[A4] Oxygen sensor shock

[Scott Simmons]

When I had a V8q, the O2 sensor retailed for about $180.  It was 
originally a 3 wire (2 heater, 1 signal).  I purchased a $30 Ford sensor 
(4 wire) and $30 Ford O2 sensor extensions, used when folks add headers 
onto their Mustang or F150.  I made the following contraption:

== original vehicle harness ==[ ]== old O2 sensor harness ===-splice-=== 
O2 extension ===[ ]=== Ford O2 Sensor ===0

I had effectively made an Audi-to-Ford adapter piece.  In the future, if 
the sensor ever had to be changed there were two options: replace just 
the last bit with a Ford sensor, plug and play OR replace the entire 
assembly with the OE Audi sensor, plug and play.  I then ran the fourth 
wire to a good body ground.

Regarding the A4, I'd probably invest more and purchase the OE sensor as 
ten years later there's a lot more work being done based on the sensor's 
signal.  Looks like sensors online run about $120 and I'd just consider 
that the cost of playing.

Regarding the Cobalt, most of my sources have that at about $75 for the 
sensor.  Not sure if I'd trust a $13 sensor...

All of that being said,  I've heard that not all O2 sensors are the 
same.  Don't know.

~Scott S.

Kent McLean wrote:
> My A4 was throwing OBD-II codes P0153 (Oxygen Sensor Circuit Slow Response
> (Bank2, Sensor1)) and P0156 (Oxygen Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2,
> Sensor 2)).  While the car was in the shop for another reason, I had them
> replace the 2 oxygen sensors on the driver's side.
>
> I was thinking back to the threads about using the $30 Ford part rather than
> the $60 Audi part, so my mental calculation went like this: $60, no, make it
> $75 per O2 sensor for $150, plus $75 in labor should be about $225.
>
> Imagine my surprise when the bill came to $430, about $200 over my inflated
> estimate. Yikes!  About $185 per sensor! WTF?  I checked on-line prices, and
> see I got a good deal. But $185 for an oxygen sensor?  The Chevy Cobalt I
> rented while my car was in the shop and I was in NY is no A4, but it's oxygen
> sensor is only $13 on-line. [1]
>
> My A4 better behave itself until next spring, or it won't survive my patience.
>
> [1] Clearance sale.
> <http://www.partstrain.com/store/details/Chevrolet/Cobalt/Replacement/Oxygen_Sensor/2010/LS/4_Cyl_2-dot-2L/ARBS960911.html>
>
>