o2 sensor + idle air control

[Viper5]

Yesterday I ordered 4 Universal O2 sensors from partstrain.com. Part # USOS-2000. They are each about 28 bucks. I saw that there was a coupon code that expired the day before and I called up to make the order, and they even honored the coupon. In total, it cost me $115 including $15 shipping.

I also placed an order with Cosmic LED who sold posi-lock connectors. They were in packages of four so I got four of them. With shipping, it was $14 bucks (lots of fours there ) Not bad for 2-3 day shipping.

Before placing the order with cosmic, I called up Bosch to ask what guage wire is used in their sensors. I figure that would be a good foundation in determing what to expect. He told me 18 so I bought the posi-lock connectors for that size. It will fit anything from 18-24 which is good since I heard from another member (thanks derb) that it's 24 guage. Either way I can't lose.


Some of my sources for this are below:

http://www.boschautoparts.com/NR/rdonlyres/3BB8A8FA-C707-4333-9098-727C01AF4B7D/0/OxygenSensorInstall.pdf


http://www.posi-lock.com/lock2.html


(I got the red one. Part number PL1824)

I will also probably get some heat shrink but I can pick that up at any hardware store.

Sensors come in 4-7 days so I will report back when I get em.

[Viper5]

I'm trying to get the old sensor out today and I feel like I'm gonna break something. Does it just pull out or is there some type of mechanism holding it together? I know the part that connects to the cat can be removed using a just a 22mm wrench.

I'm also confused about the pre and post catalyst positions. My error says that it's the sensor ahead of the catalytic converter for bank 1. I see two. One closer to the three pipes from the engine manifold, and another further down (closer to the final exhaust pipe out the back). I don't know which one to replace.

Ahead of the catalytic converter and precatalyst (like it says in service manual) should match, but they seem contradictory.
Does ahead mean precatalyst or postcatalyst?

[Viper5]

I installed all 4 sensors last week using posilock connectors PL1824 and they seem to be working, however my post-catalytic converter o2 sensor for the left side is faulty. I'm returning it for a replacement. They are very simple to install using the connectors and you don't even have to take apart any pieces underneath the car to access any of them. You just need a 22mm open end wrench and you're good to go. Also, I found out you have to push on the piece sticking out inward towards the sensor. It was hard getting them off at first but it eventually came out.

Furthermore, I would definitely recommend this procedure since it is very simple and cheap. I spent a total of $115 for all 4 sensors at partstrain.com with a coupon code and even still it would only have been $125 without it. Thanks for the help.