Lambda light

[sdg3205]

So today I hit the 30,000 mile mark on a nice fall drive.

Naturally my Lambda light came on, but not at 30k miles. It actually came on at 29,973 miles. I was wondering if this is due to some error between the 2 counters or if the upper speedo cable bit the dust and the car was driven about 30 miles before it was replaced. On the other hand is this just the usual DeLorean shoulder-shrug kinda mystery stuff we're all used to?!

Any ideas?

Oh yeah, how do I reset it again to turn the light off?

EDIT - I still find it pretty cool these "features" still work 30 years later!

[sean]

Any ideas?


Low probability but maybe your upper speedo cable failed at some point? More likely it's not a precision calibration between the lambda box and the speedo.

[DMCMW Dave]

Any ideas?
Oh yeah, how do I reset it again to turn the light off?


Take the lambda box loose from the floor (take the whole bracket loose - faster). On the side you will see a small disc with two holes. On the top you will see a clear plastic window with 3 digits probably displaying about 101. Turn the disc with a pair of snap-ring pliers until the numbers in the window go to 000. Reinstall.

OR - unplug the wire. That way when you sell the car the next owner will plug it back in and wonder why that @$# light won't turn off.

[sdg3205]

OR - unplug the wire. That way when you sell the car...

Never!!!

Hahah, thanks guys.

[David T]

When the light lights there is a procedure to follow in which resetting the counter is only one part. The light was meant to remind the owner to go in for a service which includes:
Adjusting the intake and exhaust valves (no hydraulic self-adjusting lifters in a Delorean)
Replacing the O2 sensor and verifying the correct A/F ratio, adjusting if necessary or replacing secondary ignition parts if necessary
Resetting the Lambda counter. You can make a tool up out of a paper clip bent into a U shape.
Very close correlation between the counter and the odometer. Could just be an error rate, they were never meant to be exact over that long a distance.
Since the service was expected to be done about once every 3 years and it has been over 30, you should consider doing a full tune-up and service. This would include a grease job, oil change, all filters replaced, etc.
David Teitelbaum