[SARTrooper]

I have read many posts regarding O2 Sensors and am now polling the forum community as a whole to get a better answer to these questions:

Which are the better O2 sensors?
Who has had a good experience with which sensors?
Has anyone used the universal type 15732s?

I have had mixed results after replacing my old ones with the Bosch 15703. Better gas mileage but constant P1393 code. (Yes, even after 41 start cycles and then clearing the codes...both with a code reader and by the fuse method.)

Honestly, this G-sensor performance code (P1393) is a pain in the butt.

SARTrooper
1996 3.2L SOHC w/ 103K miles

 

[wrenchmonster]

Howdy. O2 sensors are designed to work within a certain heat range, and actually can be tested by removing them and heating them up with a torch while checking their resistance. I don't recommend this for the novice though, and you need the correct reference material. The O2 sensors main job is to determine when to apply a "closed loop" fuel status for the ECM. However, if you have a feedback O2 system (one O2s before the cat and one after) you have to consider a faulty cat. A cat should have at least a 50 degree difference in temperature between the inlet and outlet. If not, your cat is either bad, your engine itself is not reaching the proper temperature, or your not going into a closed loop status for some reason (electrical problem). It's easiest to use a scan tool and watch the live data on this, so I hate to say it, but your best bet may be to take it down to a shop.

Also, about codes. These are very general. OBD2 diagnostics was standardized in 1996 I believe. So, these codes are all the same for all manufacturers. So think of these as general categories, not specifics for your vehicle. You need to refer to a factory service manual to really find out what the code means and how it relates to your specific application.

-Kevin