Anyone Used Cheap $20 O2 Sensor Replacements?

[stevec5000]

My 4R has 144K miles on it now and I'm thinking that O2 sensors might start to fail before too long and I don't want to spend $100-$200 each for OEM replacements, especially since it has 4 of them. I've been looking at what's available on Amazon (yes they have car parts now, not just books anymore) and they have some general replacement O2 sensors as low as $20! Some of them even say they are OEM quality and will fit my vehicle except the cheaper ones don't have the correct connector and require splicing a new end on the wire.
For instance the Evan-Fischer EVA14672052433 O2 Oxygen Sensor 4-wire Driver Side model says it's compatible with my vehicle and comes with 4 splicing connectors for just $21.71! I never heard of the Evan-Fischer brand but Bosch, who makes most OEM sensors except for Denso, has some models in the $25-$30 range. There are some with the factory connector already installed in the $50 range which might be a better way to go since you don't have to do any splicing.
The only problem I see with this theory is that none of the specs say what the resistance of the heating coil is. The Toyota spec sheet says the O2 sensor heater resistance should be 11-16 ohms but replacement models can vary from 16 ohms to as low as 3-4 ohms. A model with a 4 ohm coil would not work because it would draw way too much current. Has anyone figured out how to solve this problem?

Evan-Fischer EVA14672052433 O2 Oxygen Sensor 4-wire Driver Side LH Designed to fit screw-in type bungs May not be compatible with flanges : Amazon.com : Automotive
http://www.amazon.com/Walker-250-24487-Wire-Oxygen-Sensor/dp/B000CLOTZ4/

 

[fourwd1]

Don't waste your money, get a Denso or NGK (if available). When it comes to sensors and other EFI parts, Bosch parts just don't play well on Toyotas and Isuzus.
And it's worth the xtra $ for a direct fit as opposed to having to install the connector yourself.

 

[stevec5000]

I don't know why Bosch parts wouldn't work. I suspect they would since all they have to do is put out the correct voltage. It's not an issue of "playing" or not playing. However, after several emails back and forth with the supplier on Amazon they finally admitted the one they are selling that Amazon says will fit the 4Runner has a 4 ohm heater. That won't work since it needs to be between 11-16 ohms. None of the suppliers on Amazon will admit what the resistance of the heater is without threatening them so that's going to make it hard to get one that works even if it has the correct connector on it.

 

[Nathana92]

Why not just wait until they go out to worry about replacing them?

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Wait for trouble

If you have checked the OBDII computer and there are no codes for failed O2 sensors, why spend money and time on it? I have never heard of a pre-emptive replacement of O2 sensors. If one goes bad, replace it. Your truck won't be ruined by having an bad O2 sensor for a while (unlike ignoring oil changes, that would be bad).

The old adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

[stevec5000]

Why not just wait until they go out to worry about replacing them?

Planning ahead!
It turns out to be a lot harder to find one that works right for a reasonable price than you might think.

 

[mrtucker80]

My vote is to just wait until they go bad and then replace them, but if you want to plan for it now, especially with 4 :shocked: why not go ahead and buy one or two now and another one or two later until you have all 4, to spread the $$ out so it doesn't hurt so bad when it does happen.

Also I am going to have to vote for OEM or Denso O2 sensors. I actually don't even try when it comes to sensors anymore. It is worth the extra $$ to know that the plug and pigtail are correct, no cutting and splicing, and no guessing if it is the correct broad or narrow band, only worry is how hard is it going to be to get the old crusty hardware off so I can replace them.

 

[Rubberdown]

Just a tidbit of advice. Don't go looking for trouble. When the check engine light goes on, go to autozone, have them read the code for free, see what has gone bad, and buy the part from the Toyota dealership. Cheap parts are cheap for a reason. Trust me on this. Damn near every electronic component I have ever bought from an autozone, off the Internet wholesale place, or advance auto has failed, and then the warrantied replacment has failed. Then I get fed up, go to the dealership, buy OEM, and have no issues. Icannot stress this enough. BUY OEM ELECTRONICS. Except tundra blower motors (I'm on number 4 at 70,000 miles... Wtf)

 

[S Brake]

Not sure what year your runner is, but Amazon has denso sensors for $60 or less for third gens. Not worth taking a chance with unknown sensors.

 

[Greg_Canada]

ONLY BUY DENSO / NTK.

There have been countless post over the years with bosch / others not working properly, because you are cheap you think they're going to work for you? You're going to spend more on gas / etc!!!

 

[oljedi11950]

O2 sensor

Just bought back 2 from amazon,:humble: was 52$ & 57$ plug an play OEM part !! What's the big deal !! Now the a/f sensor is more $$ looked like about 130 ish , but a lot harder to change out of course . :doh: