O2 Sensor

tijnes · 10-31-2005, 01:39 PM

Is this the connector for an O2 sensor and if so which O2 sensor (year) fits on it? The picture is not sharp but it was the best I could do. The plug has one female and two male pins. My (new to me) car is a 78 with a 84 3.2 motor. I've seen pictures of the 84 sensor but it looks like I would need two connectors for that.
Also is there a way to use an aftermarket O2 sensor if I dont have the old sensor. The OEM sensors are not cheap especially the 84-85 type ($190).

Martijn

jester911 · jester911's Garage

Yes that is the O2 connector. Unless you are having an issue with the mixture or passing emission, just leave it unplugged.
Also if you have to have one do a search here.

There are a number of other bosch O2 sensors that will work on your engine that are actually made for other cars.

tijnes · 10-31-2005, 02:20 PM

I did the search but if I understand correctly, to use an aftermarket O2 sensor I would need the mating plug to the one in the picture, which I don't have.

bfrenz · 10-31-2005, 07:39 PM

I dont have the number handy but do a search here and you can find some other O2 sensors for around $50-$60. But you will have to splice into that connector.
The O2 I got came complete with wire conectors to do the splicing.

PatrickB · PatrickB's Garage

Leaving it unplugged might make the engine run better, but at the expense of ~ 20% loss in fuel economy....

tijnes · 11-01-2005, 04:19 AM

Thanks for the help. When I bought the car it wouldn't idle well. It turned out to be a vacuum leak, I also had the mixture set and it idles smooth when the eninge is warmed up. When cold it will not idle at all. It starts up and dies immediately. If I give it some throttle and keep it at 1500 RPM for a minute or so all is good. I still have to clean the idle control valve as advised here on the board and get the O2 sensor to see if that helps. If any of you have other suggestions to solve this problem please let me know.

Martijn

Dan Owens · 11-01-2005, 05:00 AM

Just post a Want to Buy message on the Parts for Sale board and buy someone's old worn out O2 sensor. Someone may even donate one to you. That'll give you the connector plug and then you can splice a generic O2 sensor to it, if that's the route you want to go. I'd hook one up as the engine management system is meant to have it's input for proper control.

Okay guys this is where everyone chimes in with their opinions on whether you need it or not.

indigowhale · 11-01-2005, 06:02 AM

I have an 84 Carrera and bought the Bosch generic at Advance Auto Parts for $40. Spliced it right in with shrink tubing. Perfect match. It came with instructions as to how to splice in. Yes, you do need it if you plan to take advantage of the DME functionality--whic is not all that great sometimes. I consitently get over 21 MPG on 87 octane.