Technical Replacement lambda sensor query '02 1.2 Punto Active

[8A1L3Y]

Hi Guys,

I was given a quote of £120 or so, to supply and fit a newlambda sensor on my Mk2 ’02 1.2 Active Punto and just wondered if this was a reasonablygood price for such a job? Had I not spent shedloads fixing other absolutely necessarybits and pieces on the car over the last year or two, I probably would havejust got it booked in and out of the way, but if the car’s on its last legs,that hundred quid could probably be put to better use, so thought I’d get some advice.

I couldn’t find the exact thread, but I do remember readingon here a little while back that a genuine replacement sensor can be bought andDIY fitted for a lot less than that, so just wanted to get some opinions onthat too if possible.

If 120 is about the standard rate though, then I’d be more thanhappy to go with that, as I’d in all honesty do more harm than good whentackling something I hadn’t taken the time to research/watched being donebefore. :bang:

In any case, I’ve got the car provisionally booked in forthe early part of next week, and would ideally like to get it back up andrunning before month end, as it’s just been sat for a few weeks now.

Thanks for taking the time to read this guys, muchappreciated!

 

[a1ant]

Hi mate,

It depends if they are going to be using a Genuine lambda (or oem spec) or a cheap one. I would advise against the cheap ones.

RRP on an OEM lambda is around £80 (shop 4 parts has them for £68). So that would be £40 ish labour.

Its not a difficult job to change a lambda sensor provided it has not seized. If you really dont want to have a go yourself, then £120 isnt THAT expensive providing they are using genuine sensor. You could always ring a few local garages and ask them how much they would charge. Labour rates will also vary depending on where in the country you are and what type of garage it is.. ie main dealer, small independent etc

You could always have a quick go at undoing the lamdda (provided you know which one is the faulty one). If you can undo it, then id say have a go yourself

Alan

 

[fingers99]

Does seem OTT.

There are two (both are identical) on most Puntos. So make sure you replace the right one!

Sometimes they are in very tight (special sockets -- basically 6 sided ones with a slot for the wire to pass through) are available.

Eurocarcare.net or Shop4Parts for genuine ones at good prices.

 

[s and b]

a good 22mm open ended spanner with a ring spanner piggy backed on the end removes most lambdas
i have one of those slit down the side special sockets but to be honest if the lambda puts up a fight then i stop because i can see the thing splitting and taking my thumb with it
of course if your lambda is goosed just cut the wire off and get a good ring spanner on it with a bit of scaffold pipe

to the poster ,i think the price quoted is too high unless its a very large plc type garage,how are they sure its the lambda anyway because lots of places love to play parts darts with customers monies
i suggest find nice independant garage that would fit a proper lambda and labour included for less than your quote im sure to get business of you in future
dont source your own lambda though because theres lots of tat out there look for ngk if possible

 

[Ziggy122]

Since i've had my lambda's out - i could honestly do a change in 15mins start to finish on the post cat

I used a 22mm i think it was with no issues, but i did heat the Cat threaded area up with a blowtorch, trying to avoid the sensor so the sensor should come out easier

Heat is your friend, a decent fit, a good palm shock via spanner/socket it SHOULD come out, but its rusted in solid - that £120 is a bargain price, as they then actually get it out, retap the hole or have to add a new socket place in

ziggy

 

[fingers99]

S
Heat is your friend, a decent fit, a good palm shock via spanner/socket it SHOULD come out, but its rusted in solid - that £120 is a bargain price, as they then actually get it out, retap the hole or have to add a new socket place in

Well, 20 minutes work with a carbide burr on a die grinder and a MIG welder, and a £8 for what's often sold as a "bung" but is actually a weld on threaded sleeve. In the States they're less than a dollar apiece (if you buy 10).

 

[jonyid]

I need to have this done as well as my reading says that both are failed. Why shouldn't i got for a cheaper after market one?

 

[8A1L3Y]

Cheers for all your quick replies guys! Very much appreciated!

You've provided a ton of really helpful info and pointers that I wouldn't have even thought of!

So providing it doesn't chuck it down tomorrow, I might have a go at seeing how easy/difficult trying to undo the lambda sensors proves.

The garage I had it provisionally booked into is a local independent one that I've been using for a few years, near to where I live in Luton. So I'd probably have to give him a ring Monday morning and find out if the price quoted was based on him using a genuine or oem replacement.

Only other niggling issue is which sensor would need replacing (and that's where taking it to get done by someone who actually knows what they're doing, appeals to me). I wouldn't want to replace one myself only to find out it was the one that was working fine! :bang:
Not sure if there'd be anything in FiatECUscan that'd point me in the right direction on this point?

Thanks again guys.

 

[fingers99]

Any decent -- well, half way decent -- code reader should identify which one. MES/FES will do it standing on its head, reciting the bible backwards.

As they're identical on the 1.2s, as long as you don't bin one you'll be OK in the end.

Cheap aftermarket ones will tend to not last for long or not work out of the (white) box.