Generic O2 sensors?

[Mike W.]

Oddly, to me at least, there doesn't seem to be much on O2 sensors here. While rated for 100K and they may not throw a code until sometime later, mine at 130K seems to be about 50K past optimum. Anyway, to the question. In the BMW world where I come from, a common kludge is to use Mustang O2 sensors for half the price. Except the rare titania sensor they usually seem interchangeable as long as the form factor is right and they bolt in, along with perhaps a bit if wiring adaption.

So... for a third the price it's worth it to me to make 3 splices, anyone else with good or bad history on it?

[yeldogt]

Where there once was an interval for replacement -- that was a long time ago. With modern controls replacement is not required unless they fail .. and they car will tell you ... prior to 1996 there was no real way to test w/o removal. There is a wide range where the sensors relative ability to test is still accurate. Even where idle air is needed

The Pathfinder had a firmware flaw that was dealer corrected. The heater on the heated sensor was running too long -- burning them out. Dealers fixed the firmware for free and but only changed out the sensors if still under warranty ... lots of pathfinder had the sensors replaced ... so your sensors may not be as old as you believe.

I'm not a fan of the universal -- never go that route ... the real deal is available cheap enough

[djbluejeanz]

I changed mine on 99 pathfinder. Bosch thru rockauto, good price, connected cleanly with no splicing, and a free magnet.

[barnaclebob]

The OEM sensors are Bosch. I've had no issues with my generic bosch replacement from autozone. I think its going on a year or two now. I got the one that is a direct replacement (vs universal) with the wire snaps and connector.

[Mike W.]

I ordered a pair of Bosch for a Mustang. 3 wire, as far as I can tell the same except for the connector. $33 from the big A.

[yeldogt]

All the sensors from a given manufacturer have a similar look ... hell, all of them look about the same. But. they are not.

The problem with the ones that are not direct fit is with the splice -- it's a nasty environment and they often fail after a while.