4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999) Visit the 4th Generation forum to ask specific questions or find out more about the 4th Generation Maxima.

Any difference between OEM and Universal O2 sensors?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 06:23 AM
  #1  
natty99's Avatar
Thread Starter
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 556
From: Washington, DC
Any difference between OEM and Universal O2 sensors?

I'm replacing my entire exhaust and will be replacing all the O2 sensors as well. Just wondering if it's worthwhile to replace them with OEM components, or if just picking some up from the local parts store (like Bosch universals) would suffice. I'm wondering if there's any difference in longevity/construction, or consistency of read-outs etc. I feel that there really is (and should be) no difference, but just checking in with you guys to make sure. I don't want to have to spend the extra money on OEMs if I don't have to
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 06:49 AM
  #2  
NmexMAX's Avatar
dot dot dot ...
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 34,576
From: Santa Fe, NM
If not using OEM replacements, you may need to modify the electrical connector.
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 08:03 AM
  #3  
maximus_pr's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,065
From: Florida
the electrical connectors
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 08:07 AM
  #4  
PatDezNuts's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 102
Sorry to hijack but does anybody know the part numbers on the different O2 sensors? Like the one in the front and rear, I know its just the length of the cord that is different but I just needed to know which to purchase.
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 08:25 AM
  #5  
maximus_pr's Avatar
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,065
From: Florida
Originally Posted by PatDezNuts
Sorry to hijack but does anybody know the part numbers on the different O2 sensors? Like the one in the front and rear, I know its just the length of the cord that is different but I just needed to know which to purchase.
http://www.sparkplugs.com for the o2 sensors


http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_su...quniversal.asp

Q: What is a "Universal" oxygen sensor?

A: A "universal" oxygen sensor operates the same as the OE sensor, however it does NOT come equipped with an OEM style connector. Installation requires splicing the OE connector to the oxygen sensor
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 09:00 AM
  #6  
UncleMax98's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 518
I am using Bosch Universal O2 without any problem for over 60,000 miles. The splicing is very simple. You cut the wires and reuse the old connector. The splicing kit is a whole bunch of plastic screws and metal rods. You strip the wire ends, then screw them in. There are rubber grommets to make sure the splice is air tight.
Old Mar 19, 2007 | 09:02 AM
  #7  
dgeesaman's Avatar
Maintenance Monster
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,231
From: Harrisburg, PA
+1 for the universal sensors. It's not worth the extra $200 to have a set of sensors with matching plugs to me.

I did wrap the splice connectors with silicone self-fusing electrical tape - I do think it's important to address this issue.

Dave
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mvm062
Infiniti I30/I35
3
Nov 30, 2020 09:00 AM
9aj9
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
5
Apr 5, 2020 12:11 AM
captchaos
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
17
Mar 15, 2016 12:18 PM
dcardello
4th Generation Maxima (1995-1999)
7
Sep 3, 2015 11:44 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:24 AM.