ive been getting intermitant check engine light for a few months now...on for a day off for a few weeks etc...finally got around to pulling the codes...25,26...so i guess i need a new 02 sensor huh ? so i called the dealer $119....autozone says they can order the original equipment for $130...or has an in stock universal for $56...they say it is cheaper because you have to splice the wires yourself...its not just a plug in type of conector...anybody have any experience with using this...is it worth the cost just to get the original...or is this universal aftermarket deal just as good of an option...thanks for the help...

Kai

 

Well I have heard that often it is the connectors that go bad from corrosion. So I'd say go for the OEM ones so you get a new connector too.

 

Talk to TOR...hes a member on here but he also works for Toyota...see what he can do for you.

How many miles do you have? If you are low enough I would try taking your manual in and showing them the statement in there about a free 02 sensor, I tried but I'm way off.

It says that ~80k miles you should be entitled to a free one...depending on your dealer you may or may not be able to swing something with them.

Either way I would still go with OEM...that way you know what you're getting.

Just my $.02 as always!

Fink

 

yeah i know about page 164 in the manual but im at 120,000 miles so i couldnt get any of my local dealers to bite...my gut says that the OEM is the wisest choice also...i was just wondering if anyone has any experiences to share about the universal...?

 

fwiw, I bought an "OEM" sensor for my 96 3.4L for $99.99 (including shipping) from: http://www.oxygensensors.com/ But, I later found out that it's a _generic_ sensor with an OEM plug on it. They also sell a "generic" sensor (the same sensor without _any_ plug, you use your old one) for $67.99.

And for the record, my "generic o2 sensor with an OEM plug" works fine. The moral of that story is that I could have saved $32.


If you want a real-real OEM sensor, then check http://www.Partznet.com, they're going for $98.

 

I agree, all O2's are inherently the same (quality may differ from brand to brand as in anything) the main difference is the harness, and if you don't mind doing a little wiring, then you could save some money.

 

thanx for all the input guys...turned out that on saturday i was on my way to autozone to get the sensor and just for kicks i stopped at the dealer and he had one sitting on the shelf...just went ahead and grabbed it...i duno...maybe i just like getting genuine toyota parts so i can check out all the cool japanese writing in the box either way...i love not seeing that nasty "check engine" light pop on and off every once and a while...

Kai

 

all o2 sensors have the same inner workings, but here is the thing, because of the way the mount is designed on toys, only the genuine toyota one or an NTK/NKG extends far enough into the exhaust stream to get an accurate reading.

i got my NTK(who makes the ones for the new toyotas) from sparkplugs.com for $40