Oxygen Sensor- OEM or Universal?

I am going to replace the sensor in my 95 Ody. The OEMs (that have the Honda
connector for easy plugging in) are $120-$300. The universals have you reuse
your existing connector and come with a special coupler to join the 2 pieces
(and are $60 - $80).

Any thoughts on how using the universal style works out? Bosch seems to be a
very trusted name in oxygen sensors but the diagram at Boschusa.com on using
the connectors make it seem unweildy.

Thanks, Lar

 

I don't know the specifics regarding the '95 Odyssey, but I've successfully
used Bosch O2 sensors on older Civics and Accords without any problems. If
you have to splice wires together then that shouldn't be a problem. You can
either solder the wires or use high quality crimp connectors, just use heat
shrink tubing to insulate the splices. Usually, the hardest part of
replacing the O2 sensor is getting the old one out. I like to use antiseize
on the new one but be sure to keep it only on the threads to avoid fouling
the new sensor.

Eric

 

I put a universal Bosch in my Civic a year and a half ago. No problems
so far. I don't particularly like the bulky splice connectors that came
with the sensor, but they work. The wires are stainless steel, not
copper, so soldering is a problem. You *can* solder them, but it is not
going to be a good solder joint, so I used the splice connectors.

Bosch also has oxygen sensors with OEM connectors, typically these are a
bit more expensive than the universal ones, but still much cheaper than
OEM.

Check http://www.boschusa.com/AutoParts/PartFinder/partfinder.asp to
find out which part number you need.

 

In addition, the high temperatures in the area combined with the engine and
road vibration would attack solder over time and tend to make it fracture.
Proper splicing (solid mechanical connection before soldering) will prevent
the connection from breaking, but is almost as bulky as the crimp splice.

Mike

 

http://www.densoaftermarket.com/online_catalog.shtml

The site above will list OE style sensors, with a part number. You might be
able to find a local store that sells them.

 

Thanks for the input. I just put an OEM on my Explorer but it was only $45.
For some reason, the Honda one is a lot more... from$120 to $250... and
those aren't even Honda parts. There's an NTK OEM sensor at around $100 but
it looks weird in the pics as if it was already spliced at the factory. The
Bosch universal is $65. Sounds like a plan. Thanks again.

Lar

 

I thought you originally posted you could get an OEM sensor for around
$120. If not, see the link below.

The price variation for OEM Honda oxygen sensors from one year and model to
another can be quite a lot.

I bought an OEM sensor online this past summer for my 91 Civic for $45. I
think Majestic wanted over $100.

IIRC https://www.automedicsupply.com/ has your Odyssey's OEM sensor for
around $120.