hey i baught a univeral 02 sensor since it was half the price of the OE one. i have to cut and splice the old one and bosch wants me to use this connector device that they included. (see directions to know what im talking about: http://www.boschautoparts.com/NR/rdo...sorInstall.pdf) my question is can i just strip the wires and solder them together instead with some of that shrink tube around it? or is there a special reason why they give this connector? i mean, the connector doesnt look too hard, but i have a feeling ill mess something up since ive never done it before. thanks

 

I believe that the reason they tell you to use crimp connectors vs. soldering is to eliminate the potential of the solder / heat shrink to come loose. Remember you are using heat to solder and the exhaust can also match this heat. Crimp connectors are not vulnerable heat. So in this application crimp connectors are better.

 

Crimps are superior to soldering, and not susceptible to cold solder or fatigue fracture.

Use the connector as designed, then wrap all over the connector and wires with good electrical tape (I use self-fusing silicone tape) so that water can't get in and corrode things.

Dave

 

good call by both of you. i ended up using the crimper thingy although i can very close to soldering it. it was kind of a pain in the @ss cause the wire strippers i had wouldnt strip such small wire. but i got it done after about 1 1/2-2 hours of frustration and confusion(seems to be a trend for me when doing things for the first time...haha) ill have to borrow some jackstands from my friend this weekend and tape it up.