Cheap 1-wire oxygen sensors from CSK stores

[vrg3]

Apparently oxygen sensors are on sale at auto parts stores that are part of the CSK conglomerate (this includes Advance, Shuck's, and Kragen). I don't know if the prices vary with location, but at my local Advance I bought a Bosch 1-wire sensor (I asked 'em for a sensor for a 1990 Yugo ) for $15.99. I thought people might like to know.

[High PSI]

How do we wire these up for our cars?

[vrg3]

Just connect it to the white wire.

But before you swap one of these in, read up on what it would mean to put a 1-wire sensor on your car. I'm not sure whether or not I'd recommend using an unheated sensor on a non-turbo (though I guess EA Subarus were set up that way). I certainly wouldn't recommend it on a turbo with a downpipe that places the sensor down under the car.

[High PSI]

Sweet. I've got a turbo and my exhaust places my O2 sensor right up next to the turbo. Time to get that O2 sensor for my Yugo!

[kingbobdole]

Whats wrong with unheated O2s?
Its the wave of the 80s.... ;/ On my XT6 I have a AF meter and you can tell when the O2 finally heats up... the big idea behind the heated O2 is faster responce times on the O2 for lower emissions, nothing more really, it just makes the fuel mix better when the engine is cold... its not like the exhaust is gonna stay cold forever. It takes my 6 about a minute to two to get the O2 heated and thats normal driving.

[555BCTurbo]

Don't argue with the Vikash!

[vrg3]

Whats wrong with unheated O2s?

I just don't think I could comfortably say to someone, "Your sensor that's positioned near the rear end of the transmission is going to reach 800 degrees in a reasonable amount of time, and stay there even as you cruise down a rainy road. And even when it's warm but not warm enough, the incorrectly lean readings will be just fine."

But that's just me...

my XT6

Your XT6's exhaust was designed for an unheated oxygen sensor, though, right?

I guess it does place the sensor approximately in the same place as non-turbo Legacies have it... so maybe it'd work okay in that case even if it's not appropriate for the WRX-downpipe crowd. But I just can't recommend it.

the big idea behind the heated O2 is faster responce times on the O2 for lower emissions

Not faster response time -- faster warmup time. Response time is unaffected by the presence of the heater.

Heating the sensor achieves lower emissions, better fuel economy, and improves catalytic converter longevity. You could also argue it's better for the engine and helps keep the oil fresh longer, but that may be a bit of a stretch.

it just makes the fuel mix better when the engine is cold...

I don't understand.