I will need to change the oxygen sensor on my 2001 Outback. Have never done that - seems unless you go to the dealer they come without the plug? Can you re-use the plug or get it somewhere else? Any recommendations on the sensor?
Thanks,
Michael, Phila.
Not sure about that, but when you get one, be sure you say Legacy Outback and not let them try to figure it out based on "Outback" alone.
The n*****ts parts folks my local mechanic used sent him the wrong sensor the first time because they saw Impreza outback on their list alphabetically first, and sent that rather than the right one.
-- Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA
Better yet, it's always a good idea to state the engine details.
Like H6 3.0 or H4 2.5
i put new ones (there are 2) in my '02 legacy at about 100,000 km. i got oem parts from a dealer, because i didn't want to hassle with splicing connectors, etc., with a "generic" aftermarket solution.
"your actual mileage may vary..."
Hi,
My smog test guy told me there's not a nickel's worth of difference between OEM and aftermarket sensors as to their "usability" but the prices vary tremendously! A bit of research indicates Bosch and Denso probably make about 99 44/100% of all the "foreign" OEMs and a huge percentage of the replacements... but he said any brand is fine.
He also suggested always getting a "replacement" model (has the factory connectors) instead of messing w/ a "generic" and splicing things. I've done the cut and splice thing before. Won't do that again for the small differential in cost.
Two online sources I've used (happy w/ both, it's just one had the sensor for one vehicle, the other had the sensors for another!) were
There are two main styles of mounts, a flange, and direct screw in. The flange type can be changed w/ regular sockets. Factory installations usually have a flat gasket. Some Walker brand aftermarket units come w/ a copper sealing ring--if yours does, it takes the place of the flat gasket. Don't use a flat gasket w/ these models.
The screw in type often requires the "special tool": it looks like a spark plug socket w/ a big opening in the side to route the wire out of the way. Probably about $10 or so at your local auto parts store. If it's a screw-in type, make sure it has anti-seize compound on the threads (some come w/ it from the factory) when you install it. And the old one will probably be easier to get OUT if the exhaust system's moderately warm.
Also, a lot of people put some dielectric grease in electrical connectors before they snap 'em together to prevent corrosion. I used to subscribe to a newsletter in which the fellow said NOT to do that with the O2 sensor connectors: he claimed they require some air flow thru the insulation (tiny hollow tubes extruded into the plastic) to cool the wire so false voltages aren't registered, and grease in the connector can upset that air flow. I dunno. But I don't recall ever seeing grease in an O2 sensor connector, so maybe he was on to something.
Good luck!
Rick
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