My girlfriends accord is coming up on the month for new tabs and her O2 sensor (post-cat) is shot. The place she got her car scanned quoted her at $250 for a new one. I am not sure if that included install or not, but I tend to think it did. $250 for an O2 sensor is a bit outrages considering I can find a wideband for less, way less. Does anyone know if you can hook up a wideband onto stock management and pass emissions? If not, where can I find an O2 sensor? Will universal sensors found at parts stores work? Autozone shows several:
http://autozone.com/servlet/Ui...ync=6

OE type: $222.99

Bosch universal : $62.99 and $87.99

Valucraft universal: $64.99

any thoughts?


Modified by dubman410 at 10:09 AM 4/14/2005

 

That doesn't seem unreasonable.
Most o2 sensors are around $100
plus installation ~$75,
and diagnostics ~$75
$250 would about right depending how much they charge for diag and the O2 sensors,

at http://www.hondaautomotivepart...+PIPE
the sensor is $91.18, full price however is 121.57

I don't know what accord you have but the costs are about the same

 

When I looked at the pricing autozone has (see above post), they listed it at $223, and I think that would be what the shop would use. Its not hard to remove and install an O2 sensor (they charge reasonable labor rates), so I can see where they got $250 for an installed O2 sensor. Can I use any bosch universal sensor without any problems?

96 accord 4door LX model, forgot to list that in first post

 

I would use the O2 sensor for that car,
it will have the necessary connectors, with the correct length wire and number of wires. Plus it will install must faster. if you are doing it yourself
from
http://www.hondaautomotivepart...81%29

the list price is $255.51 the actual price is 188.66
so at the discounted price of 188.66 + labor is still right at $250

I would say it is a valid quote, could definetly be more,

for a maximum quote
1.) Diagnostics to determine MIL code : $75
2.) O2 sensors $255.51
3.) labor to install 1 hour $75
total $405.51
I dunno what the mitchell book for labor to insall sesnor is..
but $250 is definately OK

 

will it hurt the car to use the generic bosch sensors to save a bit of money, or is it best to use the O.E. part number?

 

I would use the O2 sensor for that car.
what is the price differnce?

 

I would use the bosch one.

It was $60 universal 4-wire (for my car anyway) then I just looked up the diagram to make sure i hooked the right wires up, because if you hook them up wrong it can mess up the ECU from what I have heard.

I have had it in my car for 4 years now, no problems at all, no loss in mileage or anything.

 

do you have emissions where you live? Do you think it will pass no problem?

 

I've heard mixed reactions to the universal Bosch O2 sensor. Seems like a good deal at $60, but then again if it does give you problems then you are out that $60. As much as it hurts the wallet, I would rather put the OEM part back on the car whenever possible.

 

I have yet to purchase an O2 sensor ever, so bare with me here: is there a difference between the wiring colors from the O.E. sensor and the generic?

 

If you get the OEM sesnsor, you will NOT have to worry about anything. You screw in the sensor, and plug it in. No worries no lost money.


if you think you are smart enough to get the wires right, and you KNOW for sure teh sensor will work with your car, then you can try it.

But if you mess up.. you could have other problems which cost more than $250

Have you ever noticed that if you take it to a shop they WILL install an OEM, even though they know that a cheaper one exists.. they could easily install cheap one, but they would rather not risk having it come back and having to install OEM for free.

I would install OEM, no mistakes with wiring, no problems, easy to install.

 

Go on ebaymotors.com and search for CEL eliminators. i bought it and it solved the problem

 

ok, from the site that crazydave gave me, I found the O2 sensor I will need. $188.66 Bit on the pricey side for a sensor and some wire, but it looks like it will have to be the way I will need to go. Thanks all for the help.