o2 sensor identification

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Oct 10, 2003 | 10:15 AM

dgkrzy

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o2 sensor identification

I have a 1994 f150 w/302. I need to replace the O2 sensor, because it was rusty/damaged/nonfunctional. My local auto parts stores (NAPA, Parts Plus & Advance Auto) all tell me there are 3 different sensors for this particular year & motor. The code is supposed to be stamped on the body of the sensor, but this sensor is so rusty I can see no markings at all. I'm told GM sensors can be identified by the color of the wires in the harness, is this true of Ford also?
My sensor has 2 white, 1 grey and 1 black wire.

The three different sensors are identified:

F1UF-AA

F39F-AA

F3U-AA or AB

Thanks for any help

Oct 14, 2003 | 03:42 PM

gatesj

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From: Remsen, NY

All heated oxy sensors have 2 white (heater) 1 black and 1 white (sensor and ground). You can get a generic four wire (heated) oxy sensor, cut the wires for the old one and solder on the harness connector from the old one at all four wires. Just make sure the solder joint is really good and you use shrink wrap to completely seal out the weather. A good signal and ground wire is important because these operate at 0-1 volt. The generic one is probably around $60.oo.

That being said, the only difference between those sensors should be the wire harness connector. You could take your old one out and compare it to what the parts store has available if you don't want to solder and shrink wrap.

Oct 14, 2003 | 09:09 PM

dgkrzy

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Thanks,

I went to see the local Ford Dealer today, and the parts guy told me there is a small white tag inside the door near the other info stickers that gives the original emmisions set up which he can cross reference with his catalog.

On the subject of generic O2 sensors, I had bad luck with generics on a Chevy Astro I have (2 failed within months of install) so I went to a "genuine $$$GM" and have had no trouble. Is there any company making reliable aftermarket sensors?

Oct 15, 2003 | 10:27 AM

gatesj

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From: Remsen, NY

Being an import guy (OK, I know, don't make fun, if I didn't think my Ford pickup is the best truck I could have I wouldn't have it) I've seen the Bosch OEM sensors on my german imports go forever with no degradation to speak of on the scope. My car has 122k and the original sensors that still give great response. I've replaced sensors on several domestics with Bosch generic four wire sensors (Advance Auto has them in my area) and had great luck. A couple have been in for over a year now with no problems.

Which kind of generic did you try on the GM?

Last edited by gatesj; Oct 15, 2003 at 10:31 AM.

Oct 15, 2003 | 02:36 PM

dgkrzy

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Thanks for the info,

I don't recall the brand of sensor, but was sold at NAPA for a rock bottom price. I guess you get what you pay for.

I spoke to some others today who also recommended Bosch, one auto trades instructor told me that Bosch makes sensors for several auto manufacturers (sp?) who then relabel them, he also told me on some Fords the only difference between sensors is the length of the wiring tail between the sensor and connector. Everything else (resistance, heater) was basically equal.

I think I will go with the Bosch generic O2 sensor and solder/shrink wrap my connector on the end of the leads.

Oct 16, 2003 | 01:51 AM

lexluthr69

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From: Newport News USA

What you were told about the Bosch sensors is true. There are very few makers of O2 sensors, and Bosch is one of the largest of those few. Talking to the parts guys at the dealership, they even say that theirs are Bosch relabeled.

The generic route is a safe alternative. Good luck with it.

Luke