O2 Sensor replacement

[redly]

I've got a 93 Olds Silhouette, and I need to change the O2 sensor. What's the difference between a universal type O2 sensor and a model specific sensor?

I can get a Bosch Universal type that lists my vehicle as one of the many many applications for $15.

Any thoughts?

 

[Templeton]

Universal will come without a connector on the end, just bare wires, you'll need to splice this into your current O2 sensor plug. Model specific one is pretty much plug and play. It's only 3 or 4 wires, so if you're decent at soldering and the price difference is large enough, go universal.

 

[brtspears2]

I would go for the model specific for ease of install.

 

[arcas]

An OEM sensor shouldn't cost more than $50 so the price difference is around $35. You could probably do the splice in a few minutes but it's your call. Personally, I'd just go with the OEM sensor and be done with it.

Definitely install the unit yourself, though. Don't let a dealership rip try to charge you $200 for a job that won't take more than 10 minutes. Unless your sensor is stuck (meaning you'll need to use a torch to heat the surrounding metal), it'll take you longer to jack the car up and crawl under than it will to actually replace the sensor.

 

[davew0670]

save yourself the trouble and get an oem sensor. I went the cheap bosch route and they were crap.