Potentially embarrassing newbie query re engine multiplugs

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 6:28 pm

Hi all, just acquired a 2.0 8v Coupe, and am just trying to get my head round her. There are a few connections under the bonnet I'm a little unclear about.

Firstly, could anyone tell me where the Lambda sensor is located (I'm presuming exhaust manifold but can't see where) and where the wiring runs back to? The previous owner told me it needed connecting up but I'm working a little blind here.

Secondly, there are two multiplugs situated right next to the distributor (please see centre of pic) that are just poking up in the air, should they be connected to anything? I can't see anything obvious nearby.

Lastly, could anyone tell me where the white cable in the next pic should be connected to? As they've been cut or broken I've no idea where they used to run to.

Any help would be much appreciated, trying to get the car prepped for its MOT and don't want some rubbish emissions problem to fail her.

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:30 pm

Uh oH - Those look suspiciously like the lambda probe plugs. The multiplug should have two wires (white and white and black on my 8v 80). The single spade is a black wire and I think it's an earth.

The lambda should be just in front of the CAT and you can't miss it.

Inexperienced Joined: Feb 04, 2010 Posts: 32

those are the lamda wires the multiplug is the heater and the other is the actual sensor not an earth

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:34 pm

Hi guys,

Thanks for the swift reply. Curiously enough, that's probably good news. At least it's only one sensor under the bonnet that's not connected!

I'll have to get out and get under tomorrow to see if I can connect them all up. Appreciate your help, need to get her street legal as soon as poss so I can start driving her. Just the white cable on the passenger side to suss out now!

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:01 pm

Actually, whilst I have your attention, could I ask if I should have an engine undertray and sound insulation on the underside of the bonnet? The reason I ask is that the cam belt cover is very obviously missing and I'm just wondering what other weight saving techniques may have been applied!!

Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 11:07 pm

You should definitely have an undertray, although they're famous for coming away from their fixings - I have heard of them coming loose during a journey, and my Coupe's undertray was held in place with tie wraps when i got it!

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:08 am

Nowt wrong with tie wraps Smile

Yes you should have an undertray but not necessarily underbonnet sound proofing.

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 5:14 pm

For sure, long live the cable ties lol.

"weight saving techmiques" loving it.

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:13 pm

Only diesel B4's came with under-bonnet soundproofing as standard.

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:43 pm

I've had it on all 4 of my 90's (standard, petrol- 10v & 20v) Wink

I think, though, it maybe part of the 90 spec- they have additional sound deadening inside the cabin as well, if memory serves

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:46 pm

my 20v coupe has deadening on the back of the bonnet too

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 8:50 pm

I've had it on all 4 of my 90's (standard, petrol- 10v & 20v) Wink

I think, though, it maybe part of the 90 spec- they have additional sound deadening inside the cabin as well, if memory serves

Posted: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:38 pm

Thanks for all your input guys, as it happens the only rust on the whole car is around the grille so a new bonnet was already on my mental shopping list. Guess I'll have to look out for one with sound deadening fitted.

Just going back to the pics for a sec, any ideas on the two white cables to the left of the engine bay? Didn't know if it was for an under bonnet light?

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:26 am

if the sound deadening is fixed to the underside of the bonnet, I think you can remove and refit to another, it uses clips?

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 8:37 am

Yeah it is held on by clips mate, i've swapped one over in the past. straightforward enough.. Wink

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 6:02 pm

Thanks to all for your help, Lambda reconnected, white cables ignored for the moment as she has just failed her MOT on emissions!

New thread started in the hope of getting a bit more help and advice.

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 6:09 pm

The lambda multiplug has white wires - I hope that's no them hanging ? Shock

Posted: Wed Mar 10, 2010 6:19 pm

As you can probably tell I'm no expert, but I found corresponding multiplugs under the engine that ran back to the Lambda sensor. It all connected up as you'd expect so I'm thinking the white wires are probably supposed to be heading somewhere else.