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MG MGF Technical - Lambda sensor

Hi guys,
A bit of advise needed as I'm receiving conflicting pieces of information. I have a '96 F 1.8i with the single Lambda sensor. At present I have a Blueflame exhaust fitted with the de-cat box fitted. This has a hole for the sensor to sit in and do it's job. I have just bought a striaght through de cat pipe and want to know if I don't have the sensor fitted, will the car run OK. I have been advised that the car may go into 'safe mode' others have told me that it won't and that it will run perfectly OK without the sensor. Is there any way of over riding the sensor (I know it will have to go back on with the CAT for it's MOT) It would be great if someone on here has done the same with a '96 F.
Cheers in advance for any advise given even though it may confuse me even more.:-)
Sallie

As a 96 F you only need one Lambda (the one in the exhaust manifold) any other holes which have been provided in aftermarket exhausts (for MKII cars) can merely be bunged up, although it may be easier to screw in an old lambda sensor for this purpose.

Tim
tim woolcott

..or even an old sparkplug = same thread as the lambda ! / Carl.
Carl

The sensor failed on my 2000 vvc. The only time we knew was when it failed the MOT emissions test. It did no harm to anything during this time.
Stuart Elliot

Thanks for the replies
Tim and Carl, The query is that the de CAT pipe I've bought doesn't have a hole for the sensor and so I needed to know if the car would run OK without the sensor in the exhaust.
Stuart, Thanks. I have also been told that it shouldn't make any difference to run the car without the sensor so am going to fit it tomorrow. Will just tie the sensor up until MOT time when we pop the CAT back on. Will also have to cover the light on the dash up as that will be on all the time. Only time will tell if it makes a difference.
Cheers
Sallie

My sensor is tied up to the ECU mounting bracket - with no effect to the performance - no red light on the dash - and no failed MOT.
Hope your's goes as smoothly.
G
g hampson

Sallie, your '96 F shouldn't have a 2nd lambda. MK1 F's only have 1 lambda probe (in the exhaust manifold)
Isn't your F a Jap import, by chance ?
This would explain this "after cat" sensor and light in the dash...
Fabrice

I've got a 97vvc and just fitted a Blueflame and straight through de-cat, no sensor on the cat that I took off, the Blueflame de-cat (not used) did have the thread for a sensor so it seems that it must be a universal fit.

As far as I know Fabrice is correct a 96f should only have the one lambada, my 97 cetainly only has one.
arron

Hi Arron,
Do you mean you have a spare "elbow" (with threaded hole) ?
Would you be interrested in selling this part ?
Regards,
Fabrice
Fabrice

Hi Fabrice

Yes, still got the original de-cat that came with the Blueflame which has got a threaded hole in it (however this has been welded up on the section that is inside the exhaust), was going to keep it though as I have a straight de-cat on at the moment which I love the sound of but think my wife may refuse to get in the car if I keep it on for too long, it is a bit lound!!!

If I do decide it is cluttering up the garage though I'll let you know.

Thanks
Arron
Arron

OK Arron
If you want to join me :
fabrice /dot/ bihay /at/ advalvas /dot/ be

I have an MK1 straight cat bypass lying (from my previous F) and I'd like to fit it on my TF (with std exhaust, just for the sound of it ;o)

cheers,
Fabrice
Fabrice

Sallie,
Why are you fitting a de-cat pipe when you already have the Blue Flame de-cat pipe fitted? Or have I missed summat?
Mike.
M Atkinson

Mike

The de-cat supplied with a Blueflame still restricts it a bit, also the noise with a straight through de-cat is amazing and turns it into a totally different exhaust!!!!

Arron
Arron

Hi guys,
Mike, just as Arron said, the CAT by pass supplied through Blueflame restricts the sound slightly. The straight through pipe has now been fitted and what a difference to the sound. Husband says I should grow up but the smile on my face is telling him 'Never!!'
Fabrice, "yes" my car is a Jap import so does that means it has 2 sensors? I'm afraid I don't scramble under the car so have no idea.
Sal
Sallie

Sallie,

I have a 96 Jap import (VVC). The second sensor is a fusible link, just like a fuse. If the cat overheats the wire melts and a warning light comes on. It does not control anything to do with the running of the engine. I removed my 'sensor' when I had a new exhaust system fitted and I just shorted the wires together to stop the light from showing. There is a two wire connector on the LH side just below the engine grille. You can unplug it there and short out the wires on the socket.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

This thread was discussed between 01/02/2006 and 03/02/2006

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