S80 T6 2000 Generic O2 sensors?

[bharper8]

Hello. This is my first post here. I'm on my third Volvo, but this is about the second. My first was a 1997 850R, purchased in 2000 with around 30,000 miles on it. I drove it until August 2007 when the second rear-ending I suffered put paid to it. I liked the car a lot, and was sorry to see it go.

I replaced it with a 2000 S80 T6 with 108,000 miles. A mistake, as I have learned to my sorrow and expense. It now has 135,000. I won't detail all the issues, but for my purpose here I'll just note that the CEL has been a fairly constant companion. I've now moved on to a 2007 S80 3.2, a wonderful car so far, so you can see that I like the brand, but I want to sell the 2000 and can't because of the CEL. A shop tells me I need to change all four sensors for $1200. This I am unwilling to do, for obvious reasons. (Note: I DID change them all at around 115-118,000 miles. I'm led to believe that improper reinstallation after the steering rack was replaced may be at the root of the current problem.) Aftermarket O2 sensors are available at a fraction of the price Volvo asks, and I believe I have identified a private party who can change them very reasonably. Is this a reasonable course of action, or am I asking for trouble?

One technical question: how many wires do these particular sensors have, in case I do decide to buy in the aftermarket?

Thanks in advance for your response.

[vegasjetskier]

Some people have had trouble with the aftermarket sensors, others have had them work OK. I'd say you're rolling the dice. I would first check with some of the sponsors in the banner at the top of the page to see if you can get genuine Volvo sensors at a price that seems reasonable to you. If so, I'd go with those and have your friend install them. Good luck.

[asummers]

Try this link for o2 sensors with the factory wiring connectors. Great prices!
http://www.boschoxygensensor.com/

[JDS60R]

The direct fit bosch sensors are very affordable on Amazon. They run
about $80 $100 each.

If you can share the cel codes with us perhaps we could diagram out the sensor that needs replacement. The life of the sensor is usally about 100K but you may only need to repalce the front 2 as the rear two tend to live longer and rarely throw cel codes.

[bharper8]

Thanks. According to the shop that looked at the car a couple of days ago:

Found code ECM-290-A stored in diagnostics for Bank 2 front heated oxygen sensor. Rear sensor for Bank 2 is reading high (1.13V instead of .45-.65V). Found oxygen sensor connectors and harness routed incorrectly but no air/vacuum leaks. Recommend replacing pair of oxygen sensors on that bank to guarantee code will not return unless there is a catalytic converter problem.

FWIW, another technician around here has recommended as a first step trying an addition of a cleaning compound to the fuel tank and taking a dirve at highway speeds. He said this will sometimes 'clean up' the sensors (my words, not his) and cure the problem of recurring CELs. I like this idea because it's inexpensive , but wonder whether it has much chance of success.

[vegasjetskier]

If they rerouted the wiring and the code went away, I'd leave it alone and count your lucky stars you didn't have to replace anything. The sensors are a bear to replace.