O2 Sensor Which To Buy?

[glynn]

Hello All, I got the dreaded "Check Engine" light and after disconnecting the battery over night and checking the gas cap, went to Autozone for a free diagnostic check. They could not do it because I have an ES300 1994. It has to be 96+. However, they directed me to AAMCO. They do it for free too and for both the OBD1 and 2. I got a P0135 error..(I had to ask which bank and which sensor). Okay, so now I know exactly which one and where it is located. Now the fun started.

I have read posts from you and lexusownersclub.com about the different manufacturers and installs. I did some shopping and have gotten these prices...Magnusson Lexus p/n 89465-33080 248.81 ea. labor 222.00.

AAMCO 146.08 for the part and 98.00 labor. I have found parts on ebay and yahoo. Denso universal at @23.00 w/o connector and labor free..ME!! :cries:

I will not buy a "No Name" sensor I would like to stay with Denso, Bosche or industry reconized names.

I do not mind the splicing..I have worked w/electronics for many years. A good splice is just as good as a crimped pin inserted into the connector housing.

Does anybody have a reason why there is such a large price difference on the similar parts. I am living on a fixed budget and I need to be thrifty but safe.

Thanks for your responses, Glynn

[mburnickas]

Hello All, I got the dreaded "Check Engine" light and after disconnecting the battery over night and checking the gas cap, went to Autozone for a free diagnostic check. They could not do it because I have an ES300 1994. It has to be 96+. However, they directed me to AAMCO. They do it for free too and for both the OBD1 and 2. I got a P0135 error..(I had to ask which bank and which sensor). Okay, so now I know exactly which one and where it is located. Now the fun started.

I have read posts from you and lexusownersclub.com about the different manufacturers and installs. I did some shopping and have gotten these prices...Magnusson Lexus p/n 89465-33080 248.81 ea. labor 222.00.

AAMCO 146.08 for the part and 98.00 labor. I have found parts on ebay and yahoo. Denso universal at @23.00 w/o connector and labor free..ME!! :cries:

I will not buy a "No Name" sensor I would like to stay with Denso, Bosche or industry reconized names.

I do not mind the splicing..I have worked w/electronics for many years. A good splice is just as good as a crimped pin inserted into the connector housing.

Does anybody have a reason why there is such a large price difference on the similar parts. I am living on a fixed budget and I need to be thrifty but safe.

Thanks for your responses, Glynn

I am not expert but I would install yourself. It is easy, very easy. But I argee. The price is a huge delta here. I am going OEM when my die. So far after 110K miles, they are working great (via snap-on tester).

But, making a splice is no big deal. Just make sure you seal the connection since salt, water etc will kill it over time.

[mnewland00]

I recently changed an O2 sensor in my 99 Coach Edition. DO NOT buy a universal sensor. They are crap and most of the time will not give a warranty. I bought one similiar to what you are explaining. I paid $25 for it. About two days after installation, my Air Flow sensor and plugs fowled out. Lexus blames the cheap sensor. I dont know if that is true, but I would not take the risk. OEM is the only way to go. It is more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

[Lexxxuss]

I believe am havin da same problem as well...

I hav lexus es300 92, bought it a few months back...nd few weeks ago da engine light came on...I took it to the mechanic nd he told me dat it's air-fuel lean malfunction. I believe dat's cause of the o2 sensor? Am now wonderin shud I buy nd try changin it myself or go to a mechanic nd hav it changed...as i dont kno much bout it.

Also, when i took my car to the mechanic he told me that i shud get the timing belt changed fr my car as it has gone beyond its limit. I was wonderin after how many km shud i change the timing belt?

[glynn]

I believe am havin da same problem as well...

I hav lexus es300 92, bought it a few months back...nd few weeks ago da engine light came on...I took it to the mechanic nd he told me dat it's air-fuel lean malfunction. I believe dat's cause of the o2 sensor? Am now wonderin shud I buy nd try changin it myself or go to a mechanic nd hav it changed...as i dont kno much bout it.

Also, when i took my car to the mechanic he told me that i shud get the timing belt changed fr my car as it has gone beyond its limit. I was wonderin after how many km shud i change the timing belt?

First of all, I would take it to someone that does a free diagnostics check..AAMCO, Autozone. etc. They will pin point the problem and give you an error code(ask for the BANK and SENSOR) mine was bank 1 sensor 1 and get an estimate for repair from them....it is free!!! Here is a list of errors:

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...?showtopic=3725

There are three o2 sensors on my lexus. Check and find the exact problem and then go from there. The timing belt???

I have no clue. I would search the forums or an owners manual for info. You can download a manual for a Camry which is pretty much the same if you can not find a lexus manual.

[glynn]

I recently changed an O2 sensor in my 99 Coach Edition. DO NOT buy a universal sensor. They are crap and most of the time will not give a warranty. I bought one similiar to what you are explaining. I paid $25 for it. About two days after installation, my Air Flow sensor and plugs fowled out. Lexus blames the cheap sensor. I dont know if that is true, but I would not take the risk. OEM is the only way to go. It is more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Was it a Denso? That is what Lexus uses....also anytime you work on your car, Lexus most likely will blame that part for what might have been a pre-existing condition. Perhaps they airflow and plugs were the cause of the sensors failure..

I don't know...just speculation.

[Lexxxuss]

aite thanx a lot bud...

am gona do dat asap

[cyberflyer]

Lexus uses a Fuel/ Air ratio sensor not an o2 sensor. Get the sensor with the plug not splice type. In addition to the convenience only the correct plug will interface avoiding the mistake of puting an O2 sensor in a vehicle that requires Fuel/Air Ratio sensors.

[mburnickas]

Lexus uses a Fuel/ Air ratio sensor not an o2 sensor. Get the sensor with the plug not splice type. In addition to the convenience only the correct plug will interface avoiding the mistake of puting an O2 sensor in a vehicle that requires Fuel/Air Ratio sensors.

They are the same thing in theory. I just bought a OEM on for $177 to my door.

[1995_ES300]

I had both of my pre-cat sensors go out on my 95 es. I went to advance auto, bought 2 of the bosch with the plugs already attached, and installed in 30 minutes. It was a little over 200 for both, and I didn't have to splice. Everything fit perfect and a month later, still no light and a great noticeable mpg increase.