Lambda sensor replacement in a QP V

[mowlas]

Wondered if this is something that can be done by an ignorant but diligent amateur (i.e. me)? If so, what equipment and any advice on how to do it?

I understand the parts for a 2007 Sport GT Auto are items 8 and 9 in the pic below corresponding to the following Maserati and Bosch numbers and Amazon prices:

8 - Maserati part number 182837 - FRONT LAMBDA FEELER (Bosch part number 17001 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-1700...i/dp/B001D0EWEG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DPVWF4PGPHFM)
9 - Maserati part number 180915 - REAR LAMBDA FEELER (Bosch part number 16196 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-16196-Oxygen-Sensor/dp/B001D0ET8K?th=1)

The prices in Amazon appear to be considerably cheaper than even Eurospares!

 

[Zep]

It’s not tricky, just a pain. Get a proper lambda socket and a long bar. And a lift of some sort as doing it on your back will be difficult.

Hilka Pro-Craft Oxygen Sensor Wrench - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For quick removal or replacement of Oxygen Sensors. Offset drive with wire gate accesses sensor from the side, preventing damage to wire harnesses. Suitable for heated and unheated oxygen sensors. Star shaped socket for accessibility fits standard wrench. FREE next...

www.screwfix.com

 

[mowlas]

Thank you Zep!

 

[Hurricane52]

It’s not tricky, just a pain. Get a proper lambda socket and a long bar. And a lift of some sort as doing it on your back will be tricky.

Hilka Pro-Craft Oxygen Sensor Wrench - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. For quick removal or replacement of Oxygen Sensors. Offset drive with wire gate accesses sensor from the side, preventing damage to wire harnesses. Suitable for heated and unheated oxygen sensors. Star shaped socket for accessibility fits standard wrench. FREE next...

www.screwfix.com

My old man has been moaning today because his 4K miles Abarth 595 has gone in for new Lambdas. If I’d had known I could have hopped on Amazon and bought him some and a new tool - just the job for his 83rd birthday next month.

Why do they fail so often? Is it pot luck or the way the car is used?

 

[mowlas]

As I understand the Lambdas should last a long time (50K-100K miles)- way, way longer than 4K miles. That doesn't sound right at all.

https://www.fixter.co.uk/blog/what-does-a-lambda-sensor-do/

 

[Hurricane52]

As I understand the Lambdas should last a long time (50K-100K miles)- way, way longer than 4K miles. That doesn't sound right at all.

https://www.fixter.co.uk/blog/what-does-a-lambda-sensor-do/

I hope you’re right and to be fair, he has a habit of making a nuisance of himself, so they might be getting their own back.

Think Mario replaced two or even four on our QP last year (mid 30k miles).

 

[mowlas]

To be fair, my knowledge of these things is limited and theoretical but I've read that shortened Lambda sensor life seems to be caused by problems upstream e.g. anomalies in the engine or contamination from fuel additives, burnt oil or even antifreeze that has leaked. It might be that the garage needs to identify the root cause before replacing the lambdas after such a sort period.

 

[Zep]

The Bosch data sheets for the sensors suggest a life of 150k miles, which will be based on the MTBF for the part (Mean Time Between Failure). Maserati say 8 years so around 80k miles if you do the miles.

Like most things, they can fail prematurely in some instances, so hard to say if they really are broken. But you’d have to be pretty unlucky to kill one at 4k miles unless something else is also wrong.

 

[Ebenezer]

I thought Lambdas were a 4 year service item which most people don't bother with. I know mine were replaced after 8 apparently they were a pig to remove by then!
Eb

 

[conaero]

Half that and 75k miles / 12 years and you will get improved fuelling and this performance.

on a ramp east, on jacks on your back, difficult. A garage would charge you an hour to change them, it’s not worth the pain.

 

[conaero]

I thought Lambdas were a 4 year service item which most people don't bother with. I know mine were replaced after 8 apparently they were a pig to remove by then!
Eb

They are….as quoted by Maserati which is ridiculous.

Nobody ever does them.

 

[mowlas]

Half that and 75k miles / 12 years and you will get improved fuelling and this performance.

on a ramp east, on jacks on your back, difficult. A garage would charge you an hour to change them, it’s not worth the pain.

Thanks Matt - I am veering that way. I think I'll buy them (£300 total for all four - Amazon prices look really good) and will let the garage do them.