Patent ID: 6092413
Filing Date: 2000-07-25
Classification: F02D

Abstract:
Method of checking for proper lambda sensor connection in an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder group, each of said at least one cylinder group being connected to a separate exhaust line which includes an exhaust catalytic converter and at least one lambda sensor arranged in said exhaust line, with a lambda-regulating unit connected to an engine control unit and to said at least one lambda sensor, said method comprising:at the beginning of a preset delay time that includes at least a response time of the at least one lambda sensor, the engine control unit causing operation of a lambda-regulating unit of a first cylinder group to be changed toward richer or leaner engine operation relative to its current regulating state, or causing a regulating function of said lambda regulating unit of said first cylinder group to be suspended during such delay, by changing operation of an integrator stage of said lambda-regulating unit of said first cylinder group, or by holding operation of said integrator stage in one of two ranges thereof, integrating in the direction of rich or lean engine operation, during the delay; andtesting an output signal of said at least one lambda sensor of the first cylinder group no later than an end of the delay, to determine whether it shows a reaction associated with the change or suspension of lambda regulation, indicating correct connection of the at least one lambda sensor to the first cylinder group.