I have a check engine light that goes on and off and has now been stuck on for a couple weeks. At AutoZone the code we are pulling is P0153 Heated O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response Bank 2 Sensor 1. The guy at Auto Zone wants to sell me a universal sensor and I left. Is the universal sensor a good replacement? I called Ford parts dept. and they told me they need a part number not just a code. I told him on the passenger side between the engine and the cat and he said it means nothing to him? Anyone have a part number and a round about price. Also is it easier to change with the exhaust hot or cold?

 

The guy at the Ford place is one lazy ****. I would find another dealer if you can. What's the purpose in having a parts lookup? He should be able to go off of the Bank 2 Sensor 1. What an idiot. Bank 2 should be driver's side Sensor 1 is the pre-cat sensor.

Don't use the universal, Autozone or Advance Auto sell the replacement. The universal if I remember correctly has to be wired up using the OE plug unless they've changed.

Ford only charges .5 hour for labor to do this. If you see that yours are nearly impossible to get to, it may be in your interest to have them replace them. You are looking at paying more for the sensor! If you do it yourself, don't forget the anti-seize compound on the threads!

 

I have NEVER seen an example of the dealer being cheaper then doing it yourself.
I have NEVER seen an example of parts being cheaper at a dealer then buying yourself from an auto parts store.
The Bosch senser I got from AutoZone had the correct plug on it to fit factory wireing. Matches the Bosch senser I took off.
Getting it unplugged was the hardest part for me, after that just a 7/8 inch wrench is all you need. Even have room to crawl under without jacking it up.
Change it while the engine is cold. The new ones I have seen already have anti - seize on them.

 

Well, then you have never done a front end rebuild or changed something where you needed a special tool and had to purchase a special oxygen sensor tool. Add to this the time, aggravation, the "not knowing" or breaking something in the process and the dealer, for a half hour charge, comes out cheaper than doing it yourself. "Cheaper" is not always the best price. There are always more options than just DIY.

You NEVER have to look very far for an example, call the dealer Monday and get a heater core for a 1999 Ford Expedition, then call Autozone and Advance Auto. You will get a better price at the dealer. Don't be so silly, you actually have to call the dealer before you can make a blanket "NEVER" statement like that. If you really want the best price, you should be checking with every autoparts store in town, and calling the dealer as well. You wouldn't be making anymore bragadocious false statements. I worked as a manager at an autoparts store, and I frequently called other stores and dealerships, and I remember on more than 20 occassions, the dealer was cheaper.

NO, the UNIVERSAL sensor is a UNIVERSAL fit for all applications, meaning ALL cars, ALL trucks, ALL applications that call for an 02 sensor. They work for the upstream, downstream sensors. You have to actually splice the wires together and reuse your originally connector, if the one that comes with it doesn't work for yours. These stores should sell the exact fit. Read my post again.