Ever use a universall O2 sensor?

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Bullet

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Like most of you, I'm incharge of servicing cars in my family. I had to replace two senors, the O2 and an fuel/air senor (down stream sensor) on my moms's Toyota. I bought the direct replacements (and direct replacements on my own truck in the past), but was offered the universal sensors that splice into the original harness. Some of the universal senors were almost half the cost. In in the future I know I'll be revisiting this problem with my or the wife's car.

Just wondering if anyone uses the universal senors and were you happy? I'm wondering if a lot of the senors are really the same with different connectors.
 
Yes and yes. Bosch $18 one wire universal on a saturn. Cured the P0133 (lazy). Ran better, less boggy in throttle transitions.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Yes and yes. Bosch $18 one wire universal on a saturn. Cured the P0133 (lazy). Ran better, less boggy in throttle transitions.


I need to chang mine! i dont hav a Saturn but i see where is "Screws in" can u ise ths univeral one?

for all i know, my car had "thrown a code" and thats why it ran alll slow!!! wow
 
The universal sensors should be just as good as the model-specific sensors. Like you said, it's just that they don't have the model-specific pigtail connector. I've used the universal sensors a number of times. Just remember to stagger the splices so the don't stack up at one spot in a big wad.
 
IF you do this, I would recommend that you use the plug of off the old sensor....and make the splices there......
This way, you maintain the original factory connector on the vehicle wiring harness.
Also, check on the price to see if you are truely saving money.....enough to be worth the messing around.

The downstream sensor (after the catalytic converter) switches at a slower rate as compared to the upstream (before the catalytic converter).
Also, the downstream sensor is only monitoring the catalytic converter to make sure that it is working.

The upstream sensors are more critical, they have to switch at a much higher rate and are used by the computer to make critical operating adjustments, like how much fuel to spray in, timing, etc.
The wrong sensor here is going to cause drivability issues and impact your fuel economy.
Many vehicles have 2 upstream sensors (most V motors), one in each exhaust manifold.
This means that one bank of cylinders is monitored by 1 sensor and the other is monitored by another sensor.
I like to see these 2 sensors be matched as closely as possible so that your motor will be more ballanced.

My TOYOTA uses "air / fuel " sensors for the upstream sensors and a oxygen sensor for the downstream sensor.
The Air / Fuel sensor is a wide band type of oxygen sensor.
These are much more expensive than the normal oxygen sensor.....and, as I mention, MUCH more critical to how well your motor runs.
 
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Didn't work on my Jeep. The aftermarket o2 sensor threw endless codes. The ones from the Stealer have not and they have been in there 10000 miles now.

I agree. had all sorts of trouble w/aftermarket. put in GM and no trouble at all.
 
Originally Posted By: eljefino
Yes and yes. Bosch $18 one wire universal on a saturn. Cured the P0133 (lazy). Ran better, less boggy in throttle transitions.


Another satisfied user of a Bosch universal on a Saturn here.
 
Universal O2 sensor is a hit and miss, if you buy it at a local store and it has some warranty such as 90 days that you can exchange at the store you bought it, then you should save the receipt in a safe place.
 
Always go with the direct fit. Why splice and all that and risk corrosion that will effect the voltage to a critical sensor that uses...Voltage???

Cheap is not where you go on critical engine sensors.
 
We never had much luck with them but if you do use one don't be tempted to solder the wires,crimp only.
Most if not all O2 sensors "breath" fresh air through the wire strands and will choke and fail when soldered.
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Always go with the direct fit. Why splice and all that and risk corrosion that will effect the voltage to a critical sensor that uses...Voltage???

Cheap is not where you go on critical engine sensors.
I tried the Bosch ones after the universals didn't work and those threw 02 codes too.

JUNK IMO.
 
Have used a universal Bosch on a Saturn as well with good results. It will be time to replace the Malibu's upstream with something new this spring. It will have over 212k, I'd imagine soething new might switch a little faster.

But who knows? It's not throwing a code. And unfortunatly no universal available that I can quickly find.

Keep your crimps dry and tight.
 
Originally Posted By: Trav
Most if not all O2 sensors "breath" fresh air through the wire strands and will choke and fail when soldered.

I don't understand this.
 
Old (very old early 80's) used a pin hole in the body to breath.
AFAIK all modern O2's breath through the wires.
Look at this under how an oxygen sensor works for a more detailed explanation.

http://www.aa1car.com/library/o2sensor.htm

http://www.linnbenton.edu/auto/scope/o2.htm

Quote:
Older style oxygen sensors have a small hole in the body so air can enter the sensor, but newer style sensors breathe through their wire connectors and have no vent hole. Grease should never be applied to the wires where they enter the sensor, because it would prevent proper air circulation. So will dirt and other contaminates. Because of the difference in oxygen and temperature levels between the inside and outside of the bulb, a small voltage is created and can be measured by the PCM.
 
Last edited:
Save yourself a lot of hassle and get OEM or ones from the dealership or reputable place. At my work we use OEM'S as our work is a lot of warranty. Never a problem, and used one universal and threw 2 codes. Never universal again.


adam
 
Originally Posted By: Kestas
Originally Posted By: Trav
Most if not all O2 sensors "breath" fresh air through the wire strands and will choke and fail when soldered.

I don't understand this.



This is true. The o2 sensor gets it's reference air from thru wire conduits.
 
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