Re: [bmw] Difference between EGO sensor and Lambda Sound

[mkohlbrenner@xxxxxxxxxxx]

"jorge bela" <jbela@domain.elided> wrote:

> I got the dreaded "check engine" light on and the code
> returned is 1221: EGO sensor. What is the difference
> between this sensor and the Lambda Sound? Which of the
> two is "the" oxygen sensor?

"EGO" is simply a fancy technical name for the oxygen
sensor and stands for "Exhaust Gas Oxygen".  "Lambda"
simply refers to the voltage measurement that these
sensors provide.  They are different names for the
same thing.

> Can I damage the cat converter if driving the car with
> this problem for about two weeks?

The real purpose of the EGO sensor is to keep the Air/Fuel
mixture where it belongs to ensure maximum effectiveness
and life of your catalytic converter.  Now that this error
has been set, your computer will likely be running the
engine on the rich side, since that is safer for your
engine than lean.  It is, however, not as good for your
cat.

I have no clue how damaging this will be for a couple of
weeks, unfortunately.  Perhaps others will offer more
direct experience in this area.

Regards,
Mike Kohlbrenner
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