Oxygen Sensor on 318 V-8

bocoogto · #1 07-22-2006, 09:22 AM

The Service Engine Light came on recently on my '99. Had Autozone run diagnostic. Problem was Oxygen sensor. I bought a Bosch unit for $80 and replaced it. Problem is, I mistakenly replaced the front one when the rear one was the problem. They have different part numbers.

The light is out now, but what are the problems with using the wrong sensor front to rear?

vamc · #2 08-01-2006, 08:02 PM

Well...gm cars dont like bosh--acdelco is what better.

riverat440 · #3 08-31-2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vamc

Well...gm cars dont like bosh--acdelco is what better.

GM don't make Dakotas, good thing. If there are 2 different sensors listed in the parts book it would be in your best interest to get them straightened out as they probably have different operating ranges and sooner or later may cause your light to come back on. Bosch are the way to go.

vamc · #4 08-31-2006, 07:57 PM

Most american cars run better on ac delco. But you can do what you want, just watch for the check engine light to come on.

riverat440 · #5 09-01-2006, 07:02 AM

I install at least 2 Bosch O2 sensors a week sometime more and the only time I have had a problem is when the direct fit isn't available and the universal has to be used. Same goes for Bosch spark plugs, I install these in my personal vehicles when I buy them and the only time I have ever had to take one back out is on my muddin truck which runs an overly rich Holley carb on a 440. I'm trying to speak not only from my experience but my customers as well as I don't recall any complaints. I will admit I don't have a whole lot of experience with ACDelco other than removing them, I know Autolite is the pits as I have seen their spark plugs misfire right out of the box.

BleedDodge · #6 09-01-2006, 10:17 PM

AC Delco is a Chevy thing.

vamc has no idea what's going on.

rhandwor · #7 09-17-2006, 04:46 PM

I would double check as sometimes it is possible what they call 1 could in the back. It shouldn't have corrected the problem if you changed the wrong unit.
If you have to make connections on a sensor I would try one all ready made up. Sometimes the dealer is cheaper than aftermarket but not normally.

bocoogto · #8 09-17-2006, 09:51 PM

The light did come on again, so I put the original O2 sensor back in the front location and installed the new Bosch unit in back, where the parts store diagnostic said it should be.

Truck ran fine with no light for a few days, then got really bad. It sputtered and died several times. Took it to a dealer and they said the computer is bad. Cost $550 + installation for a total of over $700.

Are the two problems related or did the wrong sensor in the wrong place cause the computer to fail?

rhandwor · #9 09-17-2006, 10:16 PM

I doubt the problems are related. The computer processes information from the sensor. You probably are using 3 wire heated sensors. Chech the wire colors for the replacement from the sensor to the plug are the same color wires being used.
At $500.00 for a computer what does a junk yard get it used to be $100.00 and the numbers have to match or be cross referenced.

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