Oxygen sensor compatibility

Post by **LamboSE5** » 12 Sep 2011, 18:51

Hey guys,

I'm on a phone's "forum application" so sorry for the rushed post.

I helped a friend take apart one of his 850's the other day and got some used parts out of the deal you could say.

I needed a new front oxygen sensor for my '98 S70 SE5 turbo/b5234t3/16T, and I've now got one from his '95 850 turbo/x5234xx/15g (front of course). Are these interchangeable? Before I try (any further) to take mine out I'd like to know I have a viable replacement as the one in there now might be...ruined/destroyed trying to remove it.
Thanks a lot.

urbex · Post by **urbex** » 12 Sep 2011, 21:49

For the most part, an oxygen sensor is an oxygen sensor is an oxygen sensor. In other words, the sensor part is the same on most all of them. The only real differences are number of wires (1-4 wires), and connector body. In theory, you could even swap any one wire sensor into a car that came with a 4 wire setup, and it would still work, although you may see a minor drop in fuel economy due to the lack of a heater in the sensor. (and yes, I'm aware that not all oxygen sensors are the same type, as some older ones are titania sensors vs the modern zirconia sensors, or the wide bands that some new cars are using).

But in this case, assuming the connectors match up, it will work just fine.

Post by **precopster** » 12 Sep 2011, 22:21

I have a 10 valve 850 in Australia using a Siemens management system which requires a titania sensor and I used a 20 valve oxygen sensor from a 92-97 850 and it ran like a pig. Worked really well when the engine was cold for about the first twenty seconds though, then when the oxygen sensor heated up it was the most untractable lump I had ever driven.

In your case you should be OK, even if the connector Doesn't match up, you can resolder the other connector on by using the same colored wires.

urbex · Post by **urbex** » 12 Sep 2011, 23:48

Big difference in the way the two types of sensors operate - the zirconia produces a small voltage that changes with differing oxygen concetrations, whereas the titania changes resistance.

claymore850 · Post by **claymore850** » 16 Sep 2011, 21:11

I replaced my Oxygen sensor of my 850 turbo with a GENERIC 4 wire cable BOSCH. No problems...It cames with a connector and enough cable..just take care to place the cable in the correct side of the connector..

Post by **jblackburn** » 16 Sep 2011, 21:18

To the OP - yes. Directly interchangeable.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 17 Sep 2011, 08:53

I was looking into buying an aftermarket universal O2 sensor for the rear O2 sensor after the cat. My 96' 850GLT has a new front O2 sensor and now my scanner is pulling a DTC for the O2 sensor in the rear. Not to mention that she runs like crap until I disconnect the ground at the battery to reset everything. I always thought the rear sensor was just there to monitor but what else could it be since I've ran diagnostics on the fuel system/ignition system and everything else works good. It's only a matter of time before it will start running like asss again. Anyway since your talking about compatibility I was wondering if it mattered what kind of universal O2 I get? I normally would fork out for plug and play but I don't have the dough for it right now. I need to atleast replace it with a universal one until later.

Post by **LamboSE5** » 17 Sep 2011, 17:55

So I tried again for probably the 4th - 5th time to get that O2 sensor out. It's not even budging (PB blaster galore etc). I've bought and tried 3 different O2 sensor sockets, and wreches. All of'em were 7/8", one was 7/8" / 22mm (from NAPA UAP), and the best they did was strip the O2 sensor. Also, tried a 21mm open end wrench, and a 22mm open end wrench. The 21 is too small, the 22 honestly feels a lil too big but, ehh... And the lip/edge of the Cat prevent me from turning the wrench. I'm considering cutting the metal part after the hex and trying to use a regular socket - either 22mm or 13/16" to just get that f*%!~er out! But I really don't think that it's going to come out either way.

If anybody's got suggestions, cause all I can think of is maybe to replacing the freakin' exhaust. Siiiigh!

Pictures:

IMG_0674.jpg

IMG_0676.jpg

Post by **JimBee** » 17 Sep 2011, 22:16

Is the sensor body solid or hollow? Can you get a 3/8" drill bit in there and bore a hole through it. Then use a rod or bolt, whatever to run through the hole to gain some turning leverage? Worth a try.

Good luck.

Post by **shiloh51933** » 18 Sep 2011, 07:54

You have to use a blow torch to heat it up if it's seized into place. Atleast this is what I use to remove frozen O2 sensors. Your probably going to have to heat it up til it glows if its really that bad.