ive been using an AEM UEGO wideband kit for the past 6 months. Bought it brand new, but it died during a test and tune session last weekend. (thought it last a little longer but who knows). I read that i HAVE to buy a replacement sensor from AEM .. part # 30-2001 because they come pre-calibrated , but others have success using a regular replacement sensor from bosch .. part #17018. can anybody chime in on this?

 

Is the price really much of a difference ? I know ive seen the aem units for as low as 75 new on ebay.

 

I used the sensor from my innovate LC1 on my AEM gauge and it works fine. My innovate setup took a **** so I borrowed a friend's gauge after noticing the sensors were the same. the plug is slightly different, but the VW sensor (which is what innovate uses and costs as low as 50 from the parts stores) plugs in fine. just make sure the red wire is lined up right as you can plug it in backwards

 

the price for an aem ive seen is usually about 79.99 , and the bosch 17018 i found was 47.99. not too big of a difference but if this sensor keeps dieing after 6months, then its gonna help save alot in the long run

- thanks for the info mikesrex

 

any more uego users wanna chime in about replacement sensors , or how long their original sensor lasted ?

 

go to auto zone with the old sensor and they carry it, it cost around 120 but the good thing is that it cone with a 1yr warranty, with in one yr i went thru 6 of them so that warranty save me a *** load

 

oh that sucks to hear u went through 6 in one year .. they really go out that often?!

u took your original AEM to autozone or the bosch 17018 ?

 

if you buy the sensor from a auto parts store that gives you a warranty then jus keep exchanging them

 

its the same sensor and same pn

 

My AEM UEGO wideband sensor lasted over a year of use, 13k miles using mainly unleaded pump gas with occasional 110 and C16 leaded fuels on weekends or when at the track. It finally started reacting very slow and then just was stuck at 14.5-14.7:1 all the time. So had to replace it and went with an AEM replacement from ebay for 70 bucks that I found.

It also depends on where you have them on your system. Too close to the turbo or high heat will kill them quicker also depending on how much leaded fuel you run. It will also kill them quicker.

But hey for a mixed driving 70 bucks a year on a sensor isnt too bad. Not compared to all the rest of money that ive spent. lol

 

Also ive noticed you can get the sensors with the new style bungs that are taller and have a heat sink on them to help keep the sensor cool. Im going to be replacing mine as well with the newer style bung.

 

One of the biggest things that kill the Bosch sensor is O2 placement/installation.

Here is a part right out of the instructions and a picture.

Using the supplied bung, mount the UEGO sensor in the exhaust system at least 18 inches downstream from the exhaust port. On turbocharged engines the UEGO sensor must be installed after the turbo charger. In order to prevent moisture from collecting in the sensing element, the sensor must be installed at an angle of at least 10 degrees from horizontal with the connector pointing upward.

 

does running e85 have any effects on a faster wearing sensor?

 

FWIW, i've been running on the same sensor / AEM setup for over 3 years.. No problems.