Oxygen Sensor - Opinions on $40 generic sensor ? '96 Turbo Topic is solved

[Fred - Redwoods]

Hello -- I'm about to replace the front O2 sensor on my '96 850 Turbo, 113K miles. I'd like to hear from those of you with experience about this.

A few questions:

1: A search for the part at some Internet sites shows this information:
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"According to Volvo Cars of North America, Inc., in order to prevent contamination from reaching reference air, the new adapter wiring must be installed for both oxygen sensors when one oxygen sensor is replaced. "
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The cable is only $16.24, so it's not a big deal to purchase, if it truly is needed.
Any opinions out there as to whether the cable should be replaced ? Also, if I am replacing the front O2 sensor, is it a good idea to replace the rear also, or just wait until there are some other indications ?


2: Any opinions on replacing the O2 Sensor with a generic Bosch sensor ? I don't mind buying the correct Volvo part if that's the best way to go, but if a $40 part can do the job of the $130 part, then why not use the generic.
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from http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/engine-02sensor.html
Universal Bosch 4 lead works fine, you just have to splice the wires. I believe the sensor I used was listed for a Ford, but was direct screw in with the same color coding of wires -- approximately $40.00 at Advance Auto

from the Rear Wheel Drive forum:
There are some things you should be aware of.
The ECU is calibrated for a specific O2 sensor range, although similar, every manufacturer has slightly different O2 outputs depending on oxygen content in the exhaust. Although you could use a different sensor a variance in the output may provide the ECU with inaccurate data and a mixture that is not ideal could be the result.
Secondly most O2 sensor wires use a shielded cable to prevent any inductive voltage from providing a false signal, cutting a shielded cable could compromise it's protective ability.
Finally to answer your question, the white wires are power and ground for the O2 sensor heating element, the black wire is the ECU feed from the O2 sensor.

Matthew wrote 8/31/2003:
It's an easy job if you buy an OEM Volvo sensor. The job gets harder if you get a Bosch universal O2 sensor, but you save money. I traded advertising on this site for an OEM, and it was cake. The hardest part was getting the damn wires attached via the impossible-to-reach harness in the deep back/low right side engine bay (as you stand looking at the front of the car).


3: Is the special socket recommended for removing/replacing the front O2 Sensor ? The socket on eBay is around $10.
Matthew wrote on 9/14/2002:
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Front o2 sensor does not need anything special to remove it, save for a 19mm or so open-end wrench. IPD sells a fancy tool to do it, but then again, that's their job.
I did my front o2 sensor and the hardest part is un/doing the wiring harness, believe it or not. Remember to hit the sensor with some WD-40 or equivalent because it will be really tight.
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I have owned and driven Volvos since 1970. I am enjoying my 850... very different from all the in-line Fours that I have owned in the past.

Thank you !