
Connecting the LM-1 to simulate a narrow band oxygen
sensor
Note: This is from section 11 of the LM-1
Manual
It is possible to install the wide-band sensor in place of the
OEM oxygen sensor. In this case the meter's analog output signal
will replace the OEM oxygen sensor's signal to the fuel injection
computer. EFI equipped cars typically incorporate a narrow band
oxygen sensor. These sensors are typically 1, 2, 3 or 4 wire
sensors.
The analog output connector of the LM-1 can simulate the operation
of a narrow band sensor while the wide-band oxygen sensor is
installed in place of the OEM narrow-band sensor. Factory equipped
Analog output 1 of the LM-1 is programmed to simulate a narrow
band sensor. Some vehicles are equipped with oxygen sensors that
do not produce an output voltage but change their resistance
depending on exhaust gas content. These sensors cannot be simulated.
They are used in less than 1% of all vehicles. Refer to your
vehicles specifications if you think that your vehicle may be
in this category. The same is true for vehicles already factory
equipped with a wide-band oxygen sensor. These cannot be simulated
either.
Some EFI-computers will create a fault when the heater power
wires of the oxygen sensor are disconnected. In this case mount
the old oxygen sensor in a safe place (but not necessarily in
the exhaust) and connect the heater wires to it to keep the EFI-computer
happy.
Be careful where you mount the stock sensor, as heated sensors
will get hot.
To connect the LM-1 to the EFI-computer, first determine what
kind of narrow band sensor is used, then follow the instructions
below (you will need a digital multimeter to determine correct
OEM sensor wires):
a. Vehicle has a 1-wire sensor:
Wire analog output 1 directly to the wire.
b. Vehicle has a 2-wire sensor:
While the engine is off determine which of the 2 wires has a
low resistance between the wire and the sensor body. This is
the heater power for the sensor. Wire analog output 1 directly
to the other wire. Leave the heater power wire unconnected
but make sure it cannot ground itself or see above.
c. Vehicle has a 3-wire sensor:
Typically the 3 wires are: heater power, Ground, and sensor element
connection.
Generally they have 1 black wire and 2 white wires. Connect the
black wire from the EFI computer to analog output 1 of the meter.
Leave the other wires unconnected but make sure they cannot contact
any metal parts or see above. If the wiring colors are different,
then heater power can simply be determined by measuring the voltage
on the wires when the engine is running. The wire showing 12V
or more is the heater power. The sensor element connection voltage
fluctuates around 0.45V when the car is warmed up. Wire analog
output 1 directly to this wire. The Ground connection has low
resistance to chassis ground (less than 1 Ohm). Measure while
the engine is off.
d. Vehicle has a 4-wire sensor
Typically the 4 wires are: heater power, heater ground, sensor
ground, and sensor element connection. Proceed as for the 3-wire
sensor.
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