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DT Masters Of Motion: Type 1 radar ADAS
NGK internal warranty testing department noticed that damages on claimed sensors could be traced back to oil pollution.
This damages are caused by external influences, not caused by NGK/ NTK. Therefore these claims are rejected.
We want to explain the technical background and how to avoid this damages
Leaking engine components, which are connected to the same wiring harness as the Lambda Sensor (e.g. oil pressure sensors) press oil into the wire. This is a stranded wire, which consists of very small, individual stranded cords.
The so-called capillary effect, that describes the characteristic of stranded wires to sucks oil (this effect is known from a wick in an oil lamp or candle) causes the oil to be sucked “into” the wire.
The oil moves along the wire until it reaches the connector at the engine control unit. There it disperses, and among other wires, reaches the wire of the Lambda Sensor(s). It passes along the wire and through the sensor connector and eventually reaches the sensor.
A Lambda Sensor compares the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas with the amount of oxygen in the environment air (so called reference air). This reference air is inside the sensor and reaches it by hidden ventilation holes.
If oil enters the sensor via the connection wires, it penetrates the area of reference air. Due to the fact that the sensor becomes very hot when the engine is running, the oil evaporates. The evaporation gas contains less oxygen then the reference air.
This has the effect that the sensor signal voltage gets lower with rising oil penetration. After a while the signal voltage decreases to zero. The sensor is destroyed!
This can be achieved by a thoroughly visual inspection of the inside of the sensor connector. Even if the connector on a first glance seems to be completely dry, a careful visual inspection (a magnifying glass can help) often shows small oil traces on the electrical pins.
A different method is to use absorbent paper : Touch the inner contact with this paper.
Even the smallest trace of oil is a sign of oil pollution.
Only exchanging the Lambda Sensor is not enough. The source of the oil must be identified and leakage must be stopped. Otherwise, after a short time period, the oil will be sucked through the wires of the new sensor, destroying this as well.
We know about the following sources of oil: Leaking oil pressure sensors, leaking camshaft control valves
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