The lambda probe is an important part of a car engine. This device is part of the car's emission control system and is about the size of a spark plug. Also, test the oxygen levels in the exhaust stream. A dirty lambda probe can cause the "check engine" light to come on and can also cause the car to use more gas. If you suspect that your vehicle's lambda probe may be dirty, you should remove it from its frame and soak it in gasoline overnight to clean it.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Locate the lambda probe
Step 1. Protect your hands and eyes
Because you have to deal with gasoline and various auto parts, it is important that you protect yourself from potential damage. Before lifting the car and locating the probe, you should put on a sturdy pair of gloves to protect your hands. You should also wear safety glasses in case WD-40 lubricant or gasoline splashes near your eyes.
You can find both gloves and safety glasses at a local hardware store or department store (like WalMart)
Step 2. Use a hydraulic jack to raise the vehicle
To remove the lambda probe, you must have access to the underside of the car. Make sure the vehicle is level and "parked." In addition, the parking brake must be activated before proceeding to raise it. Place the jack under a part of the chassis (plus an axle on the side of the chassis) and raise the vehicle.
You can find a hydraulic jack at any auto parts store. You should check with the sales staff and let them know the type and size of car you have so they can recommend a suitable jack
Step 3. Identify the lambda probes
Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, it may have more than one probe. You should consult your owner's manual to determine the exact location of the probes. All vehicles have at least two lambda probes, one in front of the catalytic converter and one in the car's exhaust manifold. If the vehicle has more than one exhaust manifold, there is likely a probe inside each one.
The lambda probe looks like a spark plug and is about 2 inches (5 cm) long. One end is hexagonal shaped (which can fit a wrench) and the other end is threaded so you can screw it into the car
Part 2 of 3: Remove the lambda probe
Step 1. Spray the probes with a WD-40 lubricant
Because car lambda probes are rarely removed, they are likely firmly stuck in place. To loosen them, you should spray them with a WD-40 lubricant and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. The lubricant will loosen them for easy removal.
If you don't have a can of lube at home, you can find one at your local hardware or auto parts store
Step 2. Fill a bucket or industrial container with gasoline
While you wait for the threaded ends of the probe to lubricate, you can begin the next step in the process. Fill a large bucket (or industrial plastic container) with gasoline and place it near the vehicle. Once you've removed the probes from the car, you need to dip them into the gasoline to clean them.
- Make sure the bucket or container you choose can safely hold gasoline, as not all containers are resistant to this substance.
- If you are purchasing the bucket or container from a hardware store, you should ask the sales staff to recommend an airtight, gasoline-resistant plastic container.
Step 3. Unscrew the probes to remove them from their frame
You must use a strong wrench to carry out this procedure. At this point, each of the probes should be well lubricated and loosened. Take a wrench to unscrew them. As you remove the probes from the vehicle, they should not be placed on the ground or allowed to get dirty. Place the probes in a clean place (such as a plastic container) or on a clean, flat surface inside the vehicle.
- If you are not sure what size wrench to use, you can easily determine this by trying to fit a medium size wrench over the head of the lambda probe. If the first key you try doesn't fit, you should try a smaller or larger one as needed.
- Alternatively, you can use a wrench with an adjustable opening size.
Part 3 of 3: Clean the lambda probe
Step 1. Immerse the probes in a container of gasoline
Once you have removed the lambda probes from the vehicle, you should submerge them in a bucket or industrial container filled with gasoline. Over time, the gasoline will clean the probes, so make sure that they are completely submerged and that the gasoline does not splash out of the container or get onto your hands.
Never smoke or light a candle or open flame while working around gasoline
Step 2. Cover the bucket with a lid
Due to the flammable nature of gasoline, it is important that you cover the bucket or industrial container. In this way, you will prevent gasoline from catching fire and wandering animals from accessing it. If your industrial container comes with a lid, you can use it to cover the gasoline. Make sure to seal the lid tightly.
If you soak the probes in a bucket or container that doesn't have its own lid, you should find something to cover the opening. You can find a suitable-size lid for your pots and pans in the kitchen, or simply place a piece of plywood or a large book over the opening of the bucket
Step 3. Let the probes soak overnight
Gasoline will not immediately clean the lambda probes, so let them soak for at least 8 hours. At some point while the probes are submerged in gasoline, you must lift the container and shake it several times. This will ensure that all parts of the probes are cleaned with the gasoline.
Step 4. Remove and dry the probes
Once the probes have sat overnight, you should reach into the bucket or gas container to remove them. You should take into account their appearance, since they should be much cleaner than when you first submerged them. Then use a clean cotton cloth to remove the gasoline from the probes and dry them completely.
- You can wear a pair of thick rubber gloves to avoid staining your hands while removing the lambda probes from the gasoline.
- You can also put on a pair of gloves similar to the ones you use to wash dishes.
Step 5. Reinstall the lambda probes in the vehicle
Once the probes have dried, use the wrench to insert them back into the exhaust manifold and the other locations from which you originally removed them. Then, you must fix them in place.
- To complete this process, you must use the hydraulic jack to slowly and carefully lower the car.
- Start the vehicle and see if the "check engine" light is still on (although it has most likely turned off). At this point, you should notice that the clean probes cause the car to consume considerably less gas.