NTK Wideband Sensor Firmware Update – May 2023

What is this?

Nexus Firmware Update V1.22 and Elite Firmware V3.08 include an important update to the functionality of NTK Wideband sensors. This update will require NTK users to perform a free air calibration, followed by an engine re-tune.

Why are you doing this? 

Adding the free air calibration for NTK sensors improves the accuracy of these sensors, and allows the Haltech software to better compensate for variations in individual sensors, due to manufacturing tolerances and/or age and wear of the sensors.

Who does it affect? 

All Nexus users and Elite users with NTK wideband sensors.

When will I have to perform the free air calibration?

Initially, you will be required to perform the calibration as soon as the firmware update is complete. You may also want to periodically perform the free air calibration to check ongoing sensor health. 

Can I skip this calibration? 

Yes, however, wideband/lambda control will be disabled until the free air calibration has been completed.

Do I need to remove the sensor from my exhaust for the calibration?

Yes, this is a free air calibration and it is best practice to remove the sensor from the exhaust to perform the calibration. 

Will I need to retune the engine after performing the calibration? 

Yes. During the firmware update, the indicated air-fuel ratio will likely change (even though the actual air-fuel ratio should not). This may require changes to the target lambda table and the fuel map to compensate. Therefore vehicles using closed-loop O2 control must be retuned, in all other cases, we strongly recommend a dyno checkup after upgrading the firmware and performing the initial sensor calibration. This should not be necessary after subsequent calibrations.

I did the calibration, but the software still says my sensor is uncalibrated – what gives?

It is likely that your NTK sensor has worn beyond its usable range and needs replacing. The software was previously unable to detect this. 

After the initial calibration, will the sensor require ongoing recalibration? 

Yes, in rich methanol mixtures, best practice would be to run the free air calibration before the engine sees heavy load. Eg: Dyno power runs, full noise drag passes. 

I have a Bosch wideband sensor, do I need to do the calibration? 

No. Only NTK sensors are affected