I've got a CEL that according to AUTOZONE, says my downstream o2 sensor might be bad. I don't have the CEL # with me right now, but it also mentions "heated" concerning the sensor. There is an off brand (APWI AP4246) available on ROCKAUTO that notes that it works with either California and non-California ESV. I don't need the California emmisions, but my dilemma is that I would like to stick with oe parts which is the Denso sensor, but the Denso only features California emmisions.

 

To the question finally: Would the California o2 sensor hurt my car or cause any wierdness? My sensor connector is orange like the one pictured on Rockauto. Hope this is comprehendable.

 

Thanks.

The California sensor has a shorter wire harness I think because it was placed further forward on the exhaust. Other than that I don't think the sensor itself is any different. Does the listing give the length of the pigtail?

 

I saw the cheap prices of the off brand sensors on rockauto and am tempted to try one, but just to save $5 or $10 it might not be worth the hassle to have it fail in a year (if it even lasts more than a day) and have to replace it again.

 

 

One other thing to check is the shape of the connector. There are slots on the sides and/or top that keep the wrong sensor from being plugged into the harness.

 

You might also just check the wiring going to the sensor for damage before replacing it. A heater malfunction isn't an uncommon problem but there could be other reasons for the code, such as damaged wiring.

Edited January 3, 201313 yr by Fairtax4me