oxygen sensor (air fuel ratio sensor?) on '99 camry

Whoops, looks like Kragen part 15733 ($75.99) is meant to be the DOWNstream oxygen sensor, not the front UPstream one.

Although, it's got 4 wires...

Anyone have any recommendation for Air Fuel Ratio Sensor (Toyota Dealer) vs. Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Bosch)? I'm looking at Autozone part 13733.

Thanks,

Michael

You can get a plug and play upstream cali bosch sensor for $185 from rockauto.com. If you're willing to splice wires, you can do slightly better.

They all have 4 wires; 2 for the heater and two for the sensor itself.

They are different types of oxygen sensors: Unheated Thimble, Heated Thimble, Planar, Wideband, and Titania. Tyota refers "wideband" as the A/F ratio sensor, like they referred to engine sludge as oil gel. Same thing.

Oxygen sensor FAQ:

Yeah, use the rockauto.com price as a reference. The Bosch 13733 is the only choice for Calif. However, this sensor looks like a reboxed Denso (Bosch, like AC Delco, also distributes parts it doens't make so you can use it as a one-stop shop). You can get the Denso cheaper (#2349024 ?? $147.99). In this case there is no choice but to go with the cheap Denso part.

Dealer parts have substantial mark-up. For example, the same Mitsuboshi timing belt costs about $14 on rockauto.com will cost about $40 at the dealer. But somebody has to pay for the flat screen TV and free coffee.

The Bosch universal sensor comes with an instruction. The 15733 downstream is an excellent *planar* type that better resists contamination. There are actually over a dozen types of "universal" sensors with different response signal curves. So select only from the catalog.

If you have to change the front and the car has over 100K miles consider getting the Bosch planar universal sensor for the downstream. You can splice it. Follow the instruction carefully and you shouldn't have problems. make sure the Posi-Lok connectors are hand tight.

Also, Autozone has free loaner sensor sockets.

They sure don't make their items easy to read...

BOSCH Part # 15733 More Info {Oxygen Sensor} Except California Emissions; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval:

100,000 Miles; Universal Type - Upstream w/ California Emissions; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles; Universal Type - Downstream Except California Emissions; 4 Wire; Heated; Check / Replace Interval: 100,000 Miles; Universal Type - Downstream

$57.79... is it for California or not? Both upstream AND downstream, with wire splic Michael

There are Calif and Non-Calif; Upstream and Downstream; OEM connector or Universal splice. These mean up to 8 combinations!!

Look on Bosch's catalog:

Calif Downstream:

13353 with OEM connector (no splicing) 15733 universal (need to splice old connector on here, but cheaper)

Calif Upstream (only OEM type available):

13733 with OEM connector (no splicing)

Hi I live in Maine but have California 99 4 cylinder Camry. I Replaced the O sensor in the engine compartment two summers ago. The light went out for a while. The light came on in the fall.AutoZone checked and told me the one near the cat converter was gone. At those prices I waited. About the middle of April the light went out and has been out. I checked and the gas companys switch to a winter blend in the late fall early winter. They switch back in the spring. Seems sensor is fine. my 2cents.

Whoa, you mean AutoZone will LEND you oxygen sensors?

News to me!

Thanks...

FWIW, so far the car is doing just fine, after driving about 15 miles to go shopping and back. I guess I could have got the cheaper $50 or so part from RockAuto, but the wife is happy that the check engine light is gone now.

Maybe I should replace the oxygen sensor on my '96 camry too... 152k miles. No CEL, but maybe mpg will increase...?

Thanks all,

Michael

catalog:

Rear sensor is probably fine, but your catalyst might be a different story...? [sensor indicating catalyst is not performing properly?]

Just time your smog checks to be in the spring... (do you have smog checks in Maine?)

Thanks for sharing,

Michael

catalog:

Ah, ok.

From Bosch's website it looks like the 15733 will NOT work upstream for California.

(but why would RockAuto list it as both Up and Downstream?)

Looks like Autozone was a good deal for the 13733, at ~$115; RockAuto wants ~$185.

Michael

Because the excellent Bosch 15733 planar type sensor can be used UPSTREAM and DOWNSTREAM in states other than Calif (maybe also NY and MA).

Notice the "Calif" and "Exc. Calif" notations on rockauto.com, kinda hard to read I know. That's why I like to verify using Bosch's web site. .

Got it now, thanks.

Car works perfectly now, no Check Engine Light. I just put the anti- seize compound on yesterday evening (I didn't do so prior, just in case I had to return the item.)

And the dealership said "Oh it's a FUEL AIR RATIO SENSOR, not an OXYGEN SENSOR... that's why it costs $225." (when I asked if they could price-match the item from toyotadiscountparts.com)

Fear, obfuscation and doubt... just what the dealership needs to make more $$$...

Michael

LOL. Maybe that dealer also sells snake oil.

No, AutoZone lends sensor socket sets, not sensors.

You may notice reduced HC emissions. e.g., top of the range down to the clean end of the range. Not sure about mileage, but if running rich I'd think so.

Well if you ever need one get the Bosch *planar* one (15733 universal $75 or $20 more with OEM connector. Autozone can loan you the tools free and you can find a mechanically inclined friend to help out.