Hi everyone,

I’m planning to do some maintenance on my 2008 Skoda Fabia 1.2 44kW (gasoline), and I have a question: How many oxygen sensors (lambda sensors) does this model have?

Occasionally, the check engine light flashes on and off, and I believe it might be related to a dirty oxygen sensor. I’m considering cleaning it to see if it resolves the issue. If anyone knows, it would be great if you could also share information about the number of sensors and their locations.

Thanks in advance! 😊

Edited 3 December, 20241 yr by BlueJays

Two; one in the top of the exhaust manifold, one in the front exhaust section close to where it attaches to the bottom of the catalytic converter (which is welded to underside of exhaust manifold).

Not really maintenance items though; is there a problem you are trying to solve?

Edited 3 December, 20241 yr by Breezy_Pete

6 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Two; one in the top of the exhaust manifold, one in the front exhaust section close to where it attaches to the bottom of the catalytic converter (which is welded to underside of exhaust manifold).

Not really maintenance items though; is there a problem you are trying to solve?

 

Thank you for the detailed explanation, @Breezy_Pete

Yes, I’ve been experiencing an issue where the check engine light flashes intermittently. When I checked with an OBD device, it indicated an oxygen sensor fault. The reason I'm considering cleaning the sensors is that the check engine light comes on for a few days, then turns off for about a week, and then comes back on again. This pattern makes me think the issue could be related to a dirty sensor rather than a completely faulty one.

Would you recommend cleaning the sensors, or do you think replacing them directly would be a better solution? Any advice would be appreciated!

44 minutes ago, BlueJays said:

When I checked with an OBD device, it indicated an oxygen sensor fault

What fault code was presented?

I would expect the fault code to indicate which sensor was involved, in English the fault descriptions would include 'bank 1 sensor 1' for the upstream one, and 'bank 1 sensor 2' for the downstream one.

I don't know if cleaning can be any use: I guess it depends whether the small holes in the outer 'box' around the sensor element are blocked. 

 

Fault codes for lambda sensors also can be caused by problems elsewhere in the engine, or the air pipework, instead of being problems with the sensors themselves.

 

 

 

On 03/12/2024 at 14:25, Breezy_Pete said:

What fault code was presented?

I would expect the fault code to indicate which sensor was involved, in English the fault descriptions would include 'bank 1 sensor 1' for the upstream one, and 'bank 1 sensor 2' for the downstream one.

I don't know if cleaning can be any use: I guess it depends whether the small holes in the outer 'box' around the sensor element are blocked. 

 

Fault codes for lambda sensors also can be caused by problems elsewhere in the engine, or the air pipework, instead of being problems with the sensors themselves.

 

 

 

 

I have attached the error screen of the OBD device. O2 sensor error with fault code P0135

 

Edited 4 December, 20241 yr by BlueJays

I want to solve this problem myself, but I don't know which sensor on the car I should look at and in what exact location for this error code.

As Breezy_Pete says, 'bank 1 sensor 1' for the upstream one. The one nearest the engine.

59 minutes ago, Jocko said:

As Breezy_Pete says, 'bank 1 sensor 1' for the upstream one. The one nearest the engine.

 

So should I replace the sensor completely or should I try removing it and cleaning it?

See if the wiring looks OK first. The fault code is for the heater part of the sensor,  which cleaning will not help.

 

5 minutes ago, Breezy_Pete said:

See if the wiring looks OK first. The fault code is for the heater part of the sensor,  which cleaning will not help.

 

 

Thank you for info. Does a faulty cable mean the entire sensor and its cables need to be replaced together?

Look at the car instead of the internet until you've found the sensor and examined the cable, and the inline connection where it meets the engine bay loom.

Until you've looked for any possible wiring damage, it's not really possible to know what may be required.

 

13 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

Look at the car instead of the internet until you've found the sensor and examined the cable, and the inline connection where it meets the engine bay loom.

Until you've looked for any possible wiring damage, it's not really possible to know what may be required.

 

 

Hello, I just had the chance to remove the oxygen sensor. Upon inspection, there doesn't seem to be any issue with the wires. I've attached the pictures as well. The head of the oxygen sensor was dusty.

 

Well done.

Any sign of damage to the wires coming out of the other connector, the one that you unplugged it from?

@Breezy_Pete No, there didn’t seem to be any visible issue. I just noticed that it felt a bit damp.
In the new photo I shared, two clamps are holding the cable tightly at the marked section. I couldn’t understand why they are there.

 

Edited 5 December, 20241 yr by BlueJays

On 05/12/2024 at 08:48, Breezy_Pete said:

Look at the car instead of the internet until you've found the sensor and examined the cable, and the inline connection where it meets the engine bay loom.

Until you've looked for any possible wiring damage, it's not really possible to know what may be required.

 

 

Hello again,
I had removed and cleaned the sensor, but unfortunately, the warning light came on again today. So, I’m considering buying and installing a new oxygen sensor. My question is: can I do this on my own? When I look at the product images, I notice the cables and socket assembly. Do I need to assemble these myself?
Thank you for your guidance.

Buy one with the correct connector already on it.

Part number to match is probably stamped on the existing one.