WTB: Good condition o2 sensors for my 97 boxster

[juno008]

Hi all, my check engine light went on and i pulled the codes and they all point to the o2 sensor. Im not looking for new ones because i cannot afford it. Anyone have some used but good ones they can sell me?
Thanks
david
please pm me =D

[Wayne 962]

I would replace the O2 sensor with a new one - any used one is not going to be any good. You can purchase the BOSCH universal ones too, but I've had problems with those in the past - I prefer the OEM ones. Just replace the one sensor that is giving you problems.

-Wayne

[juno008]

Thanks Wayne,

That was my first consideration, but i simply cant afford it now. So im guessing buying used ones that will last me a year or two before i can gain enough funds to purchase new ones.. all four of em. and it seems like all four is giving me problems

[juno008]

What do you think about new bwd universal o2 sensors Wayne?

[racer]

good luck with your search! Most folks replace them (sometimes in batches) because they are uncertain which one(s) have failed. You run the risk of actually paying for someone's unkown bad one which seems twice as risky.

That said, unable to afford a $130 part makes methink you're also in trouble if your car needs brake pads.. rotors.. shocks.. a clutch.. IMS failure etc let alone a tire or a full tank of gas

[juno008]

Thats a good way of saying it racer. If i replace it I will replace all o2 sensors. I guess its a matter of fixing the problem without having to pay full price for it. I know.. Im a cheap son of a biscuit haha.

Good thing i bought spare brake pads, replaced shocks to ksport coilovers and bought an extra clutch just in case.

[juno008]

Im thinking of just buying universal ones and adapting it to the connectors. any risk in that?

[mikefocke]

The probability of all 4 failing at once is slim. The probability is that there is another problem that is causing the sensors to become contaminated...most probably a failing AOS or MAF or some other air/fuel mixture affecting problem that is causing oil or fuel to be dumped into the exhaust.

The generic O2 sensors require careful wire crimping and sealing of the wires, not soldering. And the signals they generate aren't a perfect match for the ones the Porsche engine computer expects. Some people have had good luck with them, many have not.

I've replaced 2 O2 sensors on my car, both pre-cat. In both cases I used the Bosch pre-wired part and not the cheaper generic or expensive Porsche-branded part.

I'd suggest you read the codes and address the possible causes on a step by step basis before throwing parts at the problem. It may be there is a cheaper solution.

[eric523]

Just because the codes say 02 sensor or sensing does not mean the sensors are bad. Have you completed the full diagnosis?
Mike is correct in the statement that 0xygen sensing or sensor codes are most commonly related to the oil sep or MAF failing.

Also, using used parts to fix a problem is a problem in itself IMO. If you are cheap, then getting a proper diagnosis and fixing the correct problem with a new part would be cheaper than replacing all four sensors with used and then having to pay to fix the real problem.

[juno008]

ill definitely look into that. thanks all

[Wayne 962]

From my new book:

There are two different types of sensors you can purchase – generic ones that allow you to snip the connector off of the old sensor and put it on the new one, and original OEM sensors with the correct connector. On older cars, I used to use the generic sensors, but I’ve had problems with using them on these newer cars. Researching further, I discovered that the wires and connectors are very important on these O2 sensors. The Porsche factory workshop manuals state the following:

“911 Carrera 4 has a new, water-proof oxygen sensor. Water-proof means that the upper sensor section and housing are connected leak-proof with a later welded seam and previous reference air openings are omitted. Reference air is now taken via the connecting lead and plug connection. For this reason it is important to keep contact solutions, lubricants, liquids or similar products out of the 3-pin plug, since they would lead to sensor failure”

Soldering wires together can interrupt the reference air signal and lead to problems with the sensor. I’ve also had problems with the Bosch factory Posi-Lock connectors that are supposed to work with these newer sensors. Because the relationship between the connector and the O2 sensor is so vital to the proper reference signal, I recommend that you only use the correct sensors with the proper plug.

You probably have one bad sensor. Find out which one it is, and replace it with a new one.

-Wayne

[juno008]

Thanks Wayne, very helpful as always =D

Ill check it out and see what i can find.

Thanks again

[kiesan]

If you are still looking I have all 4 02 sensors from my '05 base model Boxster 987. They were removed from the car when it had 44k miles and seemed to be working normally. I installed a complete Cayman S 3.4 so I have these. Don't know if they will work on your car though.

[Wayne 962]

Nope, those ones from the 05 would not be compatible with the 97...

-Wayne

[juno008]

Thanks again Wayne for looking out. I replaced the two o2 sensors that were damaged.. all works great now.