Lambda emissions and cutting out

NothingMan

Hi guys,

Would appreciate any advice anyone may have.

Our car failed the NCT on high lambda emissions. The NCT mechanic said it was most likely due to a small leak in the exhaust were it was 'repaired' recently. Although the cat was broke he said this was unlikely to be causing the lambda emissions.

We got the leak fixed under warranty but the emissions were basically the same. 1.06-1.07.

We just got the cat changed and the mechanic checked the lambda. It was down to 1.02, which is just within limits but he did say that he took a few readings and it wasn't always within range. He reckoned that the engine seals may be loose? Aparently a labour intense job so could cost us a lot.

Anyone any ideas on keeping the Lambda emissions down, if even just to get it through the final retest? Would dipotane help at all?

Beside this NCT issue a much worse problem is really affecting us. When you first turn the car on it will cut out unless you keep the revs up and if you keep the clutch in for more than a few seconds it can cut out again. Once the car is warmed up it seems to be less severe but almost everytime I reverse the car it cuts out again.

I've read a few threads here that mentioned Lambda and low idle? Are they related? Is there any magic fix that might help us?

Thanks in advance,

NM.

NothingMan

Anybody? Please help.

NothingMan

Shameless bump.

kasper

dont know howto fix you car ,but some more details might help ,make ,model year engine and mileage

zilog_jones

If lambda is high and the other readings are OK then an exhaust or manifold leak is likely. But you're saying readings are now sporadic and the car is having problems idling - that sounds a bit more complicated.

("lambda" is not an emission, it is the oxygen-fuel ratio measured by a lambda sensor)

AzureAuto

More informatio would be needed to help a diagnosis as listed above. Often an excess/blockage of air through engine past whichever metering device is fitted(i.e. air mass meter/ manifold actual pressure sensor will cause variations in exhaust o2 levels. Check vacuum pipes/hoses for leaks, and air filter and inlet tract for blockages/closed pipes.
A diagnostic plug in can aid problem solving also.

flanzer

VAG by any chance?

NothingMan

flanzer wrote: »

VAG by any chance?

VAG?

There was a leak in the exhaust but it's been fixed. Not so much worried about the Lambda as I am the cutting out.

flanzer

Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda/Seat? I'd a Golf a number of years back with the same issue. Seemed common enough from what I remember... Faulty Lambda sensor that is

NothingMan

flanzer wrote: »

Volkswagen/Audi/Skoda/Seat? I'd a Golf a number of years back with the same issue. Seemed common enough from what I remember... Faulty Lambda sensor that is

Yep it's a Golf, how did they get a name as a reliable car. A guy in work has had a lot of issues with his too.