2004 Accord V6. 138,000 miles and going strong.

My check engine light has been going off and on for some time. I ordered a code reader and checked the codes yesterday. Can't remember exactly what the 2 codes were (I'm at work now and I didn't bring them with me) but google searches pointed to the front O2 sensor, bank 2, if that makes any sense.

So I went online to buy a replacement. Lots of choices. Difficult to tell whether it's the correct one or not. For example, on rockauto, I see at least 10 parts that might be the answer. But I'm not sure if this is upstream, downstream, or what.

Any advice on this? Part numbers, etc.?

 

I've done this for a Nissan. My advice is to buy it from a dealer. In my case, I went to a few different parts stores, like Autozone, Pepboys, etc. And end up with the wrong one, or not exact, or didn't work. According to them on their data base, it was the correct one. And the parts guy did not really understand why that sensor was "unique." I'm sure it can work, but I don't want modify something else, if it did not.

The dealer one cost a few $$$ more and was a direct fit, no question.

Sure, you can buy any air filter or oil fitters or tires. But when it comes to sensors, I would only buy OEM from the dealer.

 

Ouch. I've had great luck with most aftermarket parts so I was hoping to be able to go that route. Dealer parts are so expensive...

What is the reason why it's so difficult to get the correct O2 sensor via an aftermarket shop/site? Never had this issue with anything else.

 

This was 2007 so it was a long time. The issue was the plug end. Let's say there are 3 sensors in the exhaust system One of them is different from the other two. Same sensor, but the plug is different. Only the dealer understood what I was asking.

Anyone can modify it to make it work. But I did not want to do that as my car was still underwarranty, at that time.

** I broke the sensor while I was installing an aftermarket header.

 

After working in the aftermarket industry for nearly 30 years, buy OEM. Yeah it's not cheap, but when it comes to emission items, the OEM will work, first time, every time. Make sure they VIN this too, as different Accords of the same year, model, will take different parts (really important in the 4 cylinder models, UL, ULEV etc).
It may sting for a bit, but you will only do this once.
Bank 2, Sensor 1 would cost around $160
HTH

 

Like Drew said, usually the plugs are different. Aftermarket (Bosch, NGK, etc) will make one sensor to fit several applications. While running the commercial department at a major aftermarket chain, I had several shops that quit buying my Bosch sensors for any Honda or Chrysler product they were working on, because too many customers came back. Mostly because they would throw CEL and not pass smog (big deal in this smog **** state).

 

^^ It's coming back to me now. Yes, it has something to do with production VIN. So even if it's the same model year, parts could be different.

 

OEM = Always correct

 

Makes sense now. I cleared the codes a few days ago (I have a reader) and the light hasn't come back on, yet. When it does I guess it's OEM. Thanks.

 

Hi guys... Im new to this, but is there anyone in this thread that knows tho OEM part number for the Bank 1 Upstream 02 sensor for the 03 Accord EX V6 (automatic). Thank you!

 

Call your local dealership and give them your VIN#, they should be able to give you the correct OEM part number.