Universal Oxygen Sensor – Universal Oxygen Sensors
What is a Universal Oxygen Sensor?
A universal oxygen sensor doesn’t mean that it can be used in any automobile. theywork just like the Optoelectronic Sensors. However, they don’t come with an OEM style connector. Also, in installing a universal oxygen sensor, OE connector needs to be splice to the oxygen sensor.
What is the difference of Universal oxygen sensor from OEM style Oxygen sensors?
Universal oxygen sensors are a lot cheaper than the other kind of sensor. However, OEM style Oxygen sensors is a lot easier to install than the universal oxygen sensor. Also, Universal oxygen sensors are rarer than the OEM style since it is difficult to find in stores.
Installing a Universal Oxygen Sensor
Old oxygen sensor connector can be reused, so you must disconnect it from vehicle harness with extra care. Lay the new and old oxygen sensors on a flat surface side by side. This will allow you to have a better view and make a precise cut of the lead wires. Make sure that when you cut the lead wires of the old oxygen sensor will fit when it is spliced to the new universal oxygen sensor. On the end of each wire, stagger-cut wire leads to remove ¼” of insulation. There are universal oxygen sensors which have already pre-installed heat-shrink tube, with this, you just need to slot in a part of the stripped wires into the crimp terminal of the new sensor and crimp terminals. However, for those which do not have installed heat-shrink, you need to slot in a part of the stripped wires about ¼” into crimp type butt connectors and crimp.
When all the necessary connections had been done, make sure to slip the heat shrink tube to the connection you made earlier. You then need to heat the tube using apt heat source and temperature until you sealed the connections completely. Remember to remove the protector cap just before installing. If no coating had been applied yet, place the enclosed anti-seize to the oxygen threads. Install the sensor body of the new universal oxygen sensors making extra care not to bend or twist the lead wire. All sensors would be installed according to their specifications. Based on its original installation, attach and route the lead wire.
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Proper handling of the Universal Oxygen Sensor
Make sure not to drop your universal oxygen sensor or avoid using an oxygen sensor that has already been dropped. Once it had been dropped, the ceramic element might gain shock damage. In installing your universal oxygen sensors make sure not to use conventional socket type or impact wrench. Do not let the oxygen sensor or any wire to make a contact with exhaust manifold or any hot part. Exposing it to oil, water, anti-corrosion, windshield cleaner or terminal cleaner may impede or totally damage the function of it. Avoid using additives which has silicone, leaded fuels or metal components.