Lambda question

[Deluded]

Maybe a stupid question but I know I will get an answer asking here rather than trawling owners forums and google to probably not find what i'm looking for...

My current car (mk1 Fiat Punto Sporting) has intermittent hesitation problems and a rough idle since I purchased it a few weeks ago (conveniently not noticeable on the test drive...). When I disconnect the lambda sensor, these issues magically go away.

Would this indicate to you knowledgeable car folk that the lambda is fookered?

Cheers!

[StuartGGray]

Best thing to do is plug a diagnostic machine into the OBDII port in the car. You can buy your own for peanuts these days.
What made you think to unplug the o2 sensor?

[Deluded]

I unplugged it because I know the ECU defaults to a factory map rather than reading live from the sensor when it is disconnected. The theory was that it it still ran like crap when disconnected, the sensor probably wasn't at fault. The fact it runs better says in my mind that the sensor must be buggered.

No idea if my theory is correct or not though.

MK1 Punto doesnt have an OBDII port. You can read the codes from the ECU but its not as easy as buying a cable and some dodgy software off ebay.

[ollie854]

I know the cinquecento/seicento sportings(sp?) used to have problems with the lambda sensors making them hold back etc so it might be worth replacing it.