel entails unnecessary financial costs.

Almost all automakers recommend replacing a faulty converter. But not every car owner will do this, because the price of some copies, for example, for VAZ, reaches 60,000 rubles. It is also worth adding the cost of installing the device. Therefore, many car enthusiasts are interested in what a do-it-yourself catalyst blende is and the scheme for its implementation.

The essence of the emulator's operation is to change the real sensor readings, after which the ECU switches to normal operation. In this case, the neutralizer itself can be cut out or replaced with a flame arrester. The procedure for installing a simulator is no more complicated than increasing the ground clearance Renault Duster.

How to make a do-it-yourself lambda probe for a car catalyst

To change the readings of the exhaust system oxygen sensor, our car enthusiasts use several methods, the choice depends on design features car and the capabilities of the motorist himself:

1. Mechanical spacer for lambda probe.
2. Spacer for the sensor with built-in minicatalyst.
3. Use of electronic simulators.

Any of the methods copes with the task quite effectively. Another option not listed here is flashing the on-board computer. The fact is that to independently implement such a project, you need not only specific knowledge, but also equipment, as well as software.

How to make a mechanical corrector for the exhaust system?

To implement a mechanical blende for the catalyst with your own hands, it is recommended to use blanks made of heat-resistant steel or bronze. This way the parts will not be deformed due to high temperature. There are two designs, but both options require a lathe or the help of an experienced turner.

First option

It is a sleeve 40-100 mm long. On one side, a standard sensor is screwed in, and on the other, the circulation of gases is limited by a small diameter hole. The essence of the “device” is that the composition of the exhaust mixture is averaged, because the lambda probe is removed from the gas stream itself and, accordingly, catches fewer toxic substances. Due to this, it is possible to deceive the ECU.

A typical drawing with spacer dimensions can be changed in terms of dimensions, it depends on the model and brand of the car. The optimal inlet diameter remains unchanged - 1.5-2 mm. In some cases, the length of the bushing may not allow it to be installed in its original place. As a result, you have to weld the mount elsewhere in the exhaust pipe.

Second option

Similar to the first, but the spacer has a built-in minicatalyst. The platinum-rhodium catalytic element helps accelerate the afterburning of toxic substances. The essence of the method is as follows:

• Exhaust gases enter the bushing body through a small diameter hole.
• In the volume of the spacer, excess CH and CO are subject to oxidation by oxygen, as a result of which the concentration of harmful substances decreases.
• The ongoing processes change the shape of the sinusoid, and the electronic system believes that the catalytic converter is operating in normal mode.

A do-it-yourself catalyst blende made according to the above diagram has advantages similar to the previous option. Here the standard probe will be raised by 32 mm, although this is less than 40-100 mm.

Features of spacer installation

The installation procedure is not difficult, and begins with placing the car on an overpass or lift. Further actions occur according to the following scheme:

• Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
• Unscrew the controller.
• Screw the bushing onto the probe.
• Screw the upgraded unit into place.
• Connect the battery.

After the first start, the Check Engine light should go off. The motor will now operate normally.

Do-it-yourself electronic catalyst blende and emulator circuit

A real electronic emulator is a microprocessor device consisting of a single-chip microcircuit. The principle of its operation is based on the formation of an output signal, which in shape corresponds to the information in the working neutralizer. This option is difficult to do on your own, so you should immediately consider a simpler method. To implement it you need to prepare:

• Electric soldering iron.
• Solder and rosin.
• Knife and side cutters.
• Resistance 200 Kom, power 0.25 W.
• The capacitor is non-polar with a capacity of 4.7 microfarads.

The principle of operation of the system is to average the readings of the oxygen sensor, which is installed after the converter. The method of connecting emulator components is simple and universal. All elements are connected directly to the vehicle’s on-board network conductors. Before connecting the electronic switch to the catalyst with your own hands, you should disconnect the battery terminals to eliminate the possibility of a short circuit.
After the implementation of the project, the car demonstrates good dynamics. However, the effect of over-enrichment of the combustible mixture may occur, which causes the deposition of a layer of soot in the exhaust manifold. In addition, on some models error P0133 appears, indicating low speed lambda probe reactions.

What do spare parts manufacturers offer?

On the shelves of auto stores you can find all kinds of parts for tuning the exhaust system. The production of mechanical simulators of the normal operation of the catalytic converter is made of bronze or chrome-plated steel. The price of such devices ranges from 400 to 800 rubles, and a standard installation at a service station will cost about 500 rubles.

A spacer with a minicatalyst is offered much more expensive than its elementary counterpart, its cost is 1,500-4,000 rubles. Simple electronic emulators of industrial production are sold for 1,500-3,000 rubles. The range of prices for flashing ECU software is quite wide - from 1,000 to 30,000 rubles.

autobann.su

Making a lambda probe with your own hands - FILTRR.RU

The lambda probe is an integral element of the exhaust system of any modern car. It is a sensor for the level of oxygen in the exhaust of a car. The lambda probe transmits the received information to the on-board computer, which, in turn, after processing it, regulates the enrichment of the mixture supplied to the cylinders.

Most cars are equipped with two sensors. One of them is installed before the catalyst, the second - after it. It is the latter that fails most often. When this happens, the system generates an error and the engine begins to operate in emergency mode.

In order not to bother with buying a new lambda probe, which is not cheap at all, and setting it up, our craftsmen figured out how to deceive the computer, spending pennies on it. The name of this invention is decoy.

There are three ways to deceive your car's computer:

• reflash the computer;
• install mechanical blende;
• install an electronic type snag.

Flashing the electronic control unit

The essence of this method is to log into the car's computer, disable the oxygen sensor electronically, and make changes to the software. To do this, of course, you will need to contact specialists with certain skills and appropriate equipment.

Mechanical snag

The mechanical snag of the lambda probe is a metal spacer (bushing) between the exhaust pipe and the sensor itself.

How to make a lambda probe decoy with your own hands

Any person who has the slightest idea about turning can make such a bushing. Most often, bronze or heat-resistant steel is used for these purposes.

Below is a drawing of a spacer for the second lambda probe with dimensions.

The principle of this method is quite simple: using a bushing with a hole with a diameter of 2 mm, we move the sensor away from the exhaust gas flow.

Installing the spacer yourself is easy. We drive the car into a pit or overpass, disconnect the negative terminal, find the sensor and unscrew it.

Connect the negative terminal and start the engine. If the electronic control unit gives an error again, repeat the procedure with removing the terminal again.

Electronic snag

This method is more suitable for those car owners who are comfortable with a soldering iron. All you need for the simplest electronic deception is:

• capacitor (non-polar) with a capacity of 1 µF;
• resistor (resistance) 1 Mohm;
• soldering iron;
• solder, rosin;

This type of blende is installed directly on the wires running from the sensor to the connector. In some cars this connector is located in the central tunnel between the driver and passenger seats, in others - in engine compartment, for others - under a torpedo.

The connection diagram is as follows.

Before starting work, do not forget to disconnect the negative terminal.

In the end it should look like this.

All connections must be well insulated. It is better to place our entire circuit in some kind of plastic box and fill it with epoxy glue.

In addition, you can watch a video on the topic of lambda probe decoys:

filtrr.ru

How to install a lambda probe decoy?

The operation of the engine of a modern car is controlled by an electronic unit - a controller, based on the readings of a dozen sensors. Some of them are located in easily accessible places and therefore can be easily replaced when they fail. But there are also lambda probes (otherwise known as oxygen sensors, O2) mounted inside the exhaust system. Instead of replacing it, experienced motorists often resort to installing a blende, saving on the purchase new part.

How does an oxygen sensor work?

To make a fake lambda probe, it doesn’t hurt to understand how it works and interacts with the controller. There is one significant point: the use of all kinds of simulators instead of a standard O2 sensor does not always give a positive result. This will become clear upon a more detailed study of the operation of the element.

To ensure complete combustion of fuel in the cylinders, the controller that controls the injectors must mix it with air in optimal proportions. Theoretically, to burn 1 cm3 of gasoline, 14.7 cm3 of air will be required, the amount of which is determined by the mass air flow sensor. “Seeing” the air flow in this way, the electronic unit doses the fuel supply to the injectors.

Another thing is that the controller cannot “see” how the fuel actually burns, unless you use the lambda probe installed at the exhaust gas outlet in the exhaust tract. Its task is to estimate the amount of oxygen remaining in the car exhaust and inform the control unit about this via electrical signals, and it draws the appropriate conclusions:

1. A large volume of residual oxygen indicates a lean air-fuel mixture. The controller increases the fuel supply, bringing it to normal.
2. If there is little oxygen in the exhaust gases, then the mixture is too rich and the proportion of gasoline in it needs to be reduced, which is what the controller does.
3. When the signals from the O2 sensor become incorrect or disappear altogether (if it fails), the electronics goes into emergency mode, supplying fuel in accordance with the programmed program.

The lambda probe is a rather sensitive element and fails after 40-80 thousand kilometers, depending on operating conditions, engine condition and the quality of the fuel used. The following signs indicate a sensor malfunction:

• the “Check Engine” indicator lights up on the dashboard;
• gasoline consumption increases, its value depends on the installed program (firmware);
• from the exhaust pipe goes black smoke;
• appears unstable work at idle, until the power unit stops.

In cars whose fuel systems comply with EURO 4 standards and higher, there are already two oxygen sensors. The first is located immediately at the engine exit, the second is after the catalytic converter. The electronics are guided by the readings of both elements and prepare the air-fuel mixture more accurately.

Master craftsmen practice 2 ways to “deceive” the controller in case of malfunctions of the lambda probe or exhaust gas converter:

• mechanical, using a metal bushing;
• electronic.

The first step is to figure out how to bypass the emergency mode mechanically.

Installation of mechanical blende

The use of this method is appropriate in situations where the catalyst has failed or the car owner has installed a conventional flame arrester instead. That is, the O2 sensor should still be in good condition.

The trick is to mechanically mislead the electronics and show that the catalyst is in place and functioning normally.

The additional part is a regular bronze or steel bushing with a thread and a hexagonal head. A calibrated hole with a diameter of 2 mm is made in the end, through which flue gases pass, and the inside of the sleeve is filled with ceramic chips with a catalytic coating. Using a blende drawing, the element can be easily turned on a lathe or purchased ready-made.

The operation of the neutralizer is simulated as follows:

1. Gases from the exhaust tract first enter the bushing cavity.
2. Passing through the ceramics, gases react with it, causing the amount of harmful substances (CO and CH) to decrease.
3. The processed gases enter the oxygen sensor, which provides the required readings to the controller.

The design of the mechanical blende of the lambda probe is similar to that of the catalyst, only in reduced dimensions.

Installing the part is not difficult; you just need to determine the location of the sensor itself and follow this algorithm:

1. Disconnect the battery by removing the negative terminal.
2. After preliminary disassembly, get to the sensor connector and disconnect it.
3. Unscrew the element and screw the blende in its place.
4. Screw the lambda probe into the bushing and connect the connector.

Cheating with electronics

There are 3 options for deceiving the electronic unit:

• flashing;
• installing an emulator;
• using a simple DIY soldered circuit.

Reflashing is a fundamental way to once and for all solve the problem of a non-working or missing catalyst. The point is to use software methods to exclude the second O2 sensor, located behind the neutralizer, from the “field of view” of the controller. Then the latter will focus only on the readings of the first probe and will not activate the emergency mode.

The disadvantage of this method is the lack of correct factory firmware, and the use of others may be unsafe for the operation of the power unit. To successfully implement such a deception, you will have to turn to good specialists, which in terms of money is comparable to buying a new catalyst.

The second option is to purchase and supply a so-called electronic emulator, assembled on the basis of a microprocessor and designed for certain brands of cars. It simulates the normal activity of a lambda probe and successfully interacts with the electronic “brain” of the car. There are no difficulties during installation; you just need to connect the device to the sensor connector.

Some craftsmen install homemade decoys, connecting them to the wires leading to the connector. The following parts and tools are required for assembly:

• 1 MΩ fixed resistor;
• a 1 µF capacitor of a non-polar type, designed for voltages up to 30 V;
• soldering iron, knife, wire cutters;
• solder, rosin.

The proposed scheme is also used to deceive the second sensor when the exhaust gas converter is faulty. Having found out its location, you should take the following actions:

1. Remove part of the protective casing from the wires just before the connector.
2. Solder a resistor into the gap in the black wire.
3. Solder the capacitor with one end to the gray wire, and the other to the black wire, but after the resistor.
4. Start the engine and check if the “Check Engine” indicator lights up in all operating modes, including while driving.

Method with homemade circuit It will not fit every car model, and the values ​​of the resistor and capacitor may vary. At faulty lambda probe located before the catalyst, this method won't help at all.

Because the electronic systems modern cars are quite complex and continue to improve every year, then the use of such deceptions seems problematic. On the latest models of cars, they may not work, or even cause considerable material damage if the engine fails ahead of time. To avoid this, it is better to install only standard parts instead of faulty ones and not to cut off the “sense organs”, which are sensors, from the controller.

autochainik.ru

Lambda probe signs of malfunction and snag

Engine efficiency the vehicle depends on the high-quality combustion of the gas-air mixture. The exact proportions, and accordingly the rational effect of operation, are regulated by an oxygen sensor - a lambda probe. Understanding the design and operating principle of the device is necessary to independently identify and correct defects. The safety of operating your own car depends on how quickly the causes/consequences of a lambda probe malfunction are identified and eliminated.

Design, principle of operation and installation location

Only vehicles with injection engines. Location in the exhaust pipe after the catalyst. A dual configuration oxygen sensor can be located before the catalyst, providing enhanced control over the gas composition, thereby ensuring more efficient operation of the device.

Operating principle:

• The car's electronics, which are responsible for fuel dosage, sends a signal requesting supply to the injector.
• Accordingly, the oxygen device determines the required amount of air to form the correct mixture.
• The device settings allow you to comply with the requirements for the environmental and economic components of the issue of car operation - to eliminate excessive fuel consumption and environmental pollution.

Modern cars are equipped with progressive devices - catalysts and paired sensors - that allow them to reduce the negative effects of exhaust emissions and the consumption of expensive fuel and lubricants. However, if an expensive version of the sensor breaks down, the “treatment” will cost a considerable amount.

Lambda probe design

Externally, the device looks like a steel elongated electrode body with output wires and platinum coating. Inside the device is as follows:

• The contact connecting the wires to electrical element.
• Sealing dielectric cuff for safety with an air inlet hole.
• A hidden zirconium electrode enclosed in a ceramic tip, heated by current to 300–1000 degrees.
• Protective temperature screen with exhaust gas outlet.

Sensors are either point-to-point or broadband. The classification of devices does not affect the external and internal organization, however, makes a significant difference on the operating principle. The device described above is a two-point device, the second is a modernized version.

More about it:

In addition to the two-point design, the sensor also contains a pumping element. The point of the work is that when the constant voltage between the electrodes fluctuates, a signal is sent to the control unit. The current supply to the injection element is increased or decreased, a portion of air enters the gap for analysis, where the level of concentration of exhaust vapors is determined.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning lambda probe

Eternal things created by human hands do not exist. Any technique designed for fine analysis can fail for many reasons. Oxygen sensors are no exception.

Let's consider in detail:

• Increased CO level. It is possible to determine the concentration yourself, only with the help of instruments. Almost always, the indicators indicate a probe malfunction.
• Increased fuel consumption. Injection cars are equipped with a display indicating the amount of fuel consumed. An increase can also be judged if the frequency of refueling is higher than usual.
• The light alarm, focused on the operation of the lambda probe, is constantly on. This is the Check Engine light.

In addition to the described signs of destabilization of the oxygen sensor, you can evaluate the quality of the exhaust gas visually - light smoke indicates oversaturation of air in the mixture, clouds of thick black smoke - on the contrary, an excessive overconsumption of fuel.

Causes of oxygen sensor failure

Since the device directly works with fuel combustion products, its (fuel) quality cannot but affect productivity and results. A flammable product that does not meet all established GOSTs and regulations is often the root cause why the sensor does not show reliable results or, in general, fails. Lead is deposited on the surface of the electrodes, making the lambda probe insensitive to detection.

Other reasons:

• Mechanical failure. Due to vibration and/or active use of the car, the sensor housing is damaged. The device cannot be repaired or replaced. It would be much more rational to purchase and install a new one.
• Incorrect operation of the fuel system. Over time, soot formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel settles on the body and gets inside the inlet holes of the probe. The readings become incorrect. The problem is initially corrected by timely cleaning, however, if it occurs constantly, then it will not be possible to get rid of it - the oxygen sensor is a consumable part that must be replaced in a timely manner.

To ensure that the car is in good working order at all its components, it is important to send your own “horse” for periodic diagnostics to identify problems. Then, the functionality of the devices, including the lambda probe, will be preserved.

How to independently check the lambda probe for serviceability

Only qualified diagnostics can give a reliable result about the cause of the breakdown. However, it is possible to understand that the sensor is faulty on your own. For this:

Study the manual. The attached instructions for the device contain the parameters of the oxygen sensor. It is important to focus on them.

• Having opened and inspected the engine compartment, they find a probe. External contamination in the form of soot and/or light deposits will indicate lead deposits and abnormal operation of the fuel system. In this case, the device is completely changed and other components of the car are diagnosed, since getting dirt and heavy metal on them does not bode well.
• If the tip is clean, continue checking. To do this, the sensor is disconnected and connected to a voltmeter. The car is started, increasing the speed to 2500/min and reducing it to 200. The readings of the working sensor vary in the range of 0.8–0.9 W. No response or lower values ​​indicate a malfunction.

You can also check the probe using a lean mixture, causing a leak in the vacuum tube. In this case, the voltmeter readings with a working device are low - up to 0.2 W and below.

The dynamic readings of a 0.5 W sensor connected to the fuel supply system in parallel with a voltmeter indicate the serviceability of the device. Other values ​​will indicate a malfunction.

Do-it-yourself oxygen sensor trick

By not allowing regular technical inspection to be delayed - in particular, for the lambda sensor it occurs every 30 thousand km - the car owner ensures uninterrupted operation of the device. After 100 thousand km, he needs complete replacement.

If everything is in order with a conscientious attitude towards the car, then it will not be possible to control the quality of the fuel. As a result, carbon deposits or lead deposits will cause the light to constantly react Check indicator Engine. So that the car owner does not worry about this, the problem is solved with the help of a decoy.

Types of structures

Depending on financial capabilities, they make bronze spacer parts with their own hands, buy technological electronic options, and arrange for flashing of the entire control unit. Let's describe each method in detail:

Homemade device

The body is a bronze part, characterized by high temperature resistance. The dimensions are strictly coordinated with the sensor to avoid leakage of exhaust vapors. The hole for their exit into the spacer is no more than 3 mm.

The principle of operation of the device is as follows: ceramic chips inside the cylinder, covered with a layer of catalyst, are oxidized under the influence of exhaust gas and oxygen, causing the concentration to decrease, and the sensor takes the value as normal. The option is budget-friendly, however, it is unacceptable for cars in the high price category - after all, automation should work for results.

Electronic snag

Specialists in soldering circuits can “bundle” a fake for an oxygen sensor with their own hands. This requires a capacitor or resistor. A car enthusiast whose knowledge is limited cannot use the method - a lack of understanding of the processes threatens to negatively affect the entire control unit. To resolve the issue, a ready-made design is purchased. The operating principle of an emulator with a microprocessor is as follows:

• The microcircuit estimates the gas concentration and analyzes the signal from the first sensor.
• After this, it generates a pulse corresponding to the signal from the second.
• As a result, average readings are obtained that do not affect the normal operation of the control unit, since the input value is always less than the critical value.

Flashing

It is possible to deceive the oxygen lambda sensor by radically reflashing the control unit. The bottom line is that there is no response to a signal after the catalyst - the sensor responds only to the state of the unit installed in front of the catalyst, that is, where exhaust vapors are absent or present in small quantities that do not affect the result of the analysis.

Attention! Warranty services will refuse to perform the work, since this is contrary to normal car maintenance - any unit must work and respond to emergency situations.

This is especially true for new cars. Therefore, the firmware is purchased independently - in no case via the Internet - or installed from home-grown craftsmen. Otherwise, damage caused to the car in the future should not cause confusion to the owner of the car.

Video review of decoys

Determining the malfunction of the lambda probe video

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Today, the quality of domestic gasoline leaves much to be desired. All those impurities that are very often added lead to a number of breakdowns and violations. And one of the main breakdowns is a malfunction of the lambda probe or catalyst. And replacing a catalyst costs car enthusiasts a tidy sum, which leads to them often knocking out the ceramic catalyst themselves. But this leads to another problem - a Check Engine signal appears on the dashboard, which indicates the absence of a catalyst. This light irritates many people and even distracts the attention of drivers, which can lead to disastrous results.

But very often, car enthusiasts themselves make mistakes that lead to sensor failure. Here is an example of the most common:

1. Using fuel of a grade that does not match the engine;

2. When attaching sensors, use sealants that contain silicone; or those that reduce their plasticity at room temperature;

3. Multiple unsuccessful engine starts in a short period of time;

Interesting to know! On professional SUVs, the exhaust pipe is brought up not for the sake of beauty, but for practical purposes. After all, if the exhaust points upward, then the car passes through mud or a deep ford without drawing moisture into the pipe.

If we take cars that meet the EURO-4 environmental standard, then they have two lambda probes (hereinafter referred to as the sensor): the first is located in front of, and the second behind the catalyst. And, as a rule, it is the second sensor that most often fails. The signals received from these sensors must be different. But if the car owner has removed the catalyst or replaced it with a flame arrester, or, more likely, one of the sensors requires replacement, then the signals received from these two sensors will begin to coincide, which will lead to emergency mode. And this, in turn, leads to the controller choosing average parameters for injection. That is, fuel consumption increases, and at the same time the engine power decreases, instability appears in its idle operation. Well, the Check Engine lights up on the dashboard.

This is interesting! In one American city, a competition was recently held, according to the rules of which participants had to identify a brand sports car by sound. "Easily!" – you say? What about with your eyes closed? In total, about 150 cars took part in the competition, and the leaders of the identification were the sounds of Ferrari and Subaru!

If the car is older, then, as a rule, only one sensor is installed. It is located in front of the catalyst. This is interesting: the very first oxygen sensor there was a part that was a very sensitive element that was not equipped with a heater. It was heated by exhaust gases, and therefore this process took time.

One solution to this problem is to fake a lambda probe, which you can do yourself, and it will cost less than buying a new sensor. There are three types of lambda probe decoy:

mechanical

Electronic

Flashing

Mechanical type of blende

If you choose a mechanical type of blende, then instead of the catalyst, a so-called “spacer” is installed, or, as it is also called, a bushing. Place it between the exhaust pipe and the sensor. The size of this part, as you can see in the drawing of the lambda probe blende, is strictly defined, and it is made of bronze or heat-resistant steel.

A small hole with a diameter of 2 mm is drilled in the spacer, through which exhaust gases will enter the spacer. Ceramic chips are placed inside the spacer, which are pre-coated with a catalytic layer. As a result of the interaction of exhaust gases with ceramic crumbs, oxidation occurs, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of harmful substances at the outlet. This will cause the data from both sensors to be different, and the control unit will take this as normal operation of the catalyst.

In order to install the spacer yourself, you need to perform a few simple steps. You need to drive the car into a pit/overpass and disconnect the negative terminal. Then we find the sensor and unscrew it. Next, connect the negative terminal and start the engine. If after this the electronic control unit generates an error, we repeat the procedure again. This version of the blende is the most economical.

This type of decoy is perfect for all cars: both domestic and imported. This is interesting: according to research by the British insurance company Churchill, a direct-flow muffler increases a car’s power by an average of 5%, but at the same time worsens the driver’s hearing over a year of intensive use of the car by 2-3%.

Electronic type of blende

Making an electronic type decoy is much more difficult. The most advanced car enthusiasts independently solder the circuit and make a blende using one resistor or one capacitor. For the simplest electronic decoy you will need:

- capacitor (non-polar) K10-17B imp., capacity 1 µF Y5V, +/-20%, 1206 (Item number: 759300515)

Resistor (resistance) C1-4imp. 0.25 W, 5% 1 Mohm (Part number: 51741)

Soldering iron

Solder, rosin, insulating tape

The electronic snag is installed on the wires that go from the sensor to the connector. On some cars, the connector is located in the tunnel between the driver and passenger seats. It can also be located both in the engine compartment and under the dashboard. This is what the connection diagram looks like.

Most often people ask the question: “Where should I put the capacitor?” If you look from the connector, then the capacitor comes first, and then the resistor.

Important! Be sure to disconnect the negative terminal before starting work. When all connections are connected, they need to be properly insulated. The most successful way would be to place the entire circuit in a plastic box and fill it with epoxy glue.

It is best to make the connection in the place of the wire where the corrugation is easily detached, and then cover the insulation with it. Special devices with a microprocessor - emulators - are also sold.

Important! A lambda probe emulator is not a scam. It ensures the correct operation of the control unit, and does not simply deceive it. The microprocessor installed in the emulator evaluates the exhaust gases and also analyzes the situation with processing the signal from the first sensor. And then it generates a signal that corresponds to the signal from the second working sensor.

Flashing

In addition to decoys, there is also flashing of the control unit. Reflashing means that after it the control unit stops taking into account the signal from the sensor installed behind the catalyst. In its work, it relies only on the signal from the sensor installed in front of the catalyst.

It should be taken into account that it is almost impossible to find factory firmware, since they do not comply with current European environmental standards. Alternatively, you can contact a well-known specialist who, with the help of some changes in the program, will disable the control unit from receiving signals from the second sensor, resulting in a fake catalyst.

You can also order/buy firmware via the Internet or on the market, but then all responsibility falls on your shoulders, because you are actually buying a “pig in a poke,” since poor-quality firmware can lead to serious damage to the engine.