Educate me on O2 sensors. why the crazy price ranges???

[OutHouse]

so on my 04 Camry the check engine, VSC and Traction control lights came on. I drove over to O'Rielly auto parts and used their code checker to see what was wrong. the code returned was P2238, O2 sensor positive current control circuit low bank1 sensor1.

The O2 sensor in the manifold is bad, i can replace this. my coworker has the special socket to use for this job. no big deal...

So I am looking online for a replacement part and prices range from $38.00 to $277.00. what is the deal? i have looked on toyodiy.com(the highest price),rockauto, Napa , O'Rielly's, Advance Auto. and Toyota OEM parts.

i have no idea which one to get.

 

[96Firebird]

Are those prices all for the same sensor location? You should be looking for the "upstream" sensor, if it is indeed the manifold sensor that is bad.

 

[OutHouse]

Are those prices all for the same sensor location? You should be looking for the "upstream" sensor, if it is indeed the manifold sensor that is bad.

yup.

 

[Jimzz]

Get the cheapest one that has a OEM plug and is not universal. Rockauto.com usually has some of the best prices.

Is this a V6 or 4cyl? If a V6 I would change both Upstream O2 sensors. If its a 4cyl then there is only 1.

 

[OutHouse]

Get the cheapest one that has a OEM plug and is not universal. Rockauto.com usually has some of the best prices.

Is this a V6 or 4cyl? If a V6 I would change both Upstream O2 sensors. If its a 4cyl then there is only 1.

yes 3.0 V6

 

[manimal]

do those in pairs as jim said.

 

[Jimzz]

yes 3.0 V6

I would replace both upstream BUT the upstream are differant front and rear plus more costly than the downstream. Seems the cheapest upstream at RA is $100.

Check eBay as some parts dealers will be cheaper for parts like this when they cost more.


Yea they are a little cheaper at eBay...

Upstream Front:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DENSO-O...es&hash=item53f75c9486&vxp=mtr#ht_1608wt_1161

Upstream Rear:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-STANDAR...ies&hash=item2a16d7d393&vxp=mtr#ht_937wt_1161

 

[JCH13]

Also try amazon, sometimes they beat rockauto, especially with shipping considered.

 

[Scarpozzi]

It's nuts what those things cost these days. The O2 sensors in the 90s for GM vehicles were like $30. I had a tenant a few years ago tell me the one on her Kia was $230...I thought the mechanic was trying to rip her off....I couldn't find it any less than $210.

All it takes is a lean mix of gas and those things can burn up fast.

 

[Jimzz]

It's nuts what those things cost these days. The O2 sensors in the 90s for GM vehicles were like $30. I had a tenant a few years ago tell me the one on her Kia was $230...I thought the mechanic was trying to rip her off....I couldn't find it any less than $210.

All it takes is a lean mix of gas and those things can burn up fast.

Some cars are still in the $20-30 range, even 4 wire ones. But some car companies use a very specific one and then the price goes crazy. The OPs are not the worst I have seen, or installed, but still above average IMO.

 

[leper84]

I'd stick with Denso for a Toyota. You don't have to do both upstream if you don't want to and honestly I'd be surprised if you saw any performance/economy/drivability difference whatsoever if you did the front too. Based on your firing order- http://autorepair.about.com/library/firing_orders/bl-fo-0502.htm your code is the pre cat on the back of the motor. Code should be the a/f sensor, if you don't have a scanner to watch it cycle couldn't hurt more than the ~$100 bucks to throw a part at it. It'll probably fix it.

Amazon has the Denso ones. The rear is $40 cheaper than rockauto right now-
http://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-9047...words=234-9047

The front is about is about $10 less
http://www.amazon.com/Denso-234-9042...words=234-9042

Free shipping on both vs. whatever Rockauto charges.

 

[Excelsior]

As others have suggested, get the OEM Densos. Looks like leper84 has done the work for you.

 

[phucheneh]

Generally, O2 sensors are something like:

universal fit: 50-75
non-OEM direct fit 100-200
OEM - 200+

...go figure; I choose the cheap one. If it's a standard H02S, the universal ones work fine. I would venture a guess that most of the complaints come from bad connections by using quick splices or something. I've soldered a lot of generic O2's onto stock pigtails and not had an issue.

I try to match brands, though. Usually Denso or Bosch. Highly likely you're getting the same sensor for a good bit cheaper in those cases.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I've soldered a lot of generic O2's onto stock pigtails and not had an issue.

I've always been told never to solder an O2 sensor signal wire. I know that Bosch installation instructions used to expressly forbid soldering any O2 sensor connection.

Don't know if this has changed for newer models though.

ZV

 

[hotlavaaaa]

Stick with Denso. Check the link below to find the right part number.

http://www.densoaftermarket.com/catalog/catalog.php