Method and device for controlling an internal combustion engine

The method involves measuring the residual oxygen in the exhaust gas with a linear broad band lambda probe and passing a corresponding signal to a controller that generates a signal for influencing the air-fuel ratio into the engine. The actual lambda probe characteristic gradient is determined while it is in use for controlling an engine and its deviation from a desired gradient determined, from which a probe signal correction value is derived. An Independent claim is also included for an arrangement for lambda control of an internal combustion engine.