I was wondering if it is necessary to replace the O2 sensor with another one with a heater. I see a couple different options and I don't know if it will set a code to not have a heater on the O2 sensor if the part doesn't have one to begin with, or if not having the heater causes any problems after warm up.

 

the heater helps to heat up the sensor to shorten the time the system is in open loop. i would not recommend using sensor without heater

 

I am going to hook up a code reader that can see the voltage of the sensors and I imagine I will probably have to replace more than one. The difference between the 2 different sensors is like $30, and if I have to replace all 3 sensors for whatever reason it will be a difference of greater than $60 bucks, and I let the car warm up completely before getting above even like 2.5-3k rpm.
I just didn't know if it really impacted anything but how fast the sensor changed operating mode and if it would leave a code. I don't know lol but I suppose I will plan to get the heated version because that brand also has the bank sensors and exhaust sensor as separate items while the one without the heater is universal.

 

If the heater circuit is disconnected you will have to live with the check engine lamp on at all times, and the PCM will never go into closed loop. Any money saved on using the wrong sensor will be negated by poor fuel economy and performance.

 

Thanks guys, I will just go with OEM or equivalent O2 sensors.

 

I see there is 4 lead and 2 lead sensors also. How do I know which I need or is it the 4 lead is just more accurate?

 

yours should be 4 lead

 

Thanks, these aren't cheap O2 sensors lol.

 

have a look at em to make sure, just gota look at the connection. ive never heard of two wire ones. i had one wire ones in mine but switched to three wire heated to help it go to closed loop sooner and my 97 truck has 4 wire.

 

I'll check first, thanks as usual Craby .