Opinions on 02 sensors.....

Post by **Adam** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 11:32 pm

Hey guys, I think my 02 sensor bit the dust, well it was acting up awhile ago, but now its finally done, it's original, so it doesn't owe me anything.

So, question is, based on your personal experience, would it be ok to use universal ones? Or will I run into problems later on? The direct fit one is around 100 dollars, and the universal is around 50, both from bosch. Seeing as I'm a student and money is tight, I would prefer to get the cheaper one. But if anyone has any good reasons not to, please speak up!

Thanks guys.

Oh I posted in here because I just wanted opinions, its not an emergency.

Post by **Simon** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 12:23 am

okay...

1) Do you have a CEL on? Have you run the codes? If the O2 sensor is shot, it WILL throw the CEL

2) Universal vs Exact fit....do you trust your ability to do wiring? It isn't just a matter of splicing a couple of wires....you have to ensure good contact, and that the splices are sealed, or you could just wreck the new sensor.

Post by **Adam** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 12:39 am

Simon wrote:okay...

1) Do you have a CEL on? Have you run the codes? If the O2 sensor is shot, it WILL throw the CEL

2) Universal vs Exact fit....do you trust your ability to do wiring? It isn't just a matter of splicing a couple of wires....you have to ensure good contact, and that the splices are sealed, or you could just wreck the new sensor.

Yeah I have a CEL and I ran the codes. Also it runs like dream if you unplug the o2.

I can do the wiring and I can really seal it up good with heatshrink tubing and w/e else is needed, I was just wondering if anyone had any experience/problems with the universal. If I was made of money I'd get the exact fit.

thanks simon

Post by **lowridah313** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:17 am

When I worked in the garage, I used universal ones all the time. Never had a problem. Like Simon said, make you have a good connection, and that its sealed properly.

-Tom-

Post by **Snafu** » Sat Sep 27, 2008 8:21 am

If it were me and folks here have no concern with using the universal sensor (i.e., it will function right) then I would go for the less costly version and wire it up myself.

There is shrink tubing and there there is shrink tubing. Look for the kind that is waterproof (has sealant inside). Not sure of the name but just don't buy the regular stuff.

I would also solder the lines and not just crimp them or crimp and solder then seal.

Post by **Nismojunky** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:02 pm

Snafu wrote:If it were me and folks here have no concern with using the universal sensor (i.e., it will function right) then I would go for the less costly version and wire it up myself.

There is shrink tubing and there there is shrink tubing. Look for the kind that is waterproof (has sealant inside). Not sure of the name but just don't buy the regular stuff.

I would also solder the lines and not just crimp them or crimp and solder then seal.

yep that what id do and yes you can get heatshrink with a glue inside it thats what i used for my starters wiring

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